Chapter 5 On Our Wedding Day

Janice never thought the day when she said the sacred vows of marriage would be the beginning of all the stories of the destruction of her life that she had already destroyed herself.

While other people smile on their wedding day, some cry happily. All of that doesn't relate to Janice, who can't cry or even just smile. If Janice smiled, it sounded like she was ready to welcome the days when she would be punished for the rest of her life. Then, on the other side, it seemed too late to cry. She should have cried two weeks ago when Julian asked her—forced her—to married with him.

Moreover, Janice couldn't have cried in front of the thousands of guests who attended her wedding.

"Julian, I'm bored..."

Callista's grunts standing beside Julian, caught Janice's attention.

"You can rest if you're bored." Julian immediately responded.

Unlike when talking to Janice, when his eyes always showed reluctance, even more often with scornful glances, Julian's treatment of Callista was very gentle and sweet. It seems like he wanted to show everyone that he cared more about Callista than his own bride.

However, from the beginning, she had known the consequences of her decision to accept Julian's proposal. Therefore, she also had to start to deal with all the pain she had to endure for being Julian's wife. Even Janice had to close her eyes and ears when she saw that Julian was closer to Callista than she was.

"How long are you going to keep standing here? I think you're just wasting money having a wedding like this. It's too much." Callista rolled her eyes, not forgetting to give a mocking smile to Janice who had been watching them deliberately.

"I've only been married once, so I guess it's not too much." Julian shrugged his shoulders.

Julian's answer made Janice feel suffocated. Either she was happy or even sad because Julian's answer seemed to emphasize that she was the only woman who would be his wife.

For a moment, Janice forgot about her position and the purpose of this marriage. Forget all the fantasies about a beautiful harmonious marriage with one or two cute children. No, Janice and Julian would not have such a marriage. Maybe even Julian would much prefer to have children from other women. Maybe with Callista, or maybe with the others.

"So you have no plans to marry me?" Callista asked in a low voice, like a whisper. But her sister adjusted her voice so Janice could still hear clearly.

Beside Callista, her father and mother sat quietly because they had not heard Callista and Julian talking.

Yes, her mother came. A miracle that finally managed to make Janice curl her lips, feeling happy. Her mother once said that she vowed not to come to her wedding. And if she was forced to come, she swore that an accident would happen to Janice.. But she came here. She came even though no one forced her. Janice couldn't hide her happines when she saw her mother. She feels like she has a normal wedding party. First, her mother came to the wedding, and second… no accidents happened.

It seemed like it was just a curse that was said because her mother was shocked… maybe a little angry because Julian suddenly proposed to Janice even though he had been in a relationship with Callista. It seems that her mother has known about the love relationship between Callista and Julian for a long time. Naturally, she was surprised when Julian chose to propose to her other daughter, a princess who had been forgotten from her position. It may even have been considered non-existent for a long time.

"Do you want to get married?"

Unexpectedly, Julian responded to Callista's question about her views on marriage.

Janice felt like she was a second lead on her wedding day.

"Shouldn't we be discussing our plans on your wedding day?" Callista laughed, looking like she wanted to mock Janice, who had been standing stiffly beside Julian.

"I don't give a shit about all of this!"

Janice exhaled slowly. Don't give a shit, huh? Janice knew from the start that this marriage was a game that Julian had created to avenge her, but hearing Julian reiterate the meaning of their marriage made Janice's heart feel pain even more.

"You heard that, Janice? I hope you know where your position." Callista looked at Janice as if she was annoyed and disgusted with her own sister.

Janice had vowed to herself that she would not fight back even though Callista's words hurt her. She will remain silent, listen to all the hurtful words and accept any retaliation that is directed at her. She was used to hearing painful sentences from Callista, so why should she feel sad? Shouldn't she be used to hearing that?

Her lips could not give a single word to reply to Callista's sentence, so she just smiled and nodded her head calmly.

"You look so pathetic," Callista commented while rolling her eyes.

Hadn't Janice been so pathetic all this time? She made a stupid mistake that eventually led her life to misery and punishment without a clear end.

"Come on, Callista. It's enough. You look pretty tonight, don't ruin your beautiful face with that useless words," Julian pulled Callista.

"I just wanted to show her position." Callista protested.

Even if the days and years have changed, Callista's character will never change. Because from the start, no one could stop what Callista wanted to do.

But seeing Callista step her feet in annoyance down the aisle made Janice stunned for a moment.

So… only Julian can make Callista obey?

***

"Congratulations on your marriage. I thought you would never get married because I've never seen you close to any woman. But she managed to conquer your heart. She must be very lucky to have you." A middle-aged man came with his wife and tried to chat with Janice and Julian, who had just come down from the aisle to greet several guests, most of whom were Julian's close friends. They were invited to come at night, so they could get some private time to chat together.

And tonight, Janice's dress has changed to a simple white spaghetti-sleeved dress with lace accents and baby blue sequins that seem to fade and blend with her skin tone. Her head is also still decorated with a small headpiece attached to the left side of the hair. Because tonight's party brought friends intimate wedding which closest relatives attended, a hairdresser made Janice's hair loose after doing some styling by making the ends of her hair wavy like ocean waves. It looked so beautiful that Janice had time to take a picture of her hair using her cellphone with the help of her own hairdresser.

"Thank you for coming to our wedding. It is an honor for you to be a part of this happy day." Julian answered calmly, looking friendly with a smile at the end of his sentence. Not the kind of big smile a bride usually wears. It's just a formal smile that's intentionally shown out of courtesy.

"Of course, I'll come, Julian. You're the son of my business friend. I'm sure your father is proud of your accomplishments."

Janice listened quietly to their conversation. It turned out that those who came to the party tonight were not only relatives but also Julian's business friends who were already familiar with him.

"Your bride is so beautiful. No wonder she managed to get you." The man's wife commented on Janice's appearance while looking her up and down as if appraising her.

Janice felt uncomfortable, but she finally nodded her head and thanked her.

"She is beautiful."

Janice's cheeks instantly heated up. She swallowed saliva repeatedly to neutralize the nervous feeling that immediately filled her heart when he heard Julian's compliment.

Julian was just making small talk with his business partner. Janice should have realized and stopped her silly attitude.

"But her sister is much prettier. Normal people obviously prefer Callista who has a better career, but I don't think I'm a normal person. I chose to marry her." Julian continued calmly.

Janice turned her head dramatically. Julian… really said those words?

Janice's hands were tightly clenched. She wanted to protest against Julian because he was mocking her openly in front of other people, but of course, she couldn't fight him. Janice couldn't deny the fact that what Julian said was true. That's right… Callista is way better than her.

"Oh, right. Callista is very beautiful. She's also a successful model, her career has been on the rise lately, and I heard she's also starting to learn how to manage her father's company."

"Yes, she is a tireless woman. She often learns with me, and I am so glad to be able to teach her. No one can refuse when asked for help by a beautiful woman." Julian smiled at the end of his sentence. Affirming that he is always happy and enthusiastic when talking about Callista.

And yes, Janice was ignored again.

It seems that Callista is always an interesting topic of conversation at all events. Even at Janice and Julian's wedding, Callista was still the main topic everyone talked about as if she was a beauty goddess with many achievements and amazing talents. And sadly, everything they talk about Callista is true. Her sister is the main star in every moment of Janice's life.

"That's right, Callista is amazing. Some people actually say if you are close to Callista. Therefore, everyone was surprised when they saw Janice's name on the wedding invitation. No one know if Callista has a sister." The man laughed.

Actually, he wasn't laughing at Janice, but for some reason, Janice felt ridiculed by his laughter. As if someone said if she never existed and was never known by anyone.

'Hey, no one knows you! You are too pathetic!' That's what Janice heard from the laughter.

Callista's rays were too sparkling to make Janice invisible.

"Janice isn't as pretty as her sister because she's been busy taking care of her flower shop," Julian replied calmly.

Janice raised an eyebrow, quite surprised to hear Julian's words. So Julian knows her job?

"Oh, so she works as a florist?"

Janice grimaced. "I have a flower shop that—"

"Yes, she is. Her ambition is a little ridiculous." Julian cut her words while laughing softly.

Janice was stunned. Ridiculous?

"You chose a slightly eccentric wife, Julian. We thought you would marry a career woman with a job like yours."

Janice waited patiently for Julian's answer. He glanced at her with a mocking smile as if warning Janice to be prepared for another unexpected answer.

After all the answers that he gave, what could she expect? Julian must have given a similar answer. A mockery that seemed to show Janice's value in his eyes. And sadly, she doesn't have any value. She is so worthless..

"In theory, yes. I want to marry that kind of woman. But here you are now, at my wedding."

Right, that answer sounded like a regretful statement. As if he had been forced to marry her because he had no other choice.

Oh really? Wasn't Julian the one who asked her to accept his proposal? Wasn't Julian the one who forced her?

Despite the goal of revenge, in reality, Janice never asked for marriage. She even buried her feelings and forgot all the sweet dreams she had had since childhood. About how much she admired Julian. The feelings of a teenager slowly begin to turn into love over time. Then suddenly asked to quell those feelings because of a big rejection and disappointment that she had to endure alone.

Remembering what had happened only made her seels sadder.

On her happy day, on her own wedding day, she doesn't know how many times she held back her tears. Maybe now she should start counting every second of suffering in her life. Or maybe she had to start getting used to every hurtful sentence she would hear every day for the rest of her life.

***

"Julian.."

After nearly 12 hours had passed since they had said their wedding vows, this was the first time Janice had called Julian's name.

And Janice had mustered up the courage 15 minutes ago just to mention her husband's name.

"What?" Julian replied sarcastically.

It was a completely different response considering that he could speak in a friendly manner just a moment ago to all his relatives and acquaintances.

"Is this event still long?" Janice asked.

Her eyes started to get heavy, as well as her back which hurt from having to stand in high heels from ten in the morning until ten at night. Her hands were starting to cramp because she had to shake hands with thousands of guests.

"What happened?" Julian turned his head abruptly.

Janice straightened her back. She didn't want to look too pathetic when Julian looked at her.

"I feel like I need to pee." Janice squeaked softly.

"You are very pathetic. It's your wedding party. Can you not make trouble tonight?"

Janice was stunned again. The problem was that this party didn't feel like her wedding party.

Maybe no one would notice if Janice disappeared because they were too busy talking to Callista.

All the guests seemed to admire Callista and followed her wherever she went like a duck looking for its mother. She didn't want to show her jealousy, but it felt so sad when she was being ignored on her own special day.

"But I can't hold back anymore." Janice grimaced.

Julian watched her for a moment then he snorted softly.

"Yeah, go away. I'll take care of everyone who asks about you."

Janice nodded her head. "I don't think anyone will be looking for me anyway." She said slowly.

Julian glanced at Janice out of the corner of his eye.

"Right, no one was looking for you. So, you better not have to come back here again. The party will be over soon. You can rest in your room." Julian handed Janice the hotel room key card.

Janice stared at it in bewilderment. But finally accepted with a bit of hesitation because Julian looked annoyed.

"You don't have to wait for me. I'll be staying in Callista's room."

Janice thought nothing could be more hurtful than all the words she had heard. But it turns out that Julian still has one last sentence..

And people say the last one is the most painful.

That's right. It feels like Janice wants to shed tears right now. She couldn't even take her eyes off Julian.

Oh God, why does her heart still hurt when she is used to all the hurt and pain? Why is it so hard to ignore the fact that Julian prefers Callista over her? She should have gotten used to it because, since childhood, Callista has always received more attention. Everyone prefers Callista, and Janice has always been comfortable with that fact. But why did she still feel disappointed when she heard that her husband preferred to stay with Callista on their wedding night? Why does it hurt so much?

"Go on. You want to pee, don't you?" Julian turned his head again.

Janice hastily averted her gaze. She doesn't want to show her tears in front of Julian.

"Are you crying?"

Too late, Julian had already seen her pitiful face.

"Are you crying because I chose to stay with Callista?" Julian laughed softly at the end of his sentence. "What do you expect? I don't want to sleep with you."

Enough is enough. All this is too painful to hear.

Janice wiped her tears with the back of her hand, then got up and left Julian alone.

In her stride, Janice repeatedly reminded herself not to cry. How embarrassing it would be if someone saw her crying and walking alone down the hotel hallway. Moreover, this is a hotel owned by Julian, so all staff and employees will know that today there is a wedding party for the hotel's owner. If a woman wearing a wedding dress walked around crying, there would be rumors that would make Julian's name tainted.

Julian's wife, the owner of a luxury hotel, was crying alone as she walked out of the ballroom to her room.

No, Janice didn't want Julian's name to be talked about bad things on their wedding day.

However, holding back tears is very difficult, especially when she recalls Julian's painful words.

"I don't want to sleep with you."

Oh God, would Janice be able to survive if she was this messed up on the first day?