Wish you were mine

40. Marriage of Deception

PENELOPE

I sat still, staring at the woman in the mirror... but I barely recognized her.

The dress hugged my body like a secret I hadn't meant to reveal. It was stunning-off-shoulder with delicate sheer sleeves glittering faintly like frost under candlelight. The fabric shimmered with a soft luster, sculpted perfectly along every curve before trailing behind me in an elegant, whispering train. It was the kind of gown that stole breaths, but it felt like it belonged to someone else-someone who wasn't sitting here, clutching a contract instead of a dream.

And then there was the veil.

A fine, floral lace veil, weightless and romantic, embroidered with tiny, ivory blooms that seemed to dance across the sheer fabric. It cascaded from a delicate comb down to my waist, framing my face with an almost cruel softness-as if trying to convince the world this was a love story and not a negotiation.

The dress was beautiful-elegant, timeless-but it didn't feel like mine. None of this did. My reflection looked like a bride, but inside, I was falling apart. The lipstick, the liner, the veil draped over the chair beside me... all of it belonged to Sophie. This should've been her day. Her smile. Her dream.

And now?

Now she was missing. Kidnapped. Gone without a trace.

My hands trembled in my lap as I fought the urge to scream. All I wanted was to find her, to hug her and hear her call me "Penny" in that annoying but sweet tone she always used. Instead, I was about to walk down the aisle and marry her fiancé-Sean.

My ex.

Life really has a twisted sense of humor, doesn't it?

One year. Just one year of this farce. A marriage built on signatures, silence, and secrets. A temporary deal to protect our family name, to calm the media frenzy, to make sure Sean doesn't back out and cause a scandal. And maybe... maybe it was a chance for me to settle the score with the man who once broke me without even looking back.

I hate that a part of me still feels something for him. I hate that I said yes. But if this is what it takes to buy time... to find Sophie... to get answers-then I'll wear the white dress. I'll play the part.

Even if it kills me a little.

I heard a soft knock, followed by the creak of the door as it slowly pushed open. Hushed voices floated in before I saw Serena and Madeline step inside, both offering me small, sad smiles that made my chest tighten.

I let out a sigh and forced a little humor into my voice. "Come on, guys... don't look like someone died. It's my wedding, for God's sake."

They chuckled, though the sound was laced with something fragile.

"I'm sorry about earlier," Serena said, walking closer. "I shouldn't have snapped at you downstairs. We were all just... overwhelmed."

"It's okay," I said softly. "I understand."

She squeezed my shoulders gently. "I don't know what the future holds, but just trust my brother, okay? Sean won't let anything bad happen."

I nearly flinched. If only she knew. I could do a lot of things-but trusting Sean? That was something I'd buried with the ashes of who I used to be.

Madeline stepped forward with her usual quiet strength. "You'll figure it out, Penelope. No matter how impossible it feels right now. You're like a phoenix-you'll rise from your own ashes."

Her words drew a chuckle from me, even as my heart twisted. I nodded, not trusting myself to say anything more.
"Look at you both," I said, forcing a smile. "You look stunning."