ELIANA
The lace on my sleeves scratched. I had attempted to disregard it all morning, yet now, facing the mirror, it seemed as though the dress was attempting to caution me.
"Quit moving around, Eliana," my mother's tone was strained, as it always was when she attempted to hide her excitement. "You'll crease the dress before you take a step down the aisle."
I gave her reflection a faint smile. "Sorry mom." "It simply doesn't seem to fit me correctly."
"What doesn't?"
I wavered. All things. The blossoms that had an overly sweet scent. The quiet in the corridor beyond the dressing room. My heart didn't race with anticipation — it merely thudded, as if it already understood the conclusion.
She approached from behind, adjusting my veil. "You feel anxious." That is typical. "All brides experience these emotions prior to marrying the person they love."
The man whom I love.
Joseph.
I ought to have smiled. Rather, I focused on the diamond ring shining on my finger. It was flawless, just like the remainder of today — designed to dazzle, costly enough to address all I had overlooked in his gaze these past months.
There was a knock at the door. My dad glanced in, already tearful in his tuxedo. "Are you ready, princess?"
I nodded, straining to smile. "As I could possibly be."
He extended his arm. "Let's go get you married sweetheart."
The music started.
White petals adorned the aisle as if it were a snow-covered landscape. The guests looked my way as I entered — audible gasps, camera flashes, murmured praises. I strolled gently, my arm intertwined with my father's, my veil fluttering with each movement.
Then I saw him.
Joseph...the one I love with all of my heart.
Standing at the altar in a flawlessly fitted suit, dark hair combed back, expression assured. His gaze locked with mine, and for an instant, I felt I could still rely on him. He appeared proud, territorial. As if I already belonged to him.
Yet something gleamed in that moment — a hint of contemplation I had never seen before now and the grin didn't reach his eyes.
As the vows were spoken, my hands shook within his.
"Do you, Eliana Roger accept Joseph Cristian as your legally wedded husband—"
"I do," I murmured.
His grip on my fingers became almost painfully tight.
"And do you, Joseph Cristian—"
"I do," he replied swiftly, his gaze fixed on me.
The clergyman grinned. "You may now kiss the bride."
He leaned closer — lips gentle, skilled. It ought to have felt enchanting. Instead, I sensed a shiver travel through me, like frost sliding under the fabric of my gown.
Clapping. Camera flashes and well wishes.
Yet all I felt was a soft murmur from deep within me — Do not trust him.
After some time, the reception became rowdy. Toasted bread. Joyful sounds. The iron-like flavor of champagne. My cheeks hurt from grinning and laughing at jokes that weren't even that funny.
Joseph's hand remained on my waist. To any observer, we appeared flawless — the affluent couple in love, the heirs of an empire forming a bond that would rattle the city's elite.
Yet whenever he moved closer to kiss my temple, his voice softened. "You look amazing this evening, Eli." Just... keep in mind that everything we do now must be flawless. "For the two of us."
I scowled in confusion. "What are you trying to say?"
He did not respond. Simply grinned that flawless, superficial grin once more and tapped his glass against mine.
When the crowd had dispersed, he gently took my hand and whispered, "Let's find a private spot."
The path leading to the garden was still, with candles dancing. I could still hear sounds of music trailing behind us.
"Where are we headed?" I inquired, chuckling anxiously.
"Simply taking a stroll," he mentioned. His voice was casual, yet his hold on my wrist grew firm.
We paused by the fountain — the water shimmered gold in the background of the flowing water.
He moved, examining me. "You know, Eliana, I've always appreciated your innocence."
I shut my eyes briefly. "What did you say?"
He laughed softly, moving nearer. "You place your trust too easily." "That's what I admire in you."
I attempted to smile, but the tone of his voice paralyzed me. "Joseph, what do you mean?"
He moved closer, his breath heated by my ear. "Do you honestly believe this was all about love?"
My stomach churned. "Quit fooling around."
"I'm serious."
He retreated, gaze deep, shining with a keen edge. "Your relatives." Your dad's business. The property. "Did you actually think I was marrying you because of your smile?"
My throat became parched. "You're making me feel scared."
He leaned his head to one side. "Excellent."
"Joseph—"
"Do you understand what it's like to be raised without anything?" "To see individuals like your dad waste money on flowers and celebrations while others struggle to get by?"
"Joseph, I ask you—"
"I promised myself I would never become like them." That I would accept what was rightfully mine. "And then you arrived."
I stepped back unexpectedly. The fabric of my gown became entwined around my ankles. "You took advantage of me?"
He grinned slightly. "Not really honey." "I'm merely… claiming what I rightfully earned."
"Rightfully earned?"
"Your mark, your legacy, your entry." "You're my solution, Eliana."
Tears pricked at my eyes. "You could have simply asked." You didn't need to—"
"Wed you?" He chuckled with bitterness. "I accomplished what was necessary." "Now… I need you to make another promise."
"What Promise?"
"May I ask for your cooperation?" "That you will move the accounts when I request."
"I will not."
He exhaled deeply, nearly feeling sorry. "That's unfortunate."
Then, just as I was about to move, his hand shot forward — gripping me by the throat.
My breathing caught. "Joseph—wait!"
"Don't complicate this more than it needs to be."
I dug my nails into his hand. The fountain wobbled before my eyes — blossoms, liquid, soft glow, everything merging into one.
"Why do you do this?" I inhaled sharply. "You said you loved me."
"I did say so, yet in reality " he murmured, gaze icy. "You were handy."
Agonizing pressure surged behind my eyes. The edge of the fountain struck my back when he pushed me. My veil ripped. My cry was consumed by the darkness.
He applied more pressure. "If you had only kept silent—"
I attempted to talk. There was no noise.
The stars faded. My sight narrowed — his face being the final image I noticed, a foreigner donning the facade of the man I believed I cherished.
And then — blackness.
Yet as I lost consciousness, something remained unwilling to die with me.
A heartbeat that belonged to someone else. A murmur in the darkness:
This is not the end Eliana.
The atmosphere changed. The ache transformed into warmth — not flames, but strength, swirling within my veins.
In a distant place, a voice as soft as silk whispered, "Awaken, my queen."
Suddenly I woke up, gasping for breath, holding on to my neck as if I were choking but suddenly I hear my mom's voice as she walks into the room "It's your engagement party Eliana, what's wrong? Did you have a bad dream?".
I held on to her and cried my eyes out, "Mom.....". I have been given a second chance at life, I'd do better this time around.