Chapter 15 Wedding
The wedding took place three days later.
Early that morning, a makeup artist sent by Ajax attended to Penelope.
Sitting before the mirror, Penelope remained still, gazing at her reflection. Her dark hair was elegantly styled atop her head, and she wore a luxurious Eldrican-style snow-white wedding gown.
It was a rare occasion for her to wear makeup, especially for such a grand event.
The Grimwalds had spent a large sum to hire the makeup artist, who spared no effort in transforming Penelope's appearance.
"Ms. Vilehart, you look absolutely stunning! Mr. Grimwald clearly cares so much about you. This dress is gorgeous!" the makeup artist exclaimed as she adjusted Penelope's hairpiece, admiring the gown. "You are truly fortunate!"
The wedding dress was dazzling, with small puffed sleeves accentuating Penelope's fair arms.
The low-cut, form-fitting bodice hugged her curves, while the long skirt cascaded gracefully to the floor, making her appear like a princess from a fairytale—pure and sweet, yet with a touch of sensuality.
But Penelope's heart felt bitter. She had received this elegant, perfectly fitted gown, embellished with small diamonds, only the day before. She didn't even know who had chosen it for her.
More importantly, she was merely a substitute bride. The word "happiness" had no place in her life.
When she had received the gown, she asked Nestor whether it might be too extravagant.
Nestor's response had been clumsy but honest: "Mr. Grimwald said if Mrs. Grimwald looks shabby, it will embarrass the Grimwald family."
Ajax was indeed domineering, and his chauvinism was undeniable.
"Poppy, you look so beautiful like this!" came the voice of Lana, who had just entered, her eyes wide with amazement.
As one of Penelope's close friends, Lana had also received an invitation from the Grimwalds. She had come as part of Penelope's bridesmaid team.
Though Lana had been intimidated by Ajax's sternness during their last meeting, she had gathered the strength to be there for her friend.
"Lana..." Penelope finally smiled.
"Wow…" Lana's face lit up with joy as she leaned on Penelope's shoulder, both of them gazing at her reflection in the mirror. "Penelope, I'm sure you'll find happiness. Ajax will definitely be captivated by how beautiful you are."
Whether Ajax would be captivated or not, Penelope no longer cared. After all, she had already been...
Just as she finished getting ready and began preparing to head downstairs with the help of a maid for the wedding, an unexpected voice cut through the air. "Penelope, you vixen! Stealing my daughter's fiancé, and now you still have the nerve to be here, getting dressed up!"
Suddenly, a middle-aged woman in blue, slightly plump, burst into the Vilehart family's hall.
Upon seeing Penelope in her glamorous attire, the woman immediately began hurling accusations. "You shameless woman! I've always suspected your motives, and now I see I was right! You tricked my daughter into leaving, making everyone believe she was gone!
"This is your scheme! You've always had your eyes on Ajax, and now you want to take my daughter's place!"
Penelope's face turned pale at the sight of Felicia Cuntro.
"Mrs. Fetter, w-what are you doing here?" she stammered.
"What, can't I come?" Felicia sneered, holding a leather handbag with an air of arrogance as she stood before them. "Penelope, you've stolen the honor that should've belonged to my daughter. Now, I'm going to expose your true nature to everyone!"
As she spoke, several middle-aged men entered the hall—uncles of Valeria.
To Penelope's surprise, even a few neighbors from the area had been invited.
"Oh no!" Lana gasped, covering her mouth in shock.
The wedding already had a tense, oppressive atmosphere, but now these people were storming in with a clear intent to cause trouble.
Things were about to get messy!