Chapter 15 Husband and wife
CHAPTER 15: Husband and wife
Vera
I sat quietly in the chair while strangers hovered at my sides.They moved about their work cautiously without asking how I felt. My hands rested in my lap, tangled in the silk robe I wore. I barely moved, barely spoke, just nodding to whatever they asked.
It was my wedding day to Silas.
They finished and stepped aside, and I saw my reflection in the mirror.
My face had been softly made up, a delicate touch of color to my lips, soft pink gloss. My long wavy hair was swept into a sleek low bun, with some stray strands carefully pinned, and tamed to frame my face.
The dress waited on an encased hanger behind me. I didn’t know what it looked like. Some people just arrived a few days ago and took my measurements.
Natalie had chosen it.
Natalie.
I had learned her name the first and the last time I saw her…when she followed me to the bathroom.
That day, she had barely helped, just stood a bit off, while I puked my guts out. Then, I saw her making out with Silas.
I had no illusions about the exclusivity of our agreement. But, it was still a shock for me. She didn't seem embarrassed or shocked about it.
Lily’s excited squeal drew me back to the room.
“Oh my gosh, Vera. You look beautiful,” she gushed as soon as she walked into the dressing room.
I managed to curve my lips into what I hoped could pass for a smile.
She was already dressed and ready.
Her hair was arranged into a soft braid over one shoulder, and her dress was pale blue, modest, flowing. She looked breathtaking. Colour had returned to her cheeks, and she looked healthier than she had a few weeks ago.
She stopped beside my chair, her smile widening.
“I'm really happy for you,” she said, reaching for my hand.
“Thank you, Lily. I'm glad that you're happy,” I replied, squeezing her hand. “That's all that matters.”
She smiled. “I bet your dress is going to be stunning, but don't get too comfortable. I’m going to be the most beautiful bride when it’s my turn.”
I laughed lightly. “Oh, I don’t doubt that at all.”
Lily beamed, clearly pleased.
I nodded. “You will be,” I said, my voice steady even as my chest felt tight. “Without question.”
The door opened not long after, and Cherry walked in. She was dressed in a deep emerald gown that contrasted beautifully with her red hair, simple yet sharp, her makeup restrained but precise.
She stopped just inside the room, her gaze sweeping over me slowly, carefully, taking in the dress, the hair, the quiet tension humming beneath the surface.
She saw everything.
Her expression was solemn, stripped of its usual sharp humor.
“Hey,” she said gently.
“Hey,” I replied.
Lily called over one of the assistants to fix her makeup, settling in the chair beside me.
Cherry walked closer, lowering her voice.
“How are—Are you sure about this, Vee?”
Her eyes flicked briefly to Lily, then back to me. Concern heavy in her gaze.
I didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
Something akin to disappointment flashed in her eyes. She studied my face, searching for cracks, for any doubt I might be hiding.
“You don’t have to do this today. Or ever. You know that, right?” she held my hands.
“I do,” I said softly. “But I’m doing it anyway. I won't change my mind,” I added firmly.
Her lips pressed together. She nodded once, reluctantly. “Okay.”
She let go of my hands and reached into the bag she carried and pulled out a small container.
“I brought food,” she said. “Something light. Please try to eat. For you. And the baby.”
The word landed heavier than I expected. In between all the nerves and tension, I had forgotten to grab a bite all day.
“Thank you, Cher.”
She replied with a smile, handing me the container.
I took a few small bites under her watchful eye, forcing myself to swallow despite the knot in my throat.
Even if I didn't want to, I had to eat because of the baby.
Cherry only relaxed once she was satisfied I wouldn’t faint before the ceremony.
When I was done eating, Lily came over with one of the assistants carrying the dress hanger.
“Time for the dress, Vera,” she squealed.
She paused when she saw the food container, a frown appearing between her brows. “Did you just eat that?”
“Just a bite… for the baby.”
Her face crumpled, displeased. “Good God, Vera. What if the dress doesn't fit? You’re already getting a bit fat—”
“Lily!” Cherry chastised, pissed.
“It's okay, Cherry.” I turned to Lily. “Don't worry about that. The dress should still fit. I barely eat much.”
Lily nodded, looking apologetic.
“I’m sorry Vera. I was just worried that something may go wrong,” she said quietly. “It's your wedding day, after all.”
I smiled. “I know. I’m not mad.”
Cherry folded her arms, watching silently, unimpressed.
The dress itself was elegant in a sharp and attention grabbing way. Clean lines. Silhouettes. Expensive fabric. A bit dramatic.
It was beautiful. But not my style.
“You chose that dress?” Cherry asked, tone almost incredulous. “It isn’t… your style. Why this one?”
I bit my lip.
“I wanted something… simple,” I replied carefully, keeping my voice even.
Her brows drew together. “This doesn't look like it? Hmm.” She stared at me. “Did you pick this?”
I shook my head.
“Natalie,” I said quietly.
She raised an unimpressed brow. “Natalie? And who, exactly, is she?”
“She works for Silas,” I said softly, keeping my eyes lowered. “His friend.”
Cherry hummed, displeased, but said nothing more.
Lily giggled nervously, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
“The dress is not that bad.”
Cherry’s attention shifted briefly to her. “I never said it was. It's just not something that your sister would choose for her wedding dress.”
“It's fine,” I intervened. “It's just a dress. I'm more than grateful that you're both here. That's all that matters.”
I gave them both a faint smile, thankful for their presence, for their words. They grounded me…just barely.
The assistants helped me into the silk fabric, smoothing it down, adjusting the hem, cinching the waist.
The material was cool against my skin, hugging me in places that felt oddly intimate, unfamiliar. I wasn’t used to wearing things like that.
I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and I couldn't recognise the person staring back at me.
Polished, elegant, controlled. Looking every inch a bride… Silas Rutherford's bride…but not me.
Lily gasped softly. “Vera… you look amazing.” Her hands fluttered near her chest, almost in disbelief.
Cherry’s arms crossed again, unimpressed. “Yeah, you look good. But… not you. That’s all I’m saying.”
I ignored her tone, concentrating on steadying my breath.
The ceremony itself was small. Private. Intimate in a way that felt deliberate rather than warm.
No grand audience. Only those who needed to be there.
As the music began, I took my first step forward on unsteady legs. My hands gripping the bouquet of lilies like a death grip.
My gaze lifted as I walked.
The room quieted as I walked down the aisle. The music was low and steady, guiding each step.
I noticed the familiar faces of Chauncey and Lucas among the handful of guests.
Chauncey’s expression was solemn; his small nod at me was brief, almost imperceptible. My lips barely raised a smile.
Lucas’s polite smile and courteous nod held the faintest warmth, and I hoped that once again the slight lifting of my lips looked like a smile.
And then Natalie.
She stood near the front, her arms folded lightly across her chest, her gaze sharp and calculating. I could never tell what she was thinking from her unreadable face.
It was neither harsh nor friendly.
But I knew not to ever get in her way.
My breath shortened, and my head snapped forward, refusing to linger in her direction.
Anxiety prickled in my chest, but I forced myself to move forward.
At the end of the aisle, Silas waited.
Tall, poised, his expression calm and correct. No softness. Only presence.
When I arrived close to him, his hand went to the small of my back. His grip was comforting, or soft.
It was cold, protective, almost possessive, but in a way that didn’t comfort…it controlled.
Soon the vows began. But I was so nervous, I zoned out.
“...I'll provide for you and protect you…” his vows floated into my dense mind.
The words were cold and transactional, the reality of it leaving no room for doubt about what this truly is.
When it was my turn to reply to the officiant, I couldn't answer immediately.
Silas eyes locked on mine for a fleeting second, assessing, almost impatient, and I barely managed to hold my posture and my breathing in check.
“I do,” I replied in a surprisingly steady voice.
Even the officiant seemed to release a breath of relief.
His voice echoed lightly in the room.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
It was done.
I am now married.
I was now Silas Rutherford's wife.
The officiant took a step back.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
My heart lurched.
Silas completely closed the small space between us, drawing me closer to him, his hands brushing against mine, then tightened slightly at my waist.
His gaze held mine steadily, shining with intent…without blinking, and I saw it in his eyes—
He was going to do it.