XI

Standing in front of the large mirror, dressed in a simple wedding gown with a small veil atop my head, all I can think is: I'm really getting married. But I am not happy.

This is the worst day of my life.

I am marrying a man I don't like—someone I've despised my whole life. I want to run away, but I know that if I do, my family will be furious. And Yohan... he will find me and make me pay for the rest of my life.

"Setta?"

I blink, pulled from my thoughts as Geneva steps into the room. Yohan and I are getting married at home, with only our families in attendance—no one else. That’s fine with me because, honestly, I don’t care about this wedding. I haven’t even told Franklyn, yet. When he finds out, I know he’ll be shocked and upset. But I believe he will understand why I didn’t invite him—because I don’t want this wedding at all.

Maybe I’ll make it up to him when he gets married. I’ll be there, no matter what.

"Setta, are you okay with this?"

Geneva’s serious gaze meets mine. She knows. She can tell I’m not okay, that I want to turn around and run away, never looking back.

Forcing a smile, I nod. I step closer, take her hand, and gently stroke it.

"I'm fine, Gene. Yohan is nice, and I know he’ll be a good husband," I say, making an effort to sound cheerful so she won’t worry.

She smiles and pulls me into a tight hug. I feel my chest tighten with emotion, but I fight the urge to cry.

"I love you so much, Setta," she whispers affectionately before pulling away to look at me again.

I caress her cheek and return her smile. "I love you too, Gene."

Together, Geneva and I leave my room, descending the stairs toward the back of the house, where everything is set up for the ceremony. A judge—a friend of my father’s—is officiating our marriage.

As we step outside, my eyes are drawn to the garden, beautifully decorated for the wedding. Despite my resentment, I can't help but admire how stunning it looks.

Then, I spot Yohan.

He stands in my line of sight, dressed in a black tuxedo, his hair neatly styled. He’s smiling as he speaks with an older man, likely the judge. I recognize him from past gatherings.

Not far from them, I see Madame Lenore, the only relative accompanying Yohan, since his parents passed away long ago. She has cared for him since he was a child. My gaze shifts to Geneva’s husband, Harrison Pierre Whitmore, and his parents, Ezra and Simon—close friends of my family.

A few moments later, the ceremony begins.

As the orchestra plays, I start walking forward, my expression emotionless. Only when I catch sight of my father do I force a smile, knowing the camera is on me. Once the photo is taken, my face returns to its usual coldness. I shoot Yohan a sharp look as I approach, but he remains composed.

When I reach him, I take his arm, and together, we walk toward the judge.

The ceremony begins, but Yohan and I remain silent. I fix my gaze on the judge, though I barely process a word he says. I just want this to be over. His speech about love is grating on my nerves.

Can’t he see the look on my face?

This is nothing but an act.

Yohan and I are not here because we love each other. We are here because my father demands it. Because this is my punishment for a mistake I can never undo.

Yohan and I stood up, slipped on our wedding rings—symbols of our union—and signed the papers before us. Now, the moment I had often witnessed at weddings I attended was happening to me.

The kiss.

"I now pronounce Cosette Blanche and Zion Yohan Warren as husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

A wave of applause erupted from our guests.

I took a deep breath and turned to face Yohan. Our eyes met, both of us expressionless. He stepped closer, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me in. As our faces neared, an uneasy nervousness crept up my spine. Why is it that every time we're this close, my heart races?

"Why are you trembling, my little kitten?" he murmured.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to meet his gaze. He tilted my chin up, his lips curling into a grin.

"Welcome to hell, my wife," he whispered before pressing his lips against mine.

And just like that, I was married to Zion Yohan Warren—the devil in disguise.

After the ceremony, we spent time speaking with our guests, particularly the business associates of the Allen and Warren families. It still felt surreal that I was now officially a Warren. I knew the power that came with this surname, the influence it carried. But all I could think about was Yohan’s chilling words after our kiss.

"Congratulations, Cosette! Welcome to the family!" Madame Lenore pulled me into a tight hug, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

It was only now that I noticed she was dressed in black, her lips painted a striking red. Despite her intimidating presence, she smiled warmly as she greeted me. "T-Thank you, Madame Lenore," I stammered.

She chuckled softly, patting my shoulder. "Call me Lenore from now on, Cosette. You're part of the Warren family now," she said with a wink.

I forced a smile and nodded. No matter how much I wanted to distance myself from Yohan, we had to put on an act—as if we were happily married.

Yohan kept his arm around my waist while I rested my hand on his chest as we conversed with Ezra and Simon. Ezra’s expression radiated genuine happiness for us.

"I'm so happy for both of you, Cosette and Zion," she said warmly. "It feels like just yesterday I was carrying you, Cosette. And now, you're married, just like your sister Geneva. Make sure to give your parents plenty of grandchildren, alright? It’ll keep your mother busy, especially since you’ll be moving out."

Her words made my cheeks burn with embarrassment. I hadn’t even thought about having children. Would I ever have them with Yohan? I couldn’t imagine it.

"Where are you two going for your honeymoon?" Simon asked, turning to Yohan.

"Hawaii," Yohan answered smoothly, still holding me close. "I could use a vacation, so I’m taking my wife there."

He looked at me, flashing a sweet smile. I wasn’t sure how to react, so I forced a smile in return, not wanting to raise suspicion in front of the Whitmores.

Ezra clapped her hands excitedly. "That’s so sweet, Zion! Hawaii is beautiful, and I know you two will have an amazing time. Best wishes to the happy couple!"

"Thank you," I replied, my smile still forced.