Amister Abbey.
I tightly hold my breath inside, my feet feel nailed to the threshold of the church. The red carpet stretches all the way in, where the groom and the priest are standing. I feel suffocated, as if all my strength has been sucked down into the ground. Every gaze on both sides of the room is fixed on me. The whispers make me more disoriented. My legs tremble, and my head is dizzy. I can see Augustin standing over there, his face full of impatience. No! I cannot do this! I cannot marry Augustin! I have to leave right now! I have to escape this trap immediately!
A firm hand grips my arm, preventing me from collapsing in front of the altar. In the midst of the dizziness, as if I had died, a familiar voice pulled me back from death:
"You’ve got me, my dearest sister."
I opened my eyes, it was David, my younger brother. He has now become a true man, tall and strong, dressed in a stylish tuxedo, replacing my father's duty. I stood up straight and hugged him, and he held my hand tightly, as if to erase the fear that was enveloping me. David turned to look at me. His smile reassured this lost soul. He stepped forward, leading me on the path that had been laid out. It was a short path but full of fear, but his presence made me feel calm in the storm.
"Why did you come?", I asked sincerely. I still thought this would only happen in my wild dreams. But magically, it happened, actually.
"How could I not come to my sister's wedding? No matter who she marries...", David's voice seemed sad, but I felt relieved beyond measure. I felt at ease with him by my side. Like a lifebuoy, his presence had saved my miserable life. And like a resurrection medicine, he whispered softly in my ear:
"Diana and Mom are here too..."
"What about Thena?" I suppress a smile hastily. I do not want Morten's family to think I am really happy. "She was very opposed at first..." David nods his head towards a woman in a light yellow outfit sitting at the end of the bride's row. "But eventually she came around. Thena still asks about you often, you know, after the argument..."
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At this point, I can no longer hide my happiness. I tear up in a smile, and luckily it doesn't ruin my makeup. I quickly wipe away my tears, and at the same time, I arrive at the place to perform the ceremony. I hug David tightly and kiss him on the cheek. I smile at my entire family who is now there. In my heart, I believe they will come, and reality has not proved me wrong. Either way, my family will never abandon me. No matter how naughty I am, I will always be a little baby of the family.
I stand facing Augustin, and the strength of the whole family that is bestowed upon me makes me strong enough to resist his smile. I do not know if he really loves me or if he loves me partly, but I hope he only married me for this body. Only then will I have a reason to sympathise with myself for vowing to save this heart for Enzo.
My mind is confused in the lines of thoughts, judgments, and self-questioning that I don't realise it's time to say my vows. Everyone in the room expects me to complete the wedding ceremony, but I am like a tightrope walker staggering amidst the audience's murmurs. I appear agitated, trying to find a place to hold on. The old priest senses it, immediately reminding me of those solemn vows.
"I... Fiona Lamstrong... solemnly have Augustin Morten to be my lawful husband. I promise to love, honour and obey him in this sacred marriage."
The paper fireworks explode into the air. My eyes widen in awe. My ears are filled with buzzing sounds. Before me, everything seems to move at half-speed. I can see scraps of red and green paper fluttering in the open space. Sunlight creeps through the window and creates long bright streaks on the intricately designed mosaic floor. Dust particles in the London air drift aimlessly like sea foam in the deep ocean. The applause seems eerie and lifeless. Has the ceremony ended? Everything around me has changed in a strange way. Have I gotten married?
"I declare you officially husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!"
Suddenly, everything rushes like water overflowing a cup, and I cannot resist the force of motion. Now everything has returned to normal, and I have sealed my fate with the kiss Augustin placed on my lips.
No longer Fiona Lamstrong. Now, I am Fiona Morten, one of the most worthy women in London.