Elena's POV
The elevator doors glided open with a soft chime, and I stepped out slowly, smoothing the soft folds of my champagne colored reception gown. The dress sparkled subtly beneath the lobby's chandelier light, and with every step, the fabric whispered secrets across the marble floor. My makeup had been redone to match Il dress warmer tones, a golden shimmer that brought out the flecks in my eyes. My lips were glossed in a soft coral, and my lashes curled like whispered promises. I couldn't help but admit, I AM looking so so breathtaking.
I held my breath for a second before descending the final steps. The hotel lobby was filled with floral arrangements, candlelight, and the faint sound of music from outside. And then, I saw him.
Justin.
He stood near the exit, his back straight, hands tucked into his tailored tuxedo pants. His bowtie was sharp, his cufflinks gleaming. And when he turned around to look at me his eyes swept over me with a stillness that made my knees almost buckle. There was no smile, just that ever-present coolness, but something flickered behind those gray eyes.
"You did well today," he said calmly, walking toward me.
My fingers tightened around the beaded clutch I held. "Thank you," I said quietly.
He studied me for a beat longer before nodding. "We can work this out fine if we follow the rules. Appearances matter. People will be watching us. You understand that, right?"
I nodded slowly, my heart drumming. "Yes. I understand."
He gestured toward the exit. "We'll need to dance. A little. A kiss or two. For the cameras. Nothing over the top, but believable."
"Of course," I replied, my voice even, rehearsed.
A stretch limo waited outside, sleek and black, like something out of a dream I never dared to have. The driver opened the door for us. I slid in first, the hem of my dress folding neatly around me, and Justin followed, his scent clean cedar and something darker drifting with him.
The ride to the reception was quiet. We sat with inches of space between us, and yet the silence was charged. Trees blurred by the tinted windows. My fingers rested on my lap, brushing the satin fabric.
And then the limo stopped. The driver stepped out, and the door opened to a flood of lights and camera flashes.
Justin turned to me and offered his hand.
"Ready to be perfect?" he asked, his voice barely above a murmur.
I placed my hand in his. "Always."
We stepped out together, and gasps echoed around the entrance. Guests were already gathered, turned toward us like we were royalty arriving at a gala. Flashbulbs snapped. Phones lifted. Whispers fluttered through the crowd like moths to a flame.
"They look stunning."
"Oh my God, they're perfect together."
"That dress... did you see the way he's looking at her?"
We walked arm in arm into the grand hall. Crystal chandeliers floated above us like stars, and the scent of white roses filled the air. Waiters glided around in crisp uniforms. A soft, instrumental version of a love song played in the background.
When we reached the center of the dance floor, Justin gently released my arm and turned to face me. A string quartet began the first notes of the song we were supposed to dance to chosen by his event coordinator days ago.
He placed one hand at my waist, the other holding my hand in his. I rested my free hand lightly on his shoulder. Our bodies moved slowly, practiced, the rhythm between us hesitant at first. But the moment his hand pressed slightly firmer against my lower back, something in me settled.
He leaned closer, his breath brushing the shell of my ear. "Smile."
I lifted my chin and did.
We spun gently, the world blurring around us. I felt the heat of his palm, the deliberate stillness of his chest, the way he didn't quite look at me but also didn't look away. My heart beat in time with the music soft, steady, and cautious.
Then came the part that turned my stomach into butterflies.
The emcee announced the cake cutting. The massive cake a five-tier masterpiece of white and gold with delicate sugar roses stood beneath a soft spotlight. Justin and I walked toward it, the crowd parting.
He handed me the silver knife, and I placed my hand over his. Together, we sliced through the bottom layer. The crowd applauded.
The catering assistant passed us each a fork and a small plate with a slice of the cake. I prepared to feed him his piece, assuming we'd do the usual polite exchange.
But Justin had other plans.
He picked up a small piece with his fingers and pressed it gently into his own mouth. Then, in one smooth, shocking motion, he leaned toward me and Offered me the bite directly from his mouth.
The entire ballroom gasped, I did too.
I froze for half a second, eyes wide. And then i leaned forward and took the bite.
The room erupted in laughter and cheers.
I felt heat crawl up my cheeks, my heart thudding in disbelief. I pulled back slightly, tasting frosting, and something else I couldn't describe.
Justin's mouth tilted into the smallest, briefest smile.
"That's called commitment," he whispered, before turning to wave at the crowd.
I blinked at him, stunned.
That moment unexpected and strangely intimate unraveled something tight inside me. Something I didn't want to admit had started to grow.
We returned to the table, and guests came one after the other offering congratulations, blessings, toasts. My best friend pulled me aside at one point, squealing over my dress, whispering, "You look like a goddess. I swear, he couldn't take his eyes off you during the vows."
I laughed softly, brushing it off. But in my chest, the flicker of something fragile continued to glow.
Hours passed. The night deepened. Justin kept up the perfect act hand at the small of my back, whispers in my ear for the crowd, a steady presence.
And yet, even in all the pretend, something had started to feel dangerously close to real.
Later, alone in the bridal suite, I stood in front of the mirror, the room quiet now. My reflection stared back at me eyes tired but alive, cheeks still flushed from all the attention.
I touched the place on my lips where his had hovered.
"I didn't cry today," I whispered to my reflection. "And I think... I smiled."
Outside the window, fireworks burst into the sky white, gold, pink celebrating a union that began with a contract but now held something more.
I didn't know what tomorrow would bring. But tonight, I had danced, I had laughed, and I had taken a piece of cake from the lips of the man I married.
And I hadn't flinched.
Maybe... just maybe... I was stronger than I thought. And the game has just begun