That same evening after her visit to the orphanage, Elena arrived home to the happy chattering Juliet and her daughter, they seemed to be in a very good mood, Elena was a hundred percent sure it was all because of her.
When they noticed her presence, the mother and daughter giggled.
"Here comes the most unfortunate bride." Cassy mocked.
Elena wondered how foolish they both could be, did they think she would have agreed to marry Jason had he been any less of a man?
"Very unfortunate indeed,but not to worry, Mr Lucien would definitely take good care of you, while you're married to his 'son'." Juliet added with a feigned bitter expression.
Cassy laughed loudly. "Oh my God!! I'm so jealous of you, Elena! I can't wait for tomorrow, I really want to see how the fool looks!."
Elena shook her head. "Then I'm sorry to disappoint you, father and Mr Lucien are the only ones invited as witnesses, the both of you will definitely not be allowed in!."
When she finished, the mother and daughter paused before bursting into another fit of laughter. The chuckled till tears dropped down from their eyes.
"You're just so funny, if I can get your father to marry you off to lucien's son, how would I not be able to witness such a scrab wedding?" Juliet flaunted her power, sooner than she should have.
Elena concluded that it was a waste of time talking to them so she walked to her room without paying any attention to them.
She was quite anxious, so it was better she forced herself to sleep early so that she would not be late for her own wedding.
Very early the next day, Elena woke up to the sound of the annoying alarm.
She sat up bitterly, contemplating if she would go back to bed. Wait!! She remembered something with a pause, it was her wedding day! She ran to the bathroom flinging the blanket away.
Elena slipped into her white sleeveless dress, the one she kept in the huge drawer, it had simple yet elegant lines skimming her figure. She smoothed the fabric, a soft hush against her skin. No fuss, no frills – fit for a low-key civil ceremony at the bureau. The dress's clean lines emphasized her shoulders, and the subtle V-neck added a touch of sophistication. A pair of understated pearl earrings were the only adornment she needed.
She turned to makeup – light touches. Nude lips, subtle eyes. A hint of blush brought warmth to her cheeks. Natural glow.
For hair... she opted for loose curls. Effortless. Romantic. A few strands framed her face, softening her features. She pinned a single white flower – a gardenia – into her hair on one side. Simple. Elegant.
She then slipped into a strapless silver shoe.
In the mirror, she looked... at ...herself. Composed. Ready.
A glance at the clock. Time.
She held a silver purse as she walked down the stairs. She noticed that her stepmother had a bitter look on her face.
Cassy was sitting across her with likewise expression. But her eyes lit up in a sneer as soon as she saw her.
"I see you dressed up pretty well for you misfortune!" Cassy said wanted to continue the previous day's mockery, but Elena had promised herself that she would let nothing disturb her that day.
Juliet also looked at her, her eyes burnt with hatred.
Elena looked around. He father was no where to be found. She shook her head.
"I see dad must have told you guys the news, you don't have to worry, I've plenty of time to introduce you to him isn the future, no need to be sad, with that , she walked out of the house gleefully.