The priest's voice echoed through the grand ballroom, "You may now kiss the bride."
Julian Smith and Sophia Harrison sealed their marriage with a kiss, surrounded by the beautiful decorations of the wedding ground.
Sophia's lace-encrusted gown shimmered elegantly, her ash-blonde hair styled in an updo.
Julian was looking his best as well, wearing a tailored tuxedo, his dark brown hair accentuating his chiseled features.
They were the picture of perfection, their love and commitment evident in the way the gazed at each other. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as they kissed.
Guests mingled, sipping champagne and canapés, while a live orchestra filled the room with soft music. The air was filled with the scent of roses and lavender.
Admist the revelry, Remy Vaughn sat quietly in her wheelchair, almost invisible, like a forgotten fragment in the perfect love story unfolding before them.
The crowd had risen to their foot, obscuring her view- not that she really wanted to see the couple anyway.
Her long, rose gold hair was swept over her shoulder in loose waves.
Her beautiful features were framed by long natural lashes, her intense black eyes gleaming with deep sadness. Her smooth, creamy skin glowing with a warm undertone.
She wore a dark red bohemian gown, which seemed out of place among the sea of designer gowns and suits.
Yet, it suited her, effortlessly fitting her ethereal quality. She didn't seem to care about the curious glances or whispered comments from the guests.
As Julian and Sophia exchanged their vows, a mixture of emotions swirled inside Remy. Shock, anger, and betrayal warred for dominance.
She felt like she was living in a surreal nightmare. Julian, her former fiancé, and Sophia, her step-sister, had betrayed her in the worst possible way.
The more she watched the happy couple with a heavy heart, the more she noticed how lost they seemed in each other's arms.
They laughed and kissed, their eyes locked on each other. Never letting go of any opportunity to connect their lips together, almost slipping into a full make-out session.
Of course, they just can't keep their despicable selve in check, Remy inwardly sneered.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the atmosphere shifted into celebration mode. Guests mingled, exchanging laughter and conversations.
A few people waved at Remy, asking how she fared before quickly moving on, but some of her friends however, chose to ignore her entirely as if she were invisible.
She managed a few half-hearted waves and smiles, she wasn't in the mood for small talks anyway.
Her mind was elsewhere. Her gaze drifted through the crowd, landing on 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 hurt but she refused to give Sophia the satisfaction of seeing her cry.
At least not here. Not now.
With a steely determination, Remy composed herself, securing her mask of calmness firmly in place. Anger boiled inside her, but she kept it in
Then the music began, and Sophia took to the dance floor with Julian. Her shimmering gown caught the light, radiating an ethereal glow.
The first dance, reserved for the newlyweds, was a romantic twirl showcasing their love and connection. Sophia's smile was infectious, her face radiating as she laughed and gazed into Julian's eyes.
The music transitioned and Sophia's parents joyfully joined them on the dance floor, gazing at them softly.
Remy felt a sharp pain in her heart; her stepmother had never looked at her with that much warmth and pride. Julian danced with Sophia's mother, twirling her around the floor with a gentle smile. The guests joined in, filling the dance floor with laughter and music.
The celebration only grew more vibrant, with Sophia at its center, basking in the envious gazes of the ladies, warm wishes, gifts and compliments.
But Remy's world was crumbling. Her mind disoriented with the painful reality: Julian Smith, the man who was the love of her life two weeks ago is now married to her half-sister and they're going to live happily ever after.
This made her heart ache badly.
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 Ethan Wellesley, someone from Julian's cycle of friends.
A sly smile spread across his face. His tall, lean figure hovered over her, his piercing emerald green eyes gleaming with amusement.
His dark blond hair was styled perfectly, framing his smile. He exuded 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!
Ethan's words left a brief uncomfortable silence as it lingered, Remy felt her heart sink. Almost everyone was staring at them now, and she knew exactly what Ethan was doing – mocking her, deliberately drawing attention to her wheelchair.
Some guests, who hadn't noticed her disability up till now, looked surprised and curious, while others seemed embarrassed.
Remy wasn't very good at socializing, partly because of her disability. Even so, some people from high society still knew her. Now, they recognized her as Grant Harrison's daughter, "the disabled one" as they had labeled her.
It was like she didn't have her own name. People were whispering and murmuring, the voices getting louder by the minute.
Remy had tried to blend into the background all day, letting Sophia and Julian have the attention. She hoped to go unnoticed until she could leave and be alone in her room, where she could finally cry and deal with her pain. But Ethan's sudden move had ruined her plan, drawing everyone's eyes to her.
Ethan's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with malice and mischief. Remy felt humiliated, her heart burning with anger and resentment.
She remembered how Ethan had asked her out a few months ago, and she had politely declined. He had taken the rejection badly, and now it seemed he was seeking revenge.
Her stepmother chimed in with the fakest smile ever, "Oh my Remy, don't worry dear, Ethan will take care of you. You have to dance at least once." Remy felt trapped, with no escape from this nightmare.
Ethan pulled her up from her wheelchair, his hands grasping her arms tightly. Remy struggled to maintain her balance, her legs trembling beneath her. "Don't drag me to this cruel dance, Ethan," she whispered, trying to push away from him.
Just as Ethan's grip tightened on her and he got ready to pull her to the dance floor, a low, smooth voice cut through the music. "How about you dance with me instead?"
A tall, imposing figure strode into the room, commanding attention. He was incredibly handsome, with sharp features and piercing hazel eyes that seemed to see right through facades.
His dark hair was perfectly styled in a sleek undercut design, adding to his rugged charm.
He wore an elegant black vest, slightly rumpled, and a white shirt open at the collar, giving off an air of refined elegance tempered by a little ruggedness.
Two men walked beside him, dressed in identical black suits and dark shades, their faces expressionless.
The room fell silent as he walked towards them, his confident stride eating up the distance. Remy's gaze locked onto his, and her heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected him to come, but here he was, at just the perfect time.
His hazel eyes burned with intensity, making Remy feel seen and understood. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the noise and chaos fading into the background.
Remy felt a surge of gratitude and relief wash over her. She could finally escape this suffocating atmosphere.
Remy's eyes held his, searching for reassurance that he was truly here for her, and finding it in his calm, steady gaze, she felt a sense of safety and protection. She was glad to be finally able to leave.