The day I've dreaded has finally arrived—my wedding day. I stand in front of the mirror, dressed in an elaborate wedding gown that feels like a suffocating cocoon. The fabric is a heavy satin, adorned with lace that feels scratchy against my skin. "Why the hell did they choose this for me?" I mutter under my breath, tugging at the bodice that feels like it's squeezing the life out of me. I can hardly move, and every step is a reminder of how out of place I feel. This isn't me; I'm not meant to be trapped in this frilly prison.
As I walk beside my father, Frodo, I try to focus on putting one foot in front of the other. The grand hall is filled with guests, their eyes boring into me. I glance ahead and catch sight of Ezra Everhart standing at the altar, his presence striking and cold. He's handsome, with sharp features that could carve stone. His hair is dark, almost black, perfectly styled, and his piercing blue eyes are like shards of ice, devoid of warmth.
Ezra doesn't even glance in my direction as I approach. He stands tall and rigid, an indifference emanating from him like a palpable force. No smile, no acknowledgment—just the chilling reality that I am about to be bound to a man who seems to want nothing to do with me.
The ceremony proceeds, and I feel like I'm floating through a dream—or perhaps a nightmare. The priest's voice drones on as I force myself to concentrate. My mind races with thoughts of escape, of rebellion, but I can't act. Not here, not now. The vows are exchanged, and just like that, I'm trapped in a life I never chose.
After what feels like an eternity, we're pronounced husband and wife, and the guests erupt in applause. As I follow Ezra down the aisle, I can feel the weight of the world pressing down on my shoulders.
Later, in the bridal suite, I'm met with a startling truth—Ezra refuses to share a room with me. "I don't need to be near you," he says, his tone icy and dismissive. I want to retort, to express my relief, but a small part of me aches at his words. Not that I wanted to see his face, anyway.
As the evening drags on, I find myself growing hungry. "Great," I mutter, remembering how I hadn't eaten much earlier in the day. I wish I could have snuck away to study, but today was filled with endless preparations and forced smiles. I never thought I'd miss the school's strict atmosphere, especially the incessant nagging of that awful principal.
While wandering the halls of the mansion, I accidentally bump into Ezra. "Watch where you're going," he snaps, annoyance dripping from his voice.
"Excuse me?" I reply, my irritation bubbling up. "You're the one standing in the middle of the hallway like a wall!"
Ezra glares at me, and for a moment, I can feel the tension crackling in the air. "Everyone knows the real you, you know. The annoying spoiled brat who thinks she can get whatever she wants."
His words hit a nerve. I've heard these accusations before, and they sting now just as much as they did in my past life. "And what would you know about me?" I shoot back, struggling to find my footing in this argument. I barely know anything about him, either. It's like fighting in the dark.
Suddenly, I remember Aaliyah's sharp comebacks, my best friend, and a wicked grin spreads across my face. "Well, at least I'm not a cold statue who can't even crack a smile. Maybe you should try it; it might loosen you up a bit."
Ezra's eyes widen in surprise, momentarily caught off guard. "You're crossing a line, Irina."
"And you're just a glorified ice king," I fire back, feeling a rush of adrenaline. "Maybe if you weren't so busy being miserable, you'd realize that people can actually enjoy life!"
Just then, Ezra's uncle—Lord Alexander Everhart—approaches us. He's handsome, with warm brown eyes that seem to radiate kindness. "What's going on here?" he asks, looking between us.
I quickly straighten my posture, forcing a smile as I realize I need to put on a show of happiness. "Nothing, Uncle Alexander! Just a little family banter."
Ezra's expression remains unchanged, his stoic demeanor still present as he turns to his uncle. "Just discussing some… wedding matters."
Alexander chuckles lightly, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Well, make sure you both save some energy for the festivities. We can't have a miserable bride and groom ruining the celebration now, can we?"
I try to maintain the facade, but my heart sinks at the reality of my situation. As Alexander walks away, I steal a glance at Ezra, who still hasn't smiled.
This wedding is just the beginning, and I refuse to let it define me. I may be stuck in this life, but I will find a way to break free.