Bittersweet Union

"You may now kiss the bride," the priest's voice echoed, as Julian Smith and Sophia Harrison finished exchanging their wedding vows.

Their marriage was sealed as they leaned in to kiss each other, surrounded by the opulent decor of the grand ballroom.

Sophia's lace-encrusted, mermaid-cut gown shimmered in the light, her ash blonde hair was styled in an updo twisted wave and decorated with a small flowery silver diadem.

Julian was in his best look as well, with his tailored tuxedo and layered dark brown hair accentuating his chiseled features.

They were the epitome of perfection to the guests, their love and commitment to each other palpable.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as they kissed each other, a cacophony of joy and celebration. The guests, dressed in their finest attire, mingled and laughed, sipping champagne and canapés.

The air was filled with the scent of roses and lavender, and the soft strains of a live orchestra filled the room.

Julian and Sophia's future seemed bright: a luxurious mansion, exotic vacations, a fortune to inherit and a family of their own. They were the golden couple, with the world at their feet.

But amidst the revelry, Remy Vaughn sat quietly, almost invisible, in her wheelchair. The crowd had risen to their feet, obscuring her view, she seemed like a forgotten fragment in the perfect love story unfolding before them.

Her long heliotrope hair, a mesmerizing purple hue with pink undertones, like a vibrant, fuchsia-infused plum, swept over her shoulder in loose, effortless waves.

Her beautiful features, was framed by thick, luscious lashes that added depth to her intense black eyes which seemed to absorb the light around her, gleaming with deep sadness.

Her smooth creamy skin, glowed with a warm, golden undertone, an evidence of her natural beauty. Her lips, a natural rosy pink, were pressed into a thin line, as if holding back a torrent of emotions.

Remy's attire, a flowing, dark red gown with subtle, bohemian-inspired accents, seemed a little out of place among the sea of designer gowns and suits.

Yet, it suited her, accentuating her ethereal quality. She didn't seem to care about the curious glances or whispered comments from the other guests; in fact, she looked like she'd rather be anywhere else.

Her presence was a reluctant one, coerced by her stepmother and father's guilt-tripping words. "You have to be there for your sister," they'd said, dragging her to the wedding against her will.

A sister who seduced her man? Who betrayed her? She was always the bad guy and Sophia is the angel, no matter what.

As she watched Julian and Sophia exchange their vows, a mixture of emotions swirled inside Remy. Shock, anger, and betrayal warred for dominance, each one etching a deeper line on her face.

She felt like she was living in a surreal nightmare, one from which she couldn't awaken.

Julian, her former fiancé, and Sophia, her step-sister, had betrayed her in the worst possible way. Just days before their engagement two weeks ago, they had dumped her and chosen each other.

The pain of that betrayal still lingered, a festering wound that refused to heal.

The more she watched the happy couple, she couldn't help but notice how lost they seemed in each other's arms.

They laughed and kissed, their eyes locked on each other as if the rest of the world had melted away.

Never letting go of any opportunity to connect their lips together, almost slipping into a full make out session that the air had turned slightly awkward with some of the guests glancing their way and looking away almost immediately in embarrassment.

It was almost as if they were daring the guests to leave, to give them the room to themselves.

Of course they just had to show how despicable and shameless they were.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the atmosphere shifted into celebration mode. Guests mingled, exchanging laughter and conversations, while others seized the opportunity to network and secure deals with companies.

Some people waved at Remy, asking how she was, before quickly moving on. Some friends, however, chose to ignore her entirely, as if she were invisible.

Remy didn't let it faze her; she wasn't in the mood for small talk anyway. She managed a few half-hearted waves and smiles, but her mind was elsewhere.

The air was filled with the clinking of glasses, the scraping of chairs, and the murmur of well-wishes for the newlyweds.

Remy's gaze drifted through the crowd, her eyes scanning the sea of faces until they landed on her step-sister, Sophia.

A smug smile played on Sophia's lips as she initiated more intimate kisses with Julian, her eyes locked on Remy's from across the room.

Remy's gaze narrowed, her eyes flashing with anger, but she knew exactly what Sophia was doing – trying to make her jealous, to prove that she had won Julian's heart.

Remy's eyes prickled with tears, but she refused to give Sophia the satisfaction. She blinked furiously, forcing the tears back, and raised her chin with a defiant smirk.

She wouldn't let Sophia see her cry, not here, not now. With a steely determination, Remy composed herself, securing her mask of calmness firmly in place.

Rage boiled inside her though, threatening to spill over at any moment, but what could she do? So she kept it in.

Then the music began and Sophia took to the dance floor with Julian. Her shimmering white gown caught the light, radiating an ethereal glow as she moved.

The first dance, reserved for the newlyweds, was a romantic waltz that showcased their love and connection.

Sophia's smile was infectious, illuminating her entire face as she laughed and gazed into Julian's eyes.

As the music transitioned, Sophia's parents joined her and Julian on the dance floor. Sophia's mother, beaming with pride, took Julian's hand, while her father swept Sophia into a lively swing dance.

Remy felt a sharp pain in her heart, her step mother had never looked at her with that much warmth and proudness before.

Julian, in turn, danced with Sophia's mother, twirling her around the floor with a charming smile. The guests, unable to resist the infectious energy, began to join in, filling the dance floor with laughter and music.

Gifts were presented, and toasts were made, everyone celebrating the union of Sophia and Julian. As the night wore on, the celebration only grew more vibrant, with Sophia at its radiant center.

But amidst the joy, Remy's world was crumbling. Her mind reeled with the painful reality: her former fiancé, now married to her sister, to live happily ever after.

A sudden voice pierced her thoughts, "May I have this dance, Remy?" She turned to face the speaker, her heart sinking as she met the gaze of one of Julian's friends, Ethan Wellesley, a sly smile spreading across his face...

His tall and lean figure hovered slightly over her, he had chiseled features and piercing emerald green eyes. His dark blond hair was styled perfectly, framing his smile. He exudes confidence and charisma, making him hard to ignore.

But for Remy? He can go on ahead to hell and rot there for all she cared!