Mel, her heart racing, replied:
— Andrew, I choose you, not out of necessity, but out of a desire for a stable future. I promise to stand by your side, to learn to love, and to build our life together. I commit to wanting to be part of your family and to fighting for our mutual happiness.
— By the powers vested in me, I declare you husband and wife, the priest retorted. Please kiss.
They kissed under the hypocritical applause of the guests.
The guests exchanged glances. Sotto murmurs circulated, the disdain palpable in the air.
Mel took a deep breath. Let them think what they want. She was not there for them, but to be part of it all. The dinner took place in a muffled tension, with the guests' whispers judging the "intruder" who was there only for the inheritance.
After the ceremony, all the guests gathered around a table.
There were chatter and gossip, especially about their age difference and Mel's motivations.
Hypocritical smiles and mocking gifts were exchanged.
— How long do you think this will last? Ethan whispered as she passed by his table.
Mel stopped in her tracks, fixing him with a gaze.
— The marriage, I mean, he added with a sarcastic smile.
She raised an eyebrow, unbothered.
— As long as it takes. I'm stubborn.
He chuckled softly, without humor.
— I don't doubt that.
She walked away, feeling her heart race a little faster. It was neither anger nor fear, but the sensation of being watched in a house where everyone was waiting for her to fail.
Except for Antoine, who shot her a sorrowful, almost protective glance. He said nothing; he was hopelessly in love with Mel. They had studied at the same university and become good friends. He was shocked to learn that his own father was dating the girl of his dreams, and a hint of jealousy, envy, and anger stirred within him. He felt betrayed, even though he knew there was nothing between them.
Later in the evening, Andrew stood up and said,
— I would like to toast to my wife because she is the one who has made me the happiest man on earth today. May our love continue to shine until the end. Cheers!
He kissed Mel under the watchful eyes of the world. The children were drunk and irritated, especially Ethan, who couldn't stand Mel without knowing why. The fact that she was dating an older man like his father must surely be for his money.
— Smile a little, said Evan, his best friend. You've had that frown for a while. It's your father's wedding; you should be happy. Plus, you'll be living under the roof of an incredibly sexy stepmother.
— Stop talking nonsense; she's a gold digger.
— But admit it, she's incredibly beautiful— a true masterpiece; she has everything. Your father will never get over her.
— Stop saying ridiculous things.
— If you want, we can go to a club tomorrow. I know you love it. Maybe hooking up with some girls will get your mind off things.
— Yeah, if you want.
Meanwhile, Henry was simply watching Evan. He was secretly in love with him, but it was one-sided. Evan was his brother's best friend, and he was straight, yet that didn't prevent Henry from having a huge crush on him. He knew it was impossible, but there was nothing he could do.
On Mel's side, she was interacting with the hypocritical guests.
Her best friend, Ritha, called out to her,
— Hey Mel, come here!
Mel walked over to her table.
— What's wrong, my beautiful? Mel replied.
— You haven't come to talk to me all day.
— I'm really sorry; the preparation for my wedding took ages, but I promise we'll talk. For now, I have to get back to my table; we're getting ready to sleep.
— Hmmm, hmmm, you're that eager to spend your wedding night? Ritha said with a mischievous smile.
— I don't have time for your jokes, darling. Bye!
She walked away toward her husband.
— Oh darling, you're here. Can we go back? Are you done?
— Yeah, let's go.
They entered under the applause of the guests. Later, as night fell, Mel stood on the balcony alone, a glass of champagne in hand.
— You were amazing today, a voice murmured behind her.
It was Andrew, looking tired but happy.
— Thank you, she said.
He approached, placing a hand on her waist.
— I know it's not easy; my children… they need time. But I'm happy you're here.
Mel knew he loved her sincerely. She couldn't return that love; she was there to fulfill her role as a wife and stepmother.
— Good night, Andrew, she said softly, with a polite smile.
She entered the room, closing the door behind her. Andrew sat on the bed and said,
— Come, Mel.
— I'm coming; I'm just putting on a robe.
Andrew had a hungry look in his eyes; he was eagerly waiting for her.
Mel emerged from the bathroom in an ultra-sexy outfit.
Andrew was astonished, captivated by the beauty of his wife.
He pulled her onto his lap, and they began to kiss passionately.
For Mel, she was just doing her duty as a wife and nothing more. She told herself she would eventually fall in love with her husband, sooner or later, since they would now live together with his family. But for now, this was just the beginning...