Bound To You

7 | just say yes

B e l l a

Today is the day.

The day I've been dreading.

I stare blankly at my reflection. Taking it all in.

Of course, the dress is stunning. As I stare down at the chapel train that flares out behind me, the platinum embroidery glittering wherever the sunlight hits it, my brown hair pinned back with white flowers decorating the strands and a sparkly diamond tiara on the crown of my head... I feel empty. Helpless.

A beautician spent two hours on my hair and makeup. I sat in the chair as she spoke with excitement about the day ahead. I just kept thinking, could I really do this? Is this really happening?

Nicolas never came to see me. Not on the day my father announced that we would be getting married, and not any time during the following weeks after the engagement party.

Alyssa slips into the room, dressed in a beautiful burgundy dress, her auburn hair styled in a sleek bun.

She sees me standing in front of the mirror, trembling head to toe, and she rushes over to hug me.

I breathe in her natural floral scent, blinking a few tears from my eyelids.

My mother would kill me if I ruined my makeup.

“I can’t believe this is happening. Are you sure you want to do this? I could talk to Papa. We could run out that door right now if you wanted?” she mutters quietly, and my heart sinks.

I pull back a moment later, and my face breaks into a tight smile. "You really think they wouldn't catch us?" I laugh half-heartedly, "No, I have to do this. I have no choice."

Lyssa scoffs. "Can't you talk to Papa again? He can't force you!"

I take her delicate hands in mine, willing myself not to cry on my wedding day. "This is our life, Alyssa. This is the world we were born in. There is no choice for us." I exhale, "Look, I'll be okay. Everything will be fine, I promise. Please don't worry about me, okay?"

Even though I have no hope left getting out of this marriage, I will try to do everything in my power to make sure Alyssa gets a normal life. A chance to go to the school of her dreams and marry a man she loves.

The door swings open a moment later, and my mother enters the room, her perfectly applied face looking ecstatic as she faces us. She's in a pretty peach-coloured gown paired with her favourite pearl necklace and matching earrings. Her butterscotch hair twisted in an elegant updo. "It's almost time, girls!" she says with fake cheer. "Alyssa, grab those flowers."

I smile weakly. “Okay," I squeeze Lyssa's hand one last time, her green eyes shining. "Let’s go.”

The staff leave the room first, my mother following, then Alyssa and I exit last.

“Smile, Isabella! You’re finally marrying Nicolas,” Mama whispers. “It still feels surreal.” she giggles, seemingly giddy.

“Yeah.” I whisper sullenly.

“Oh, come on. It’s your wedding day, for God’s sake. I expected you to be thrilled. People will expect you to be happy.”

“I’m just nervous.” I lie.

Alyssa’s worried gaze follows me as I walk out the door and across the long hall. My father stands waiting for us at the end, and when his eyes land on me, relief floods his face.

Did he think I would run?

He beams when he sees me, approvingly taking in my appearance. "You look so beautiful, honey." he says, smiling ear to ear.