Chapter Three: The Wedding

The phone call with Lucid was brief and cold. 

"You need to come over tomorrow for your gown fitting," he said, his tone devoid of warmth. 

He ended the call without waiting for her response, leaving Viviane clutching the phone in frustration. 

No room for my thoughts, no room for me. This is more like a command than a request, she thought. It was clear that this wasn't going to be an easy ride.

The next day, Viviane arrived at the Petras mansion. She was greeted by Mrs. Petras, who escorted her to a luxurious sitting area. The grandeur of the place was overwhelming, but the chill in the air was palpable. Mrs. Petras smiled politely.

 "The stylist will be here soon," she said before leaving.

The gown fitting dragged on for hours, but when it was done, Mrs. Petras informed her, 

"You'll need to come again tomorrow for your makeup testing." She said it casually, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

Viviane sank back into the plush chair after Mrs. Petras left. As she scanned the room, her eyes landed on Lucid. He was in the distance, speaking to a man she assumed was his friend. Their conversation seemed lively, yet he didn't glance her way. 

Even if this is just a contract marriage, shouldn't he at least talk to me? Her frustration simmered.

When she returned home, she found her family busy preparing for the wedding. Rick had been calling incessantly, but Viviane knew this wasn't the time to see him. Still, ignoring him completely didn't feel right. She called him back from the privacy of her room.

"I'm sorry for what I said," Rick began the moment he answered. "I shouldn't have spoken like that."

"It's okay, Rick. I'm no longer angry," Viviane said softly. "But… my wedding is in five days."

Rick fell silent for a moment. "Can we meet one last time?"

"I don't think that's possible," Viviane replied. "I have too much going on right now."

Rick sighed. "I get it. But promise me we'll still talk, Viviane. Don't shut me out."

"I promise," she said, but her voice lacked conviction. She ended the call feeling more torn than ever.

The next day, Viviane returned to the mansion for her makeup testing. It felt like an eternity before the process was complete. The preparations for the wedding consumed her, leaving no room to process her own emotions. Lucid remained aloof throughout. He didn't check in, didn't ask her how she was feeling, didn't even offer her a reassuring word.

At one point, she overheard Lucid's friend asking him, "Have you spoken to your fiancée?"

"Why should I?" Lucid replied, his tone icy.

"I just think you two should try to understand each other, at least," his friend insisted.

"There's no need for that," Lucid said dismissively. "It's just a contract."

His words stung even though Viviane wasn't meant to hear them. It wasn't as if she had any illusions about their arrangement, but the bluntness of his attitude made her chest tighten.

_______________________________________________________

The wedding day arrived quickly, and a car was sent to pick up Viviane and her family. When they reached the venue, she was struck by the sheer scale of the hall. It was extravagant, with crystal chandeliers and gold accents, but it felt hollow. Only a few people were present—her immediate family, a handful of relatives, and Lucid's family.

She noticed the media stationed at the back, cameras flashing as they captured every detail. Her father was already speaking animatedly to one of the journalists, basking in the attention. Viviane tried to steady her nerves, but her heart felt heavy.

As they said their vows, Viviane's hands trembled. She stole a glance at Lucid, but his face was unreadable. His cold detachment was palpable. When it was over, her family rushed to take pictures with Lucid's parents. Viviane stood off to the side, feeling like an outsider at her own wedding.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Rick standing at a distance. Her heart clenched. She made her way over to him, tears threatening to spill.

"You look beautiful," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

She managed a weak smile.

"This could have been us," he continued, his voice cracking. "But destiny has its ways."

She didn't know what to say. Her throat tightened as he added, 

"I'll always be there if you need me." Then he turned and walked away, leaving her with tears streaming down her face.

Viviane was taken to Lucid's apartment, a sprawling yet sterile space detached from the main house. She changed out of her wedding gown and wandered through the massive building. The emptiness was suffocating.

What exactly am I supposed to do here? If this is just a contract, what's my role? Am I even allowed to have a life of my own? she thought bitterly.

Later, she received a call from her mother. 

"Viviane! The media just finished interviewing your father and I. Everyone's talking about us. Even the neighbors brought gifts!"

Viviane tried to muster enthusiasm.

 "That's nice, Mum."

Her mother noticed the lack of excitement in her voice. 

"It's too quiet there. Where's your husband?"

"He's not back yet," Viviane replied. "Guess he went to settle some things."

Her mother laughed. "Maybe he's like your father. When we got married, he went out to get me lots of gifts. Just wait, Viviane. You'll see."

Viviane ended the call, drained by the conversation. She knew her parents couldn't see her perspective. They were blinded by their newfound fame and the financial stability the marriage promised.

As she unpacked her belongings, a maid entered the room. 

"Ma'am, your dinner is ready."

Viviane studied the young woman.

 "When did you start working here?"

"Five years ago," the maid replied.

Viviane frowned. "I've never seen you before."

"I only work within this apartment," the maid explained.

Viviane was startled. 

How many other people work here? How many parts of this house exist that I don't know about?

Hesitating, she asked,

 "Do you know if my husband will be home tonight?"

The maid looked uneasy but finally said, 

"If he doesn't come back… he's probably with his girlfriend."

Viviane froze. 

"Girlfriend?" she whispered.

The maid nodded solemnly.

 "I've seen her a few times. She visits when he's here."