Chapter 4: Shadows of Deception 

Noah sat in front of the mirror, two teardrops welling up, threatening to ruin her makeup. In two hours, she would be married. She asked the makeup artist to leave her alone and needed time to collect her wits. 

"You look beautiful, NJ," a familiar voice called as the door cracked open. Noah turned to see Mia.

A beaming smile spread over her face as she ran to hug her best friend. "Oh my God, believe it or not, I thought you wouldn't make it in time," Noah exclaimed.

"I wouldn't have missed your wedding, NJ for anything in this world," Mia returned the hug, saying so.

Mia was Noah's best friend from high school. Since Mia's first day as a transfer student, the girls had been inseparable.

Noah had not fathomed Mia to be in attendance, considering she had just arrived from China due to the loss of her daddy to cancer. They were like family to one another. Noah had been to China twice to visit Mia's dad- once for the first time, then for the second time.

Noah's parents were divorced, and she stayed with her mother and stepfather. Her mother had remarried and shifted to San Francisco, which is where Mia joined Noah's school. Mia had been shattered because of her father's death and went back to China. She had called a few days earlier to apologize, saying she wouldn't be able to make it.

"I wanted to surprise you, love. I'm so sorry I came so late," Mia said.

"It's all good, You're here, and that's all that matters," Noah reassured her.

"Girl, I just can't believe you get to marry that specimen, Damien Anderson," Mia said with excited claps.

"Come on, we both know what this marriage is," Noah whispered. "I just wish he was here-you know, it would've been him, not Damien. Oh God, this feels like a nightmare." Noah's voice broke.

"I know, NJ. Stop crying. We both know Anthony would want you to be happy, no matter what. You'll be fine," Mia said, trying to console her friend.

"You're right," Noah said, snatching a tissue. "Just get it over with."

As Noah walked down the aisle alone, the wedding was underway. By the time she stood beside Damien at the altar, nearly a part of her wished they were getting married under different circumstances. She tried to shove the image of Anthony, her ex, away from her mind as she said her vows, but his face would keep appearing before her eyes. A wave of doubt spilled over her: was this the right decision? Could she ever really move on from him?

The ceremony was quite a blur. Reporters filled the place, for this was a wedding between the most eligible bachelor and the daughter of a well-known philanthropist.

Why were they getting married? was everybody's question, considering the fact that their families had been at odds for over twenty years.

Why were they getting married? Everyone was asking, considering their families had been at odds for over twenty years.

Business tycoons, celebrities, influential men-this was the guest list. Noah tried to blend in, but solemnity weighed heavily upon her.

“You could at least wear a smile, even if it's a fake one. The press is everywhere," Damien muttered, his voice low and tight. "It's the least you could do if you want investors for Miller Enterprise," he added.

Noah was taken aback by the veiled criticism in his tone. She had always thought they merely tolerated each other, but the underlying tension in his words hinted at a deeper resentment.

She had hoped they could try to live with one another with no hard feelings, but Damien's reaction suggested he had something else in mind.

"May I have this dance?" Her brother Sebastian interrupted her thoughts.

"Sure," Noah replied, forcing a smile.

"He's quite grumpy, you know?" Sebastian joked, mimicking Damien's stern expression.

Noah finally laughed, a sound she hadn't made since she left the hotel.

"Just how you should look, Noah. Flawless," Sebastian told her, smiling.

"Remember, Dad would have wanted you to be happy. I want you to be happy. I know things are not really as they should be right now, but your happiness is what matters. Always remember that Noah," Sebastian said to her in a heavy voice. He only wished he could take away all her pain.

Noah nodded at her brother's words, sighing as she leaned into his chest. They danced, seeking comfort in each other's arms. She knew he truly cared.

Noah noticed Damien's worried expression as he received a text just before the reception ended. He looked anxious as he rushed out.

Later, Noah was picked up by Damien's driver, Luke, who dropped her at the hotel where they were supposed to spend their wedding night. She dragged her feet as she walked into the elevator with her room card. All she needed now was a cold shower and a soft mattress; her body ached.

Reaching the door of the room, she jabbed the card in and went inside. But just as she stepped into the room, her attention was completely taken by what lay in front of her. She froze on the spot, her hands clasped over her mouth, and her eyes wide.