The Wedding

The day of the wedding dawned bright and clear, the kind of crisp morning that seemed almost ironic given the circumstances. Ellie stood in front of the mirror in a modest bridal suite, her reflection staring back at her like a stranger. She had never imagined her wedding day would look like this—no tearful hugs from her family, no friends bustling around her with excitement. Instead, there was only silence, broken occasionally by the distant hum of preparations in the grand hall below.

Her gown was elegant but simple, a soft ivory satin dress that Alex had insisted on purchasing. "You should look the part," he'd said when he handed her the details for the boutique. Despite her protests, the gown had arrived within days, a subtle reminder of the power and efficiency that surrounded him.

Ellie took a deep breath, smoothing her hands over the fabric. Her chest felt heavy, weighed down by the enormity of what she was about to do. This wasn't the wedding of her dreams—it was a transaction, a business deal cloaked in white lace and vows. Yet, there was a small, stubborn part of her that couldn't help but wonder: What if this could be something more?

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. "Come in," she called, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her chest.

The door creaked open, and Natalie, Alex's assistant, stepped inside. Her sharp, professional demeanor was softened by a genuine smile. "You look beautiful," she said, her tone kind.

"Thanks," Ellie murmured, glancing back at the mirror.

Natalie walked over, handing Ellie a small bouquet of white roses. "It's time," she said gently.

Ellie nodded, gripping the bouquet tightly as she followed Natalie out of the suite. The grand hall of the Hayes estate was decorated with tasteful arrangements of white and gold, the kind of understated luxury that screamed wealth without being ostentatious. A small group of guests—mostly business associates and a few close family friends—sat in neat rows, their murmured conversations falling silent as Ellie appeared at the top of the aisle.

Her heart pounded as she scanned the room, her eyes finally landing on Alex. He stood at the end of the aisle, his sharp black tuxedo tailored to perfection. His gray eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to shrink around them.

Alex offered her a small, reassuring smile, and she felt a flicker of something unfamiliar—was it hope? Determination? She couldn't tell.

The walk down the aisle felt both endless and fleeting. When she finally reached him, Alex extended a hand, his grip firm but gentle as he helped her step onto the small platform where the officiant stood waiting.

"You look stunning," Alex whispered, his voice low enough for only her to hear.

Ellie's cheeks flushed, and she glanced down at the bouquet. "Thanks."

The officiant began the ceremony, his voice calm and steady as he read through the traditional vows. Ellie barely registered the words, her focus entirely on Alex. He seemed calm, collected, as if this was just another business deal. But there was something in his eyes—a flicker of vulnerability, of emotion—that made her chest tighten.

"Do you, Alexander Hayes, take Eleanor Grace to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the officiant asked, his voice breaking through her thoughts.

Alex turned to her, his gaze unwavering. "I do."

Ellie swallowed hard as the officiant turned to her. "Do you, Eleanor Grace, take Alexander Hayes to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

She hesitated, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. But then she looked at Alex, saw the faint hope hidden behind his stoic exterior, and something inside her shifted.

"I do," she said, her voice steady.

The officiant smiled. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Ellie froze, her heart racing. This part hadn't been discussed. It was supposed to be a formality, a business arrangement. But before she could react, Alex leaned in, his hand lightly brushing her cheek as he pressed a soft, fleeting kiss to her lips. It wasn't demanding or showy—it was gentle, almost hesitant, and it left her breathless.

As they turned to face the guests, the room erupted in polite applause. Ellie's mind was spinning, her emotions a tangled mess. She clung to Alex's arm as they walked back down the aisle together, their smiles masking the storm brewing beneath the surface.

---

The reception was a blur of handshakes, congratulations, and small talk. Alex was a master at navigating the crowd, his charm and charisma on full display. Ellie, meanwhile, felt like an outsider in her own life. She pasted on a polite smile, nodding along as strangers commented on how beautiful the ceremony had been and how lucky she was to have Alex.

By the time the evening wound down, Ellie was exhausted. She found herself alone on the balcony of the estate, the cool night air a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere inside.

"You survived," Alex's voice came from behind her.

She turned to see him leaning against the doorframe, a glass of champagne in hand. He looked more relaxed now, his tie loosened and the top button of his shirt undone.

"Barely," she said with a wry smile.

Alex stepped closer, his expression softening. "I know this isn't what you wanted. I just... I want you to know that I appreciate what you're doing. It means a lot."

Ellie studied him, searching for any sign of insincerity, but all she saw was genuine gratitude. "I'm not doing this for you, Alex," she said quietly. "I'm doing this for me too."

He nodded, his gaze drifting to the skyline. "Still, thank you."

For a moment, they stood in silence, the tension between them easing slightly. Ellie felt a small flicker of hope—maybe this arrangement wouldn't be as unbearable as she'd feared.

But as she looked out at the city lights, a nagging thought lingered in the back of her mind: What happens when this is all over?