Chapter 4 The Wedding

The morning of the wedding dawned cold and gray, as if the weather itself was reflecting the solemnity of the occasion. Sophia stood in front of the mirror, dressed in a simple white gown that Catherine had picked out months ago. The dress was beautiful, but it felt foreign on her. She wasn't the bride who had been planning this day for months; she was a stand-in, a substitute in a role she never wanted. Her heart pounded as she thought about walking down the aisle, facing Aaron, and pretending that this was real.

When she arrived at the small chapel, she was greeted by a handful of family members and Aaron's close associates. The ceremony was as cold and formal as their arrangement. Aaron stood at the altar, looking devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit, his expression unreadable. As Sophia approached, her heart fluttered with nervousness. She wasn't sure if it was the wedding itself or the fact that Aaron's gaze was fixed on her with such intensity.

The vows were brief, devoid of sentiment. Aaron's voice was steady as he repeated the words, his hand cool and firm as he slid the ring onto her finger. When the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, there was no celebratory kiss, no whispered promises of love. Just a contract fulfilled.