Chapter 6 6

Nora’s POV

I stared in disbelief at his retreating figure, my voice stuck in my throat.

His departure was quickly noticed by everyone, and seeing that he left his bride behind, whispers erupted. I dared to glance at the crowd but flinched at their expressions. Some looks were filled with pity, some confusion, while others were mockery.

I felt like running away, but I knew it wasn’t possible. I couldn’t leave through the front door either because then, I would be faced with Julian again.

As the whispers continued to get louder, I couldn’t take it anymore; I fled through the back door.

As the cool air caressed my face, I dared to calm down. Taking deep breaths, I slid down the wall, ignoring the enormous gown I was wearing.

For a moment, I felt bad for the dress.

It was a very beautiful dress that glistened under the morning sun. Little diamond-like stones were scattered all over the dress, making it look even more magical.

I didn’t deserve to wear it.

I didn’t deserve to be forced into a marriage that I knew nothing about. Even though I always knew Aria was getting married soon, I was never included in their plans. I didn’t know she was supposed to get married today, nor did I know her fiancé was a cripple, an arrogant one.

I was known as the evil child, the black sheep of the family that wreaked havoc wherever I went. Growing up, I never experienced love from my parents because it was all directed at Aria, who never failed to rub it in my face.

Seeing that everyone loved her, she tried to maintain that reputation. Even on days when she would get in trouble, I was always the scapegoat. I was always blamed for it, even if it had nothing to do with me.

She was believed to be the angel while I was tagged as the bad luck.

Over time, I chose to avoid them at any given opportunity until I was able to get my own space. I’ve been so hardworking, saving each penny with Silas so I can escape this hellhole one day.

It was all for nothing.

I swallowed a lump in my throat as Silas’s betrayal stung my tired heart.

I wasn’t granted enough time to wallow in self-pity.

A loud clang of heels reached my ears, and I looked up to see Aria. She had a sweet smile on her face.

“Aww, look at you! The most beautiful bride,” she praised. Her lips were stretched in a wide smile, but her eyes had a dark glint that I recognized all too well.

“What do you want?” I asked, looking her over.

She looked as breathtaking as ever, her feminine aura sucking attention as she went.

She had on a beautiful red dress that hugged her body, displaying her round hips and thin waist. Her long brown hair flowed in waves around her.

“Come on, don’t you want to meet with the guests?” she asked sweetly.

“Can you please leave me alone? I believe you have more important people to attend to.” I was already tired of her presence.

“What’s your problem? You should be happy, being that today is your big day. You stole this moment away from me, so the least you can do is enjoy it.” She spat.

“We both know you framed me for this because he’s a cripple. All you could have done is reject the proposal, not pull me down with you. What have I ever done to deserve this level of hate?”

My eyes swelled with tears, but I pushed it down. My eyes were all red and puffy from crying my heart out. All that redness was concealed with heavy makeup, which I didn’t want to ruin.

I hoped to see even a little bit of remorse from her. It wouldn’t change the fact that I was trapped with the devil, but it would ease my pain a little bit.

A moment of silence passed as Aria looked into my eyes. A sad look crossed her eyes before she released a breath. “I’m sorry.” She breathed.

My eyes widened in surprise. Aria has never apologized to me, no matter what she did.

“Really?” I asked, leaning towards her.

“Of course not, you shithead!” She snapped before bursting into fits of laughter. A wave of embarrassment washed over me.

“Do you really think I would apologize to you? You?” She asked between laughs.

The tears I had suppressed earlier came rushing out.

“What have I ever done to deserve this?” I cried, my heart clenching painfully. I never asked to be dragged into this!

“Everything. You’ve committed a heinous crime by barely existing. You wronged me by being my stel sister. You wronged me by sharing the same father with me. You’ve wronged me by being alive! The list keeps going.” She spat, her voice dripping with venom.

My shoulders shook as I cried bitterly.

“I didn’t ask to be born.” I managed to say.

“I don’t care! You will forever be beneath me. You will forever be the scapegoat. You will forever be the hated daughter.” She finished, flinging her long hair behind her shoulders.

She smirked, seeing how hard her words hit me. Over the years, I learned to act tough towards their maltreatment, but now, I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Leave…” I whimpered, holding my chest as I tried to stop crying. Seeing me cry only makes her happy.

“What if I don’t? You should be happy you’re privileged to eat my remnants.” She chuckled at her words. Anger began to swirl in my heart.

“Leave me alone…” I repeated, harder this time. I angrily wiped my tears and stared hard at her. I rose off the floor, brushed my dress, and faced her arrogant face.

“And what would you do if I don’t leave? Fight me? Come on, Nora, you know better than to raise your tone while talking to me.” She taunted, mocking me with her eyes.

I wanted to wipe that smug look off her face so badly that I began charging at her. She didn’t move. She didn’t show any hint of fear, maybe because she knows I’ve never talked back at her, nor have I ever stood up for myself.

I raised my hand as I advanced, ready to smack the grin off her chin. Before I could hit, a voice interrupted.

“What the hell is going on here?”