CHAPTER 10..THE WEDDING.

6 months have passed since the Engagement party of Lexa and Cameron. And a year has passed since Laxa and Jace parted ways.

The Raynolds family spares no expense, as they prepare fervently for the wedding of their only child, they ensure that every detail of the upcoming ceremony is perfect as the grand preparations for Lexa and Cameron's wedding begins.

The two families work tirelessly to see and ensure that the wedding of their beloved children becomes the talk of the town for as long as possible as they leave no stone unturned in the arrangements of their definition of a perfect wedding ceremony. The mansion of the Raynolds and Edwardos is decorated extravagantly, and the guest invitation lists includes all the Elites in the country and beyond.

As the day if the wedding gradually approaches, Lexa feels increasingly tapped and despondent in her own world. She goes through the motions of dress fittings, bridal shoppings, bride maids selections and rehearsals, but her heart isn't in it. Her thoughts constantly drifts to Jace as she wonders is she will ever be happy again.

On a very normal gloomy day, Lexa recieves a surprise visit from Princess Valerie her only friend who has been away due to her royal trainings. Valerie heard about Lexa's sudden engagement and wedding preparations and decided to pay her a visit. Due to their strong connection and the sisterhood bonding they shared in school, Lexa always confined in Valerie during her tough situations who in turn always offers her support and hope, encouraging her to follow her heart even it it means defying her parents rules for her happiness. Their conversation and Valerie's support gives Lexa a brief glimmer of hope and strength to push through with the mindset of a better life full of happiness ahead.

THE WEDDING DAY.....

The day ofthe Wedding finally arrives, filled with the pomp and grandeur. Lexa feels like she is walking through a dream she can't seem to wake up from, detached from the festivities around her, as she slowly prepares herself and mind for the ceremony. She clutches the locket Jace gave her, drawing strength from it's presence from time to time.

Arriving at the church for the wedding rites, Lexa's mind goes through deep turmoil as she stands at the alter with Cameron, she feels and overwhelming sense of dread and bitterness. The vows feel hollow, as she struggles to maintain her composure.

..."I, do" she said, as the guests oblivious to her inner conflict, cheer and applaud.

In desperation, Lexa kept looking at the entrance of the church and at the assembled guests, silently pleading and praying for someone to crash the wedding. She briefly considers running away.."but to where?" As she feels paralyzed by fear and obligation. Her heart aches for Jace, looking at the lovely smily faces of the guests wishing he was here to save her. The wedding ceremony concludes in excitement and numerous cheers as the priest declared Laxa and Cameron as 'Husband and Wife'. Lexa's heart sinks to her belly as she realizes the finality of the moment. She forces a smile to her family, guests and flickering Cameras, but inside she feels a profound sense of loss and despair..

After the wedding at the church, the grand reception unfolds in the Raynolds opulent mansion.

The maids and workers gushes over Lexa as Nanny Dianne walks her down the aisle to where the guests where all seated. "It will soon be over my dear, just flow in the moment and keep your head high, this day will soon pass away" Nanny Dianne whispered to her loosening the grip Lexa held her on. The guests marveled as the fair young lady dressed in a cream ball gown with her blonde hair wrapped at her back with a crown in it approaches the hall, with her hands crossed in with Cameron's, who was dressed in a cream suit and black bow tie.

Guests mingle, gifting and congratulating Lexa and Cameron on their union. Cameron clickes glasses of wine with his friends as they congratulate him and tease him of being a married man. His heart beats in outmost delight as he pats himself at the back, congratulating himself of finally bagging himself a treasure from one of the most wealthy and influential families in the country, been aware of the sponsorship financial benefits this union will benefit him.

Lexa in the other hand, feels like she is moving through a haze, smiling and making polite conversations while her heart aches with sorrow as she catches glimpses of Jace's smile in her mind, remembering their stolen moments together.

As the day progresses and evening came, Cameron's behavior becomes more possessive and suffocating. He keeps Lexa by his side, following her everywhere and monitoring her every interactions with the guests. His smiles for the cameras mask his growing impatience and anger, revealing hints of his controlling nature to Lexa.

Lexa continued to feel isolated, admist the celebrations. She longs to escape,to find a quite place to collect and gather her thoughts as the event begins to overwhelm her. Her parents, inlaws and guests lavish praise and gifts in the newly Weds, unaware of the turmoil brewing beneath Lexa's composed exterior behavior.

Throughout the wedding activities, Lexa imagines what it would have been like if Jace was there, standing beside her to support her. His absence reinforces her sense of loss and deepens her resolve to find a way back to him. As she watches the dancers do their best to entertain the guests, the applauds and numerous cheers fades through her ears as through she hears nothing. Putting on a fake smile and composed body gesture, she tries to stay focused and breeze through this day with a clear state of mind as she prays it speedily comes to an end.

Having a brief moment alone, Lexa retreats to the garden, which used to be her favourite place in the house. She clutches the locket Jace gave her, finding solace in memories of their time together. Tears slip down her cheeks as she confronts the reality of her situation and the enormity of the sacrifice she's made.

The night came as the reception eventually draws to an end, as the newly Weds retire to their suite in the Raynolds mansion, where exhaustion and emotional turmoil overwhelms Lexa. She lies awake, staring at the window as she prays and hopes nothing goes down this night. Feeling trapped in a marriage she never wanted, she gradually pulls her duvet and falls asleep.