Chapter 2 Walking down the aisle
Isla’s POV.
Few minutes later we arrived at the Romano estate. The chaffure opened the door and I stepped out.
It was as luxurious as I expected, but if felt powerful. The structures, it looked old fashioned, but fascinating.
Men on black suits lined the walls, maids walked gracefully in uniforms.
I was welcomed by two maidservants. “Welcome, Madam,” they said, smiling at me like I was a clown.
They showed me in. The walls were decorated with beautiful art works that could buy my whole family for the rest of our lives.
They walked in all the way into a big suite. It was magnificent, it was luxury.
The bed was dressed with black silk mattress, the walls were painted white, and it smelled of roses.
But no matter how beautiful it looked, it felt like a cage. One that I won’t be coming out from any time soon.
The maids left, leaving me inside. I walked around the room, everything was spotless.
For a moment, i wasn’t myself. I kept thinking about how my brother would survive, of how to adjust to my new life.
While I was lost in thoughts, a knock came at the door.
“Come in,” I said, straightening my rumbled jacket.
Maids came in with lines of clothes and jewelries.
“Madam,” a maid said. “These are your dresses for tomorrow’s ceremony.”
The dresses were beautiful. Adorable. I’ve never got to wear anything like this, even while my father’s company was doing well.
I tried them on, they fitted perfectly.
But they didn’t look like clothes on me, they felt like chains, they felt like a cage on me.
The morning sun hit my face through the curtains.
My night in Romano's mansion felt like I was a war soldier waiting for his enemy to attack.
I was far lost in my thoughts when I dozed off.
Today was my wedding to the devil.
My mind and heart were fully prepared. But my body?
It trembled whenever it remembers what would happen today.
Time moved quickly. Dressers and makeup artists moved like ghosts, making sure I looked perfect for the wedding.
I couldn’t stop looking at myself in the mirror. Even when my face looked perfectly naked with makeup, it felt as if I was already the Devil’s bride.
This wasn’t the future I had been fantasising about, since I was little.
The little girl who had always wanted to be treated like Cinderella didn’t matter anymore.
The only thing left of her was a broken girl who was always sacrificed for others.
The only reason I was still strong was because my siblings didn’t deserve this kind of life.
I had to protect them, they deserve to be happy even if it would cause mine.
The walk to the chapel felt like I was a sacrificial lamb led to the altar for sacrifice.
The hallway felt quiet, and the air outside was cold, as it kissed my skin.
My father was already waiting at the door when we got there.
People had already arrived and were waiting. Wine and laughter filled the air.
My father turned immediately when he saw me. “Playing Mrs. Romano fits you so well,” he said, with that disgusting smirk on his face.
“If it wasn’t for your selfish desires, I wouldn’t have been in this cage,” I cut in.
He gave me a cold stare. “Don’t act as if you are not enjoying the benefits, Isla. It’s just a marriage contract. It's not like I’m handing you over to be killed,” he said.
“Putting me here is already death itself,” I bantered back.
“Remember your brother’s life is in my hands. Don’t cause me any trouble. All you need to do is to be the perfect wife,” he said, smirking.
Those words hurt more than anything. Iris was the only reason holding me back.
“Don’t be too proud. Smile when you get the opportunity because it won’t be lasting for long,” I said, in a low voice.
He led me toward the aisle. When the doors opened, he was there.
Dante Romano. Dressed in a crimson suit, standing like a god.
His face looked unreadable, his eyes looked cold. His dark hair slid back.
The ruthless twin Don of the Romano empire that no one dared to cross and come out alive.
My legs almost gave out while I walked down the aisle beside my father.
If merely seeing her would shake my confidence, how was I even supposed to survive this marriage?
The officiant began the ceremony. We both stood like statues on the stage.
I could hear people whisper. “How lucky is she, getting married to the Don.”
“I bet she wouldn’t survive this marriage,” another said.
“She’s just a tool for her father’s success,” another said.
I didn’t give in to anything they were saying. All I wanted was to finish the ceremony and leave.
“Do you Isla, take this man as your lawful husband…?”
I hesitated. I turned to look at Iris sitting at the back roll, and Josie standing beside the door, and at my father who was smiling at me.
What would happen if I said no, and decided to walk away?
I shouldn’t be selfish, but why didn’t I get to choose?
My father gave me a smirk, holding Iris’s hand.
I’ve got no other choice. This was the only way to keep them safe.
I took a deep breath. “I do..” I said, with a trembling voice.
The officiant turned at Dante. “Do you take Isla…”
“I do,” he said, with hesitation. He said it without warmth or passion.
Like he just wanted the ceremony to be over. As if I didn't even matter.
We exchanged rings. When he was asked to kiss the bride, he just touched my cheek and walked away.
I was left alone on the stage, all by myself. People murmured.
My stomach sank. I was wishing that the ground would open and I’d be swallowed whole.
While I was walking toward the dressing room to get a grip of the humiliation I just received at the stage, I heard noises of people talking inside.
It sounded like my father’s voice. He was having a conversation with someone.
“Why did you change the bride?” The other voice said, tensely.
My heart sank. Changed the bride!? Who was supposed to be the bride if it wasn’t me?
“Mr. Romano, I’m so sorry… I had to send my older daughter… she…”
“Do you take me for a fool? We had an agreement. You trade your younger daughter, we clear your company from bankruptcy…”
I wasn’t even the supposed bride… if I wasn’t the bride… then who’s the bride.
Josie?
