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“What do you mean?” I ask with a breezy laugh, brushing my hands down my dress to avoid her probing gaze. “I'm getting married, of course.”
“That's not what I'm asking and you know it.”
“What is it then?” I ask, looking at her with a sigh.
“This isn't you, Grace,” Abbie says, her voice mirroring my exasperation. “You're not the kind of person to enter a loveless marriage for money.”
“What kind of person am I then?” I ask with a derisive chuckle. “I guess I'm the kind to get cheated on by the supposed love of her life.”
“I understand you're hurt and confused, Gigi,” she says. “But this doesn't make any sense. A lot could go wrong. What if he hurts you more? What if…”
"What if this is the only chance to take control of my life?" I ask, desperately hoping she'll just hold my hand through this. "You know how much I gave up for Jeff. I couldn't dance anymore because I was busy working to pay his law school fees. What did I get in return? At least I get to walk out of this marriage with a million dollars. Do you know what that can do for our lives, Abbie? I can finally start a dance studio. We can travel the world like we've always planned. We can easily have the life we've always dreamed of.”
“But at what cost?”
“One year is a small price to pay for a lifetime of comfort, Abigail.”
“I’m not talking about your time. I’m talking about your integrity.”
I sigh softly, turning back around to face her. “I know you mean well, Abbie, but can you let this slide? Derek is a good man. I know we don’t know each other well, but we get along. Nothing’s being compromised, least of all my integrity.”
It's true. Ever since that night at his home, he's been a perfect gentleman. Neither of us spoke about the night we met, although I could sense his curiosity. Sometimes, I can feel the intensity of his gaze when he thinks I’m not looking, and I wonder what’s going on in his head. He has a way of making me aware. Of him. Of myself.
At times, I find myself getting curious about him too, but I've reverted so deep into my shell of self-preservation that our interactions are usually tense and conversations kept to the barest minimum. I sometimes feel bad for being so frigid towards him, but it's the only way I can prevent myself from giving in to this overwhelming pain that threatens to swallow me whole.
But how long can I hold on to my shattered pride?
“Are you really sure about this, Gigi?” Abbie finally asks with a resigned sigh.
I'm anything but sure, but I nod my head, giving her what I hope is a reassuring smile. “You worry too much, Abby. I'll be fine.”
It's funny to see her taking on my role. She used to be the more impulsive twin while I was always the voice of reason. It's hard to believe we're twins seeing as we couldn't be any more different, both physically and personality-wise. While Abbie inherited mom's silky brown hair and gracious beauty, I had our Dad's red hair and pale skin. Despite our differences though, we have always been each other's best friend. After Mom and Dad passed, we became even closer, depending on each other to navigate life's hurdles.
Even now, I'm glad she's right here by my side. I don't think I'd be able to do any of this without her.
Suddenly, the instrumental subsides and picks up again on a more solemn note. Here comes the bride.
“That's my cue,” I say to Abbie.
She smiles and takes my hands in her, giving me a quick, reassuring squeeze as she leads me towards the grand doors that lead into the church.
The moment the doors open, everyone turns to look at me. Although there are only a few people in the room, my heart starts to thrum wildly in my chest. I suddenly feel the urge to turn around and run until I'm out of breath, but Abbie's hand on mine keeps me anchored as she leads me down the aisle toward the man who'll be my husband for the next year.
Derek looks handsome as always in a dark suit, standing tall and proud by the pudgy, bright-faced priest. He seems so calm and confident… Like he isn't getting married to a complete stranger.
Annie stops directly in front of him and gently places my hand in his before stepping back to stand a few feet behind me.
An electrifying tingle shoots up my arm as his hand closes over mine. He squeezes my hand gently and smiles. The action feels so intimate and reassuring that for a moment, I find myself getting lost in the endless depths of his gorgeous green eyes.
The priest immediately commences the ceremony, and soon we’re exchanging rings and saying our vows. A feeling of desolation settles in my chest as I recite my vows – empty, practiced words that hold no value, written up by Derek’s lawyer. From the corner of my eye, I see Derek's mother – a gorgeous, distinguished woman – in the front row, smiling brightly even as she wipes tears from her eyes. My stomach clenches with guilt, and I feel bad all over again for deceiving a kind woman like Diana Sawyer. The first time Derek introduced me to her as his fianceé one week ago, she'd genuinely welcomed me, even pulling me in for a motherly hug when we were about to leave her house.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the priest says, his soft voice cutting through the haze in my head. He looks from me to Derek with a satisfied smile. “You may kiss the bride.”
He wraps an arm around my waist and pulls my body against his, then lowers his lips to mine in a brief, impersonal kiss.
Chapter Four
Derek
