The days following her mother's surgery moved like a blur for Elara. Between hospital visits, sleepless nights, and the weight of her lies, she had little time to breathe. Yet, everything around her was spinning faster than she could control.
The Coles wasted no time. The moment her mother's health stabilized, Mrs. Cole called Elara directly, her voice both warm and decisive.
"Darling, we don't want to delay. A woman like you deserves a proper place by Adrian's side. Let's start the preparations."
Elara could barely stammer out a reply before Mrs. Cole began listing details—flowers, the officiant, the guest list. Though it wasn't meant to be a grand affair, Adrian's parents insisted on elegance, even in simplicity.
---
The day came sooner than Elara expected.
The small hall was draped in ivory fabric and pale roses. It wasn't filled with a crowd—just those who mattered most: Mr. and Mrs. Cole, Adrian's radiant and heavily pregnant sister Helena with her husband Lucas, Nathan (Adrian's best friend and personal assistant), and Elara's frail but glowing mother, escorted by a nurse.
Elara's chest tightened when she saw her mother, dressed in a soft shawl, smiling through her weakness.
"You look beautiful, my child," her mother whispered, her voice thin but full of pride. "This is the happiest day of my life."
Tears pricked Elara's eyes. She wanted to say, This isn't real, but seeing her mother's joy made her swallow the words.
Then Adrian entered. His navy suit was sharp, his presence commanding, yet his eyes softened the instant they fell on her. He offered his hand with a smile that looked convincing enough to melt the sharp edges of his reputation.
"Relax, Elara," he murmured when she hesitated. "Smile. They need to believe this."
And she did.
When the vows came, Adrian's voice was steady, almost too convincing.
"I promise to protect you, cherish you, and stand by you… for better or worse."
Elara's lips trembled when it was her turn. Her vows came out soft, but her eyes betrayed the storm within.
The rings slid onto their fingers, and with the final blessing, the marriage was sealed.
Applause filled the room. Mrs. Cole beamed with pride, clutching her husband's hand. Helena hugged Elara warmly, whispering, "Welcome to the family, sister. I can already tell you're good for him." Even Lucas, usually reserved, nodded approvingly.
Her mother wept with joy, and Elara hugged her tightly, fighting her own tears.
Adrian bent down then, brushing his lips against Elara's forehead. It was part of the act—but the way he lingered there made her heart stutter.
---
After the ceremony, the registrar stepped forward with the marriage documents.
"Mr. and Mrs. Cole," he said formally, placing the papers before them.
Elara's heart pounded as she held the pen. Signing her name felt like sealing herself into a cage—one she had walked into willingly, but for reasons far from love.
Adrian signed smoothly, his strokes bold and confident. He glanced at her, smirking slightly as though amused by her hesitation.
"Go on, wife," he whispered under his breath.
Her cheeks flushed as she scribbled her name beneath his. The registrar stamped the document with a heavy seal.
"Congratulations. By law and by vow, you are now husband and wife."
Mrs. Cole clapped her hands, her face glowing. "Finally, Adrian! You've made me the happiest mother alive."
---
Later, at the Cole estate, a private dinner was held. The dining hall glowed with golden chandeliers, laughter, and clinking glasses.
Adrian played his role perfectly—pulling out her chair, holding her hand, serving her food like a doting husband.
Mrs. Cole watched them with shining eyes.
"I always feared Adrian would push us away forever. But now, seeing you two…" She dabbed her eyes. "You've given me peace, Elara."
Helena chuckled, patting her round belly.
"And finally, I won't be the only one dealing with Cole family drama. You're stuck with us now, Elara."
Even Nathan, sitting quietly, lifted his glass and smirked.
"To the bride and groom. May this union keep Adrian out of trouble for once."
Everyone laughed. Elara forced a smile, but her stomach churned. The affection was overwhelming, suffocating even.
---
When the dinner ended, Adrian escorted her outside. The night was cool, the garden bathed in moonlight.
"You played your part well," Adrian said, his hands tucked casually into his pockets.
"You too," she replied stiffly, folding her arms.
He tilted his head, studying her. "Careful, Elara. If you look any more nervous, they'll start to think you're actually in love with me."
Her eyes narrowed. "Don't flatter yourself."
Adrian smirked, stepping closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"Then why did your hands tremble when I kissed your forehead?"
Elara froze, caught off guard. But before she could reply, he gave her a knowing look, turned, and walked back toward the mansion.
And for the first time since this all began, Elara feared she might not be able to tell where the lies ended… and where the truth began.