CHAPTER FOUR

Felicia sat in front of a large ornate mirror, its golden frame adorned with intricate patterns. The room buzzed with the soft hum of excitement and anticipation as the wedding preparations swirled around her. Her reflection gazed back at her, her eyes revealing a turmoil of emotions she couldn't contain.

Regret gnawed at her from the inside as she recalled the moment she had agreed to the arranged marriage. She had seen her father's face light up with hope, believing that she was doing the right thing to save their family's legacy. But now, as the hairstylist and makeup artist worked their magic on her, doubts crept in like shadows.

The hairstylist's nimble fingers wove through Felicia's fiery red locks, meticulously crafting them into a neat bun at the nape of her neck. The bun was adorned with delicate white orchids, their petals an obvious contrast against her fiery tresses,Tiny, shimmering hairpins secured any loose strands, adding a touch of sparkle.

As her hair was being styled, the makeup artist, with a steady hand, applied makeup that enhanced Felicia's natural beauty without overpowering her features. Soft, smoky eyeshadow highlighted her almond-shaped eyes, and mascara gave her lashes a subtle but enchanting lift. A hint of blush added a rosy glow to her cheeks, and her lips were painted with a shade of muted pink that perfectly complemented her fair complexion.

With her hair and makeup complete, Felicia felt like a transformed version of herself. But the centerpiece of her bridal transformation was yet to come. They brought out the wedding dress. It was an exquisite creation, made of pristine ivory lace and silk. The gown seemed to shimmer with a delicate radiance as it hung there, waiting to adorn the bride.

Felicia stared at the dress, a haunting feeling settling over her. To her, it felt like these unique layers of lace and silk were chains meant to lock her into a life with Raphael, a man she barely knew.

The attendants helped her into the dress, their gentle hands guiding the gown over her figure. Felicia stepped into the gown, the luxurious fabric enveloping her like a second skin. It was as if the dress had been designed specifically for her, a perfect match for her fiery hair and fair complexion.

The bodice was adorned with elaborate lace patterns that cascaded down to the full skirt. It clung to her in all the right places accentuating her delicate curves before gracefully billowiing into a flowing train that trailed behind her. As she stood, her hands trembled slightly with anticipation and dread, the gown's elegant patterns seemed to come alive in the soft glow of the room.

With her transformation complete, Felicia clutched a bouquet of white roses, their petals soft against her fingers.

Tina, her friend couldn't contain her excitement. She squealed with delight at the sight of Felicia in the gown. "Oh, Miss Felicia, you look absolutely stunning!" she exclaimed, her eyes filled with admiration.

The hairstylist and makeup artist, who had been part of her makeover, chimed in with enthusiastic agreement. "Truly breathtaking," one of them complimented, while the other nodded in approval.

The attendants left the room, leaving Felicia alone for a moment. It was then that her mother entered, her eyes filled with warmth and nostalgia. " You look absolutely beautiful my rose" her mother commented, adjusting the gown.

 "Oh, my dear," she began, her eyes misting over with memories, "I remember when I wore a gown much like this one on my wedding day."

Felicia listened intently as her mother continued. "Your father and I," she said. "We were both so young and uncertain back then. Well, for me I liked him from the moment I laid my eyes on him, but he had his eyes on another, she paused exhaling sharply.....But as the years went by, something beautiful happened. We grew together, learned to love each other, and now, we are truly happy." She concluded smiling.

Felicia's heart swelled with emotion as she absorbed her mother's story. She had always admired her parents' strong and loving relationship, " I didn't know that, you guys have always been so happy together, it never crossed my mind that he didn't like you initially" Felicia remarked expressing her surprise.

Her mother stepped closer, her hands resting on Felicia's shoulders. "My dear, life has a way of surprising us," she said gently. "Sometimes, the paths we never intended to take lead us to the most beautiful destinations. Love can blossom even in the most unexpected places."

Tears welled up in Felicia's eyes as she looked at her mother, her voice choked with emotion. "But mother, I don't want to do this.... I can't do this, What if I'm making the wrong choice?"

Her mother's smile was tender and reassuring. "Darling, there are no guarantees in matters of the heart," she explained. "But what matters is that you are not alone on this journey. Your father and I, we are here to support you every step of the way. And if you approach this marriage with an open heart, who knows what wonders may unfold?"

"We'll be leaving for the venue in thirty minutes, you should rest while you can " her mother told her with a chuckle.

Felicia watched as her mother left the room, She felt a surge of nervous energy taking over her, pacing back and forth in her bridal gown, her phone tapping rhythmically in her palm. Doubts and fears swirled in her mind, as if coming to a revelation she muttered "I can't do this," over and over.

Tina spoke up, her voice filled with empathy. "It's just your wedding nerves, Miss Felicia," she said soothingly. "All brides go through them. Besides, you look absolutely stunning in that dress."

Felicia stopped her pacing, her eyes locking onto Tina's as if just realizing she was in the room with her. The gears in her head began to turn as a mischievous plan started cooking. She smiled playfully and, faced Tina. "You'll look even more beautiful in it." She pitched.

Having spent three years with Felicia, Tina could recognize that look of mischief in her eyes. She shook her head adamantly, her resolve firm. "Uh-uh, oh no, Felicia," Tina replied, crossing her arms. "I won't be a part of whatever it is you're devising in that little head of yours."

Undeterred, Felicia pulled up her gown up and walked up to Tina, wearing her best puppy-dog look. "But, Tina..." she began, her voice sweet and cajoling.

Tina immediately cut her off, attempting to move out of Felicia's path. "Nope, no way, I'm not doing it," she insisted firmly.

Felicia tightened her grip on Tina's hands, pleading with her through her eyes. "But you don't even know what I want to say yet," she retorted, a hint of excitement in her voice.

Tina shook her head vehemently, sensing that Felicia was up to something, something that was likely trouble. "I don't need to know what it is," Tina replied cautiously, "but I'm sure it's bad, really bad."

Felicia let out an exasperated sigh, her shoulders slumping. "Fine, Tina," she said with a hint of resignation. "If you want to abandon me, just leave me alone then. Leave and watch me walk up the aisle as that monster's bride."

Tina couldn't just ignore her friend, and with a heavy sigh, she finally relented. "Alright, Felicia," she said, her tone resigned. "Let's hear it."

Felicia's eyes sparkled with mischief as she revealed her audacious plan. "I want you to take my place on the aisle and delay them for as long as possible while I make my escape out of the country," she responded casually.

Tina's jaw dropped in disbelief, and she stared at Felicia, her voice was a mixture of shock and incredulity. "Are you insane?" she exclaimed, trying to knock some sense into her.

Felicia sighed in defeat, her shoulders slumping, as she made her way to her bed and sat down on it. She looked at Tina with a sense of helplessness. "You know me, Tina," she began, her voice filled with resignation. "I could never survive by marrying that man."

 "Raphael Gallagher," she muttered, the name leaving a bitter taste in her mouth, "he's ruthless, Tina. Rumors say he's achieved everything through brutal means, I hear he smuggles hard drugs ." She added in a hushed tone.

Felicia's gaze grew distant as she continued, " And I can't bear the thought of becoming his bride, of being trapped in a loveless marriage just for the sake of my family's legacy."

Tina saw the desperation in Felicia's eyes and understood her predicament, she let out a resigned sigh. "Alright, Felicia," she conformed reluctantly, "I can't believe I'm agreeing to this stupid plan, but I'll do it for you."