Chapter 55
Sitting in front of the vanity mirror, my body wrapped in a robe, I stared at my reflection. My hairdresser was curling my hair while the makeup artist prepped my skin with moisturizer. I remained seated, just staring at my face in the mirror.
My fingers fidgeted on top of my lap as my heart pounded too loudly.
It felt like I was giving myself my own verdict by marrying her, and yet, something inside me liked the idea that, regardless of the circumstances, it was Aurora I was marrying—although I still felt a bit of disappointment since, even if it was Aurora I was tying the knot with, we didn't love each other anymore.
Everything was just for public spectacle—for her empire.
As my makeup artist applied primer to my face, I reached for my phone and unlocked it, typing a quick message to Aurora: Are you awake already?
Don't be late. After sending the message, I locked my phone and set it aside, letting my makeup artist finish applying my makeup.
"You look stunning, Mademoiselle," my makeup artist remarked, tilting my chin up. "I'm pretty sure Ms. DeLacroix won't be able not to say I do with a face like yours," she said, dabbing a makeup brush on my cheeks.
I chuckled at her words. As if Ro had any other choice but to say I do, right? I thought to myself. I stood up and turned to look at my wedding dress.
One of the staff slowly lifted it as I removed my robe. They helped me into the dress, zipping it from behind. My eyes darted to my reflection in the full-length mirror. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I saw myself wearing the dress made exclusively for me.
My hand reached up to my chest. I gave a faint smile but hid it quickly when I saw Millie's reflection behind me. I glanced over my shoulder to see that teasing look on her face once again.
"No wonder she's reigning under haute couture," she said with a smile. "She definitely has great taste in designing high-end dresses." She nodded approvingly.
I hummed in response as the staff placed the veil on me. "She came from DeLacroix. It's expected of her to showcase her bloodline's expertise."
"Or maybe she just wanted to claim her future wife through her craft, don't you think?" Millie teased.
Raising a brow, I scoffed and shook my head. "You really love to meddle, Millie," I said, clicking my tongue, which made her laugh softly.
"Well, outside of work, I don't think I still need to act as your secretary, right? Legally, we're family since I'm married to your younger brother," Millie said, raising her index finger as if to emphasize that she was my brother's wife.
I just shook my head and heaved a sigh before returning my attention to the full-length mirror. Facing my reflection, my fingers traced the fabric on my body. "Everything's... perfect," I muttered under my breath.
After a while, I turned to Millie. "We should head to the Opéra de Monte-Carlo."
Millie nodded and stood straighter as she picked up my things, while most of the staff began to pack up and head out of the room.
One staff member approached me, handing me my bouquet.
I gave her a subtle nod and smile. She stood behind me, helping me with the gown as we began to leave the room and head out where the car was waiting for us.
Soeren stood nearby, looking at us. "Wow, sis," he said with a smile, opening the backseat of my bridal car. "You look stunning." Then he looked at his wife and added with a grin, "But my wife's the most stunning of all."
His words made me grunt under my breath. "Spare me your smart mouth, Soeren, will you?" I said, sliding into the car as the staff helped with my dress before shutting the door.
Millie sat in the passenger seat while Soeren took the driver's seat. "I'll drive you to your wedding destination. I don't want anything happening to my one and only sister," Soeren said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror. "Did your daughter call you?"
I shook my head. "No, but last night we talked about today's wedding. She just asked if she could get a glimpse of it, so if you can, at least take a video for her."
"Bet the kid's excited for her family to finally be complete," Millie giggled from the passenger seat.
"Oh, she sure is." I clicked my tongue as we made our way to the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. "She's thrilled to know I'm tying the knot with her other mother—how much more when it actually happens, right?"
"But why didn't you just tell Aurora she got you pregnant, instead of going through all this?" Soeren asked, shifting gears as the car slowed down in traffic. "Wouldn't that be easier than forcing yourself into a marriage? Co-parenting is a thing, you know."
"Where's the fun in that?" I said, glancing out the window while clutching my bouquet. "Besides... all of this is just part of taking control over every decision she'll make. She won't escape the cage I've built for her."
I heard Soeren sigh, but he didn't press further. They'd been trying to talk me out of this plan for over a year, but I'd already decided. This was the only way I could make her pay for her past decisions.
To let the public believe we were deeply in love—but behind closed doors, I'd be the one pulling the strings. I'd make her feel what it was like to be played by the person who once loved her most.
As we arrived in front of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, I noticed the guests already gathered outside, mingling and talking—probably hunting for potential acquisitions or partnerships. I shrugged, sitting still in the back seat.
"Well, it seems she's still not here," Soeren remarked, making me hum in response.
I looked down at my bouquet. "We still have time. Besides, I don't think Aurora would back out at the last minute."
A sigh escaped me as my gaze drifted to the venue ahead. My fingers tightened around the stem of my bouquet. You're not trying to back out, right, Ro? I thought to myself, though a flicker of doubt crept in. What if she doesn't come?
"Oh," Millie's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Isn't that Ms. DeLacroix's secretary?"
Tilting my head, I raised a brow as I saw Celeste stepping out of a car and walking toward mine. A knock on the window made me glance at the reflection before pressing the button to roll it down slightly.
"Celeste," I greeted, looking at her.
"Ms. Duvall," she said, leaning down with a subtle bow. "Ms. Aurora wanted me to inform you that she'll be a little late."
I blinked, staring at her. "What?" I scoffed, glancing between Soeren and Millie. "Did she mention why?"
Celeste looked at me, then hesitated, her gaze shifting to the side. "That... that's all Ms. Aurora said, Ms. Duvall."
"Celeste..." I tilted my head, raising a brow. "What exactly is going on? She's not planning to ditch the wedding, is she?"
She quickly shook her head, swallowing. "No, Ms. Duvall. Ms. Aurora will surely come. It's just that... something came up, so she'll be a little late."
I let out a deep sigh and nodded. "Fine. I'll give her thirty minutes. If she's not here by then, I'll cancel everything. Tell her that."
She nodded. "Yes, ma'am." Then she excused herself, turning away and walking back toward her car.
"Millie, can you give me my phone?" I extended my hand. She handed it over, glancing at the time.
The wedding was scheduled to start in thirty minutes. I could wait, but if she didn't arrive by then, I'd pull out entirely.
I set my bouquet down, unlocked my phone, and was about to dial Aurora when Dione's video call popped up. A smile immediately spread across my face as I answered.
"Hi, sweetie," I waved at the camera, my lips curling in a gentle smile.
"Mommy!" Dione's face appeared on the screen; her eyes wide. "Wow! Mommy, you look like a goddess!" she exclaimed cheerfully, making me laugh.
I glanced at the passenger seat; Millie was stepping out for a moment while Soeren remained behind the wheel, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.
"I wanna see my other mommy," Dione said.
I faintly smiled. "Well, she's not here yet. I can't show her to you."
Dione huffed and pouted. "Mommy don't scare her, okay?" she warned, raising her index finger like she was stating an unshakable fact.
I chuckled, rolling my eyes. "Do I look like a ghost, scaring your other mommy?"
"No, Mommy," Dione replied, shifting the tablet to adjust her view, resting her cheeks on her hands. "But Mommy, you said you wanted to scare her just so she'd be afraid to lose you."
Tilting my head, I smiled softly. "Don't worry. Mommy's not going to eat your other mommy alive," I teased, laughing quietly.
A faint sound outside caught my attention. I paused and looked out the window.
"Sis," Soeren called. I followed his gesture to the windshield—and my heart skipped a beat. A car had pulled up, and there she was: Aurora, stepping out in her suit. I swallowed hard, keeping my attention on the phone screen.
"Well, sweetie," I shifted the camera so Dione could see. "See your other mommy? She just arrived." I flipped the camera back to my face. "Mommy's gotta go now, okay? Don't worry, Uncle Soeren and Aunt Millie will record the wedding for you."
"That's a promise, Mommy, okay?"
"That's a promise, sweetie," I said, blowing her a flying kiss and waving. "I love you. Take care."
"I love you too, Mommy! See you soon!" she waved both hands before ending the call.
I locked my phone and handed it to Soeren, reaching for my bouquet. Just then, a knock at the window caught my attention. I rolled it down slightly and saw Aurora leaning toward the car.
I stared at her for a long moment before rolling the window back up and opening the door. She held it steady as I stepped out.
Millie moved closer, helping me with the dress.
"Thought you'd decided to pull out on the wedding day," I said.
When I looked at her, I froze for a moment. Aurora looked breathtaking—fiercely angelic, with a cold, commanding gaze and a posture that could silence a room. She was truly the Ice Queen of Monaco's haute couture.
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My gaze lingered on Aurora. Her three-piece suit aligned perfectly with my dress, as if our outfits were already a match made. I tilted my head, noticing something different about her, though I couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.
"I'm sorry. Something came up," she said with a shy smile, looking at me.
That's when I realized it—her hair. My eyes flicked from her face to her hair. "You... cut your hair," I remarked, noticing the subtle change in length.
As if she hadn't expected me to notice, she reached up and touched it. "Ah. Yeah," she replied, her face flushing slightly, as though she were pleased I had caught the change.
I smiled at her. "It suits you," I said, still studying her. My gaze dropped to her lips—and I noticed the faint smear of red. She must have bitten it again. "Lean down for a moment," I told her, gesturing with my hand.
She blinked, hesitant. "What—"
Before she could finish, I pulled a napkin from Millie's hand and dabbed it gently against her lips.
I sighed as I showed her the small smear of blood.
"You're bleeding. Bit it again, didn't you?
Old habit," I murmured, shrugging. She used to bite her lip whenever she was nervous. I didn't think she still did it.
I folded the napkin and handed it back to Millie to toss away. Aurora smiled faintly, her eyes soft. "Anyway..." she leaned closer, her voice low. "You're beautiful, Sol."
My body stilled.
I chuckled, trying to play it off. "Thanks," I mumbled, feeling the heat rise to my face.
I quickly averted my gaze so she wouldn't notice I was flustered, turning instead toward the Opéra.
"Today's going to be the biggest public spectacle for our two empires, isn't it? "
She hummed in agreement, nodding as she offered me her arm. I smiled, resting my free hand on it while clutching the bouquet with the other. The guests were already being ushered inside; the ceremony was about to begin.
"You know," I continued, pressing my hand lightly against her arm as we stood side by side, "all we need to do is smile for the cameras, say our fake vows, and 'I do.' Oh—and a kiss. Just for show," I added with a soft laugh as we stepped into the Opéra.
She looked at me but said nothing.
We stood at the end of the aisle while the guests rose, waiting for our entourage. The chandeliers above glistened, casting a soft glow over my gown and Aurora's suit. The music echoed, the melody weaving through the hall.
When I noticed the subtle tremor in her movements, I gave her arm a reassuring squeeze as I clung to her. "Smile," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the music as the cameras focused on us, flashing frantically. "They're all watching our show."
She gave me a small smile as we took slow steps down the aisle. In the eyes of the public, this is a wedding born of love—but to us? We both know it's a transaction, a means to an end. A partnership for power, for money.
As we reached the altar, the officiant began. My eyes stayed on him, listening intently to every word. But from the corner of my gaze, I noticed Aurora's posture—tense, like she's fighting something inside her.
Is she nervous? I wondered.
When the officiant asked us to face each other for the vows, I turned to her. Her face looked pale, a light sheen of sweat on her forehead. Wedding jitters, perhaps?
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. When I opened my eyes, they locked with hers—those silver eyes that once captured me completely.
"Aurora DeLacroix," I began, clutching the bouquet in my trembling hands. "You are the ruin and the reason of my life."
If it hadn't been for her, I might have ended it all after she left. But she also left me something—a reason to keep living. She destroyed me, yet somehow saved me too.
"You broke me once," I continued softly, "and still, I wanted no one else.
I built an empire, only to stand here today and say I would burn it all if it meant binding you to me again.
Before these witnesses, I vow that you will never walk away from me a second time. Not in this life, not in the next."
Can you see it now, Ro? Whatever you do, wherever you go, I'll follow. You won't escape me. Because somehow, you still belong to me. Whether there's love left or not, you'll never belong to anyone else.
When it's Aurora's turn, she looks down at her paper for a moment too long. Then, without a word, she crumpled it and lifted her gaze to mine. The paper fell uselessly from her hand—as if she had known all along what she wanted to say.
I held my breath, waiting.
"Sloane Duvall," she said, her voice steady, her eyes unblinking. "You are my greatest mistake—and my greatest love."
My heart stuttered. What...?
"For all the years apart, for every wound we carved into each other, the truth never changed: you have always been the only one.
I vow, before them all, to stand by you until I can't stand anymore.
And when that day comes, I hope you remember that I loved you—ferociously, foolishly, completely. "
I couldn't find words. It felt like she meant every one of them—for me and me alone.
The officiant's voice pulled me back to the moment.
"Do you, Sloane Duvall," he asked, "take Aurora DeLacroix to be your partner in this union, binding your lives together in love, loyalty, and commitment for all your days?"
I glanced at him, then back to Aurora. Years ago, we planned this—our wedding, our future—after graduation, after everything. And now, here we are.
A real smile touched my lips. Not the practiced kind, but the one she used to know.
"I do," I whispered.
Hushed whispers ripple through the crowd, anticipation thick in the air as everyone waits for the final moment. The officiant turned toward Aurora.
"And do you, Aurora DeLacroix, take Sloane Duvall to be your partner in this union, binding your lives together in love, loyalty, and commitment for all your days?"
My gaze stayed fixed on her. She stood motionless, brows furrowed as she stared at the officiant. Her hand faltered slightly in mine. She looked even paler than before. I gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"Ro," I murmured softly—just enough for her to hear, to draw her back to me.
She blinked, her eyes flicking to me and then to the officiant. He repeated the question. This time, she looked straight into my eyes and held my hands firmly.
"I do," she said.
The officiant smiled, nodding. "I now pronounce you wives. You may now kiss each other."
Aurora released one of my hands and reached up, lifting my veil with slow, deliberate care.
I watched her throat bob as she stared at me—those silver eyes trembling just slightly.
Her palms cupped my cheeks, and instinctively, my hands rose to rest on her shoulders as our lips met.
She started to pull away, but I'm not ready to let her go. I deepened the kiss, pressing harder against her mouth, claiming her. Letting everyone in this room witness who she belongs to now.
Applause erupted—cheers, laughter, the sound of celebration filling the hall. I felt her hands slide down to my waist, pulling me closer, her lips moving in perfect rhythm with mine. The world spun, alive with the sound of our union.
My heart raced wildly. When we finally broke apart, breathless, I caught her gaze. My lips part slightly as I try to steady myself. I lifted my hand to wipe the smear of lipstick staining her mouth.
"Easy, Ro," I whispered, a faint smirk curling my lips. "You're rather convincing when you act like you're really in love with me."
She doesn't release me. Her fingers lingered against my skin as she whispered back, "Because I am."
I froze. Her words hang between us, sharp and tender all at once. I couldn't find a reply—not one that wouldn't betray what I feel. So I let the silence swallow her confession, letting it drown in the applause and the glittering noise of the room.
The photographer called out, drawing our attention. Together, we turned toward the crowd, smiling for the cameras like two people hopelessly in love.
"So... you're finally Mrs. DeLacroix now," Aurora mumbled as we walked down the aisle, guests showering us with petals.
I hum softly, smiling for the onlookers as we stepped out hand in hand, playing the perfect couple. But once we reached the fa?ade of the Opera, I turned to her, tilting my head.
"You're right. I'm Mrs. DeLacroix now." My voice dipped, low and dangerous. I reached up, letting my fingers catch her tie, pulling her just close enough. "Now dare to find someone else, Aurora—and see what I can do to you, and to your empire."
My smile doesn't falter. To everyone else, it must look tender—affectionate, even—as I patted her cheek lightly.
"So, for your sake," I whispered, "be a good wife."