[Eliana’s POV]I stare at the woman who is staring back at me. I barely recognize her and find myself wondering if she truly is me. Her hollow eyes hold no emotion, nor does her perfectly painted face. Her lips, which should be turned up in a smile given how important a day it was, sit in a thin line, and her posture is almost similar to that of a mannequin.Letting out a laugh of disgust, I realize that, in a way, I am a mannequin. I am a thing to be done with as anyone pleases. I had no right to want to even attempt to do anything for myself any longer anyway; Trent made sure of that long ago."What do you think, madam?" Gretchen, my personal maid, asks, "Do you like it?"For a moment, I examine myself once more taking in the woman that I had become after all these years. Feeling hollow, I force a smile and turn to meet Gretchen's gaze."You’ve done a wonderful job, Gretchen," I respond. "Shall we get going? The ceremony should be starting soon.""Of course, madam," Gretchen beams.
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