Chapter 14 The Human is married

Chapter 14 The Human is married
TALIA POV

“No, not that color. Get the lady a white bouquet of flowers,” the maid instructed as they rushed around the room, moving back and forth without stopping.

Today was the day I was getting married to Zane. My father had arranged a grand wedding, proudly telling everyone that his human daughter was getting married, acting like he loved me so much. Everyone believed him. To them, he was the perfect father, but I knew the truth. He only cared about his reputation.

The maids packed my hair neatly into a bun and placed the veil gently over my head. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, taking in how I looked. I looked beautiful, even happy on the outside, but inside I felt empty. A quiet breath slipped past my lips as the truth settled heavily in my chest. I was nothing but a treaty, nothing more. Still, I held onto the one thing that gave me even the smallest comfort… at least he had accepted me.

“We’re done, milady. It’s time,” one of the maids said softly.

I nodded slowly and looked at myself one last time before forcing a smile. Then I stood up. The white wedding gown fit perfectly, hugging my body and shaping my curves neatly as it flowed down. One maid held my hand while the others adjusted the gown carefully.

The door opened, and I stepped out.

“You took your time. Let’s go,” my father muttered.

I lifted my head and looked at him as he walked toward me. I already knew he was not here because he cared. He was here because he had to be, to keep up his image, to play the role of the perfect father.

“Put a smile on your face and go get married to Zane. I don’t want any drama,” he added, glancing at me.

I gave a small nod.

Two maids held the end of my gown as my father took my hand, and together we walked toward the wedding hall. As expected, the hall was full, everyone seated and watching. My father waved at them with a proud smile, like everything was perfect.

My eyes slowly moved ahead until they landed on Zane.

He stood at the end of the aisle with a smile on his face. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and my chest tightened before I quickly looked away. I searched for Liam without thinking, but he was nowhere to be seen. Of course, he would not come. He was not happy about this wedding.

My steps slowed slightly, but my father’s grip tightened around my hand, pulling me forward. Everyone stood up, clapping and cheering as the sound filled the hall.

And just like that, I was walking into a life I never chose.

I climbed the stage and stopped in front of Zane. He had a soft smile on his face, and he looked genuinely happy. For a moment, I wondered if marrying him might change my life for the better. He looked calm, almost gentle, and I found myself hoping I wasn’t stepping into something I would regret.

The priest began to chant, his voice echoing through the hall. I glanced around and saw my father standing proudly with my stepmother. Lea and Ryan stood behind them. They all looked satisfied, like everything was going exactly how they wanted. They had no idea what I was feeling… or maybe they just didn’t care.

“Talia Thorne, daughter of Alpha Derek, do you take Zane Nightshade as your companion?” the priest asked.

My fingers tightened slightly at my sides before I forced a smile.
“Yes,” I answered.

“Zane Nightshade, do you take Talia Thorne as your companion?” the priest continued.

“Yes,” Zane replied without hesitation, sliding the ring onto my finger. A small smile appeared on my face as I did the same.

Cheers filled the hall as we turned to face the crowd. Zane took my hand, and we walked down the aisle together. My father smiled at me and pulled me into a brief hug, but it felt empty. Lea and Ryan didn’t even look my way.

Zane’s grip tightened slightly around my hand as he led me out of the hall. We stepped outside and into the carriage. He helped me inside before sitting beside me. The carriage began to move, the sound of the wheels filling the silence between us.

I looked out the window, watching the surroundings blur as we moved. Zane didn’t say anything. He just sat there, his expression unreadable.

After a while, the carriage stopped. I waited, expecting him to help me down, but he didn’t. Instead, he stepped out first and began walking away without looking back.

I paused for a moment, then brushed it off and climbed down on my own. My dress dragged slightly as I followed him. The mansion in front of us was beautifully decorated, almost too perfect. It felt cold despite its beauty.

I walked inside slowly, my eyes scanning everything around me. Servants and guards bowed as I passed, their eyes lingering on me. I could feel their curiosity, their judgment.

Then I stopped.

Liam stood in the center of the room.

Behind him was a woman, standing close to him. She looked at me with clear jealousy in her eyes, her lips pressed tightly together. Then she turned to Zane and suddenly burst into laughter.

“So you married the human?” she mocked.