Celine looked at herself in the mirror and nodded negatively. It's one week to her sister's wedding and she has been the one taking care of everything. Unfortunately she can't complain to anyone as she is the eldest and it's her responsibility to take care of her sister.
She had Dark circles below her eyes, a clear indication that she hasn't had enough sleep for a while. Tonight is the meeting night or let's say introduction as the two couples were going to meet for the first time.
Till now Celestine hadn't arrived and this worried Celine as it would cost their family a lot if she doesn't show up. She may be treated differently but she still loves the family and wants the best for them. A knock that was planted on her door jerked her from her thoughts. 'The door is open,' she said calmly without turning.
Mrs Laura pushed the door gently and entered the room. 'Is everything ready? The visitors should find everything in order,' Laura stated sitting on the edge of the bed. 'Yes, everything is ready. I just wanted to lay down a bit before evening,' Celine told her mom. 'Before you lay down I want to talk to you about something very important, have a sit,' she patted beside and Celine obliged. 'What is it mum?' she asked calmly.
This has always been her, the calm and kind girl of the family. Always puts others first before herself. 'Celine, you know you are our first daughter and our pride. We love you so much and thank you for always standing in the gap for the family. Right now Celestine can't make it and I'm here to beg you to stand in the gap for her. Please you are our only hope, if we back out our family would be in ruins,' Laura begged holding her hands together.
The whole night they had been talking about this issue. There are so many things surrounding this decision. They can't allow their daughter get married to someone like Jeremy. Despite him being a billionaire and a heir, he is still a well known playboy. In his latest interview he said he got a woman in his heart and when the time comes he will show her to the world.
They won't their daughter to be married to someone who loves someone else though the media won't realize. Their daughter was also engaged with someone and she seemed happy but that didn't mean they could loss all that money. Their job was to get someone else and Celine could do it for the family without questions. 'But I don't know him,' Celine said. 'I know that but it's just for a while. You cab divorce as soon as our family business is back to its feet. Please I know it's too much to ask but you are our only hope,' Laura explained. 'Why is Celestine not coming?' she raised her brows at her.
The question Laura had been avoiding as she didn't have an answer. 'Her exam which was supposed to end yesterday was postponed and she isn't sure if she'll make it on the wedding day,' she formed the lie immediately something she has been doing since her childhood so it wasn't a big deal to her. 'It's just for a while?' Celine asked and she nodded immediately. 'OK I will,' she obliged to her request. 'Thank you so much, I should let your dad know. He was really worried of the loss and even wanted to disown your sister. You can't imagine I long I spent just begging him to reconsider and think of what next to do. You know your sister can't miss her final exam yet this marriage is just planned. What will happen after divorce with no papers to look for a job,' Laura kept on explaining, just in case she thinks of changing her mind she will have more reasons not to. 'You can go talk to him, I'll take my test now,' Celine dismissed her. She was too tired and needed to lay her body down.
Having spent the night looking at what had arrived and what had not, arranging the house after all she was an interior designer with no job yet. She was just working with recommendations and though she didn't earn a lot since she didn't have a job every week but at least she had some savings of her own. Her dream was to start her own interior design company but the money was not yet full. 'I was so worried and forgot to tell you, I checked the dinning and it's wow,' Laura commented making her smile.
it's the first time they complimented her work and she felt accomplished and proud like she had grown two heads or maybe wings. She was on the skies. 'Thanks mum,' she grinned. 'Have your rest, I'll wake you up when the dress arrives,' Laura patted her back and walked away.
Laura locked the door behind her and released the breath she had been holding, she made a silent prayer before walking to the study room where her husband, Charles was. 'Did she accept?' was the first question Charles asked when he felt someone enter the room.
He didn't need a prophet to know who was in the room as Celine rarely enters the study. It's either she's in her room, the garden, the kitchen or watching the television downstairs. 'She did and it wasn't even hard convincing her,' Laura smirked. 'What did you tell her?' Charles asked. 'Just a small lie that's all,' she answered casually like it was nothing to her. 'This deserves a drink,' Charles smirked and walked out. After Laura left Celine laid on the bed facing the ceiling but she couldn't get any sleep. She took the chain on her neck in her hand caressed it. She can't tell where she got it from but deep down she feels like it holds so much meaning. She woke up there years ago on a hospital bed with this family and she can't recall her past nor what happened to her and the only thing she got was the chain. It was a pendant necklace and though it was old it was still precious and shiny.
She has tried remembering but she ends up with a chronic headache that makes her get admitted. 'I wish I can recall my past,' she mutters calmly standing up since she couldn't sleep.
She pulled the draw beside her bed and removed her diary. Where she writes her experiences, painful or happy moments. She also got some of her nightmares and imaginations which the doctor said may be from her past. 'Dear diary, I know getting married is not part of my plan right now but I have to do it for my family. It's just for a while as I wait for my Prince Charming,' she wrote down and returned the diary in the drawer.
She heard movements outside her room and she jumped on her bed pretending to be asleep. 'She's asleep, just place the clothe there once she's awake you can come and help her prepare,' she heard her mom's voice. 'As for you place the food on the table, she'll eat later,' her mom said again.
She wanted to open her eyes to confirm she wasn't dreaming, it's to first time her mom has been kind to anyone and it surprises her. They all walked out and she opened her eyes.
That evening...
Celine sat in front of the mirror not recognizing herself. The artist had done magic on her, hiding the dark circles and the dress made her look like a princess. She never knew she was this beautiful. 'Are you done? The visitors are here,' Laura said nervously entering the room. 'I'm done,' the artist announced with a smile. 'You look nice, princess,' Laura complimented not believing her eyes. 'Thanks mum,' she answered. 'The visitors are here, let's go,' Laura told her. 'Sure thing, I'm behind you,' this got Laura as she thought that maybe she had changed her mind. 'Wait a moment, add this,' the artist handed her a big necklace enough to hide her pendant. 'Thanks,' she said to her. 'You can go,' Laura dismissed the artist. 'Don't change your mind, they are already here,' Laura pleaded with her. 'I'm not changing. I'm just nervous don't worry,' Celine smiled at her and she sighed with relief. 'I'm waiting for you at the door,' she said and Celine nodded.
She walked to the window and stared at the garden only to spot a figure seated on the bench. Due to fear she closed the curtains and followed her mom.
