The week went by in a blur.
I barely saw the man I was about to marry and if I was being honest with myself, I was relieved about it.
There was something about him that I could not place my finger on. Whenever we were in the same space, his aura overshadowed everything.
Standing in front of the mirror, I took in the sight of myself in a custom couture mermaid dress that would cost two years rent in my apartment as well as my bakery. My auburn hair was packed up in a stylish bridal updo and I was adorned with actual diamonds.
Jace's mother had picked out everything I was going to wear. Of course she asked for my input but I was not allowed to leave the premises.
His mother seemed indifferent about everything so I could not tell if she liked me or not.
A knock on the door cut through my many thoughts.
"Come in," I said, adjusting my veil.
"Mira?"
"Roberto?!"
I rushed to him and gave him a tight hug. When I pulled back, I frantically scanned his features for bruises of any kind.
"Did they hurt you?"
He shook his head. "No, not at all. I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
He nodded, looking away from me.
"This is all my fault. I wish I had listened to you before."
I caressed his face. "It's fine."
"No it's not! You're not supposed to be marrying a monster because of my foolishness."
"Shh," I shushed him. "I promised mama that I would always protect you. I wouldn't be able to live if something happens to you."
"Besides," I started in a bid to make the tough conversation lighter. "I'm sure he'll get bored of me sooner or later and let me go."
For the first time in a very long time, I saw my hardened baby brother shed a tear. Losing our parents quite early had taken a toll on us and with us being the only surviving members of our family, all we have is each other.
"You'll make me ruin my makeup." I said jokingly as I tried to blink back tears of my own.
"Sorry." He said, squeezing my hand. "You look so beautiful,"
I managed a smile, "Thank you."
Another knock came just then and I didn't need anyone to tell me it was time to be bound to a stranger.
We descended the stairs as a guard led the way to the courtyard where the ceremony would be taking place.
There were lots of people I had never seen before, probably Jace's family and business associates.
For an impromptu event, he pulled quite a crowd.
When I looked up, I saw my groom waiting for me, looking dashing in a nice tux. His expression was plain and stoic so I couldn't tell what he was thinking.
Roberto shakily placed my hands in his. The stern look on Jace's face was enough to have me shuddering.
"Please take care of my... my ... sister." My brother said with a slight stutter.
"She's in good hands." Was Jace's response.
I don't know why what he said comforted me.
If only I knew the life I was signing up for.
~
The ceremony began. The officiant made us say the vows. I hesitated a bit. Was I about to make the greatest mistake of my entire life?
Would he eventually let me go like I assumed? Or was I just being delusional?
"Mira,"
I was immediately jolted out of my reverie to see Jace's piercing stare at me.
"Sorry. Yes I do." I managed to answer.
We exchanged the rings shortly after that and soon we were pronounced man and wife.
There was a slight applause from the guests.
My heart dropped when the officiant said he could kiss the bride. I did not think about this part.
He slowly took off my veil. I held my breath and shut my eyes as he leaned closer.
I expected to feel him directly on my lips but he simply nuzzled me and placed a peck beside my lips.
I opened my eyes to meet his and I saw mirth in them even though his lips remained in a thin line.
We walked down the aisle hand in hand. The photographers took pictures. And after that, we headed to the tent set up for the reception dinner.
My eyes couldn't help but notice how almost everyone in this room was armed. It was as if they were always prepared for war and bloodshed. I shuddered at the thought, wondering if this was forever going to be my new reality.
The reception wasn't a long one. We cut the cake. Shots were fired in the air to celebrate our union and then we had a stiff first dance.
Jace gave a brief vote of thanks and dismissed everyone.
I gave my brother a very tight hug, holding back tears as I watched him leave. I made him promise to not get into anymore trouble because there was only so much men I could marry for his sake.
Jace pulled me with him shortly after that.
While inside the house, away from the crowd that was still having a bit of a party, I decided to head to my room and rest, glad that the wedding was done and over with.
"Where are you going?"
I stopped in my tracks and turned to him.
"To my room?" I pointed in its direction.
"You're my wife now. Your stuff has been moved to where you belong. Let's go."
"But-"
"It was not a request, Mira."
Letting out a frustrated sigh, I refused his hand as he led the way to the master bedroom.
I followed like a sheep led to the slaughter house.