Chapter 9
742words
I stood by the window of the Blackwood mansion, watching raindrops form winding patterns on the glass. The sky was gray, as if reflecting my mood.
"Are you ready?" Victoria's voice came from behind me.
She wore a deep gray suit, dignified yet elegant.
"Yes," I turned to face her.
My wedding dress was simple—an ivory sheath with minimal embellishment, just a few subtle pleats at the waist. Victoria had chosen it, and I had no objections. This wasn't a celebration of love, but the signing of a business contract.
"The car is ready," she said. "We should leave."
I nodded and followed her out of the room.
The wedding took place at city hall, with only the necessary witnesses present. No flowers, no music, no vows. Alexander was represented by his private doctor, while I stood alone, listening to the official recite the legal terms of marriage.
When I said "I do," my voice was surprisingly calm.
Victoria signed the documents as Alexander's legal proxy. Then I signed. Three signatures, a few photographs, one contract.
Just like that, I became Mrs. Blackwood.
Back at the mansion, there was a small reception. About fifty guests, all close friends of the Blackwood family and important business partners. They brought gifts and congratulations, but couldn't hide the curiosity and doubt in their eyes.
I stood beside Victoria, smiling, shaking hands, answering the same questions countless times.
"How is Alexander's condition?"
"How did you two meet?"
"What are your plans for the future?"
I responded with the standard answers Victoria had taught me: Alexander was stable; we had met through mutual friends; I would fully support the Blackwood family.
No one believed these words, but everyone pretended to. Those were the rules of high society.
Halfway through the reception, I noticed a familiar figure entering the hall.
Ethan.
He wore a dark blue suit, more formal than usual. His gaze searched the room, finally locking onto me.
My heart raced, but I maintained my composure.
"Excuse me for a moment," I said to the guests I was speaking with, then walked to a relatively quiet corner.
Ethan followed.
"Olivia," his voice was low, "you really did it."
"I said I would."
He shook his head, his eyes a mix of disbelief and something I couldn't identify. "You married a vegetable."
"At least he won't betray me," I repeated the phrase that had become my mantra.
"This isn't a real marriage, you know."
"Oh? And what is a real marriage? Like yours and Sophia's?"
His expression grew complicated. "Sophia... there's been a change."
"What do you mean?"
"The doctors say her condition is better than expected. She might... might have more than six months."
I laughed coldly. "Congratulations. Your wife won't die so soon."
"Olivia, don't be like this," he stepped closer, "I know you still love me."
"How dare you?" My voice was low but full of anger. "Say that at my wedding?"
"Because this isn't a real wedding!" He almost shouted, drawing attention from those nearby. "You married someone who will never wake up!"
"Mr. Ethan Reed."
Victoria's voice came from behind me, calm and authoritative. She walked to our side, wearing a perfect social smile, but her eyes flashed dangerously.
"I don't recall inviting you."
Ethan straightened. "Mrs. Blackwood, I came to congratulate Olivia."
"Did you?" Victoria's smile didn't change, but her voice grew colder. "It sounds more like you came to disturb my new daughter-in-law."
She emphasized "daughter-in-law," as if asserting ownership.
Ethan's face darkened. "Olivia and I have a history."
"History is history," Victoria said. "Now, she is a member of the Blackwood family. If you cannot respect that, I suggest you leave."
Ethan glanced at me, as if waiting for me to say something. But I remained silent.
Finally, he nodded. "I wish you happiness, Olivia."
He turned and left, his posture stiffer than when he arrived.
"Thank you," I said to Victoria.
She looked at me, with an emotion in her eyes I couldn't read. "No need. You're part of the family now. We protect our own."
This was the first time she had acknowledged my position. Though I knew it was just for appearances, I still felt a warmth.
After the reception, the mansion returned to quiet. I went back to my suite, took off my wedding dress, and changed into comfortable loungewear.
Then, I did something I hadn't anticipated.
