DARK MARRIAGE

Alexandria was sitting in front of the dressing table glaring at the mirror, staring at her own reflection for almost an hour now. The ball gown stuck to her chest and then flowed like a flower down her waist. A long piece of net embroidered cloth hung down her bun, and her super glossy makeup shimmered. Her ash blonde hair was tied in a messy bun decorated with some diamonds and pearls. The nude makeup paired with silver eyeshadow and brown lipstick made me look perfect, a perfect bride indeed. Yet, she doesn’t know if what she is doing is right or wrong, whether it’s supposed to be the happiest day of her life or the worst. She can’t believe Alexandria, who used to steal candles from artistry stores, is now dressed up as a perfect bride. Alexandria isn’t happy about marrying the owner and CEO of the biggest company in South Carolina, Mister Dankworth Parody, nor does she feel any kind of hatred. It’s just supposed to be a simple arranged marriage, to begin with. As Alexandria was lost in her thoughts, a manly voice called her name, and she turned around to look at the owner of this soft voice. The six-foot-tall male came and stood behind her while she looked at him through the gigantic mirror. As Alexandria smiled at him, he reciprocated with a charming smile, pressing her shoulders. She sighed and leaned over his chest.

“Nervous?” he questioned with concern laced around his pleasant voice.

Alexandria placed the palm of her hand over his. “A lot,” he turned the chair around to face her.

“My little princess is all grown up. I’m so happy yet disappointed.”

She stood up to face him. “What’s the matter, Aaron? Why do you look so gloomy? Are you sick?” Alexandria began to check his temperature.

“You look so gorgeous, so ethereal… yet you aren’t mine, Alexandria.” She looked at him, speechless.

He soon flashed a warm smile, his puppy smile that could make her pounding heart rest. “What’s up with you, Aaron? Since you came back from Beijing, you’ve seemed and acted so strangely. Is there something you want to tell me?”

“It’s nothing; I just can’t bear to see you leave me so soon. I just… you know, love having you in her life. I just...”

Alexandria placed her index finger over his lips. “I’m not dying, you moron.”

He grabbed her by the shoulders, dangerously close, staring into her soul with those deep eyes. “You won’t die, not while I’m alive. Do you get me, Alexandria?” His voice was so cold and ruthless at that moment.

“Yeah, okay, fine dude, I get it.” Alexandria tried to lighten the mood by chuckling like a silly toddler.

“You are my world, Alexandria. There’s no point in surviving if I can’t breathe the same air as you.”

Aaron Cheng, a popular Chinese model, was her childhood buddy. They grew up together in the outskirts of Beijing, but once Alexandria was in the 11th Grade, her father moved them to South Korea to start his own business in his hometown. Aaron always visited during vacation or if he just missed his dear friend, Alexandria. They both were the perfect definition of soulmates, knowing everything about each other. Aaron’s world revolved around Alexandria, and his safe haven was her home, his warm embrace her sanctuary. They complimented each other so well that people often mistook them for lovers. Though they became busier as they got older, they still talked every day, sending messages and video calls. Everything was smooth until Mr. Kim sent a wedding proposal to her family, and chaos ensued.

“So tell me, how did he seduce a witch like you?” Aaron teased her, and she hit his chest playfully.

“His dad saw me at an award show three months ago. My dad supplies to Parody Industries, so the relationship between the two families strengthened, and Mr. Parody sent the proposal soon after the show. Since then, everything happened so fast; I didn’t even get a chance to decline. Mom said Dankworth is a responsible man. I won’t regret marrying him. So here I am, dressed as a bride, with so much anxiety and fear.”

“Fear? That sounds interesting. What kind of fear, Alexandria?” Aaron asked, worried.

“I mean, I never met him. I’ve known him for five years, maybe more, as we are in the same fashion industry. But he never once looked at me. Technically, we’re business rivals, and there’s always tension between us since we run competing clothing brands. Still, I’ve been more successful than him.”

“If that’s the case, maybe he’s insecure about your success and avoids you, Alexandria” Aaron interrupted.

“I don’t really think so, Aaron. I mean, he came to family dinners at our place few times, but I never had a chance to interact with him. He always gave me the cold shoulder whenever I tried to strike a conversation with him. I don’t know why he’s so distant. I never did anything to make him sour toward me, anyways.”

“Hmmm, so what are you planning? Can we just elope? I’ll take you to my hometown, and we can stay in the hills, watching the beautiful valley and breathing in the fresh breeze. It’s not too late, Alexandria.”

Alexandria slapped him jokingly. “Aaron, please, just stop fooling around. You live like a free bird. How will I ever be your wife? You’re not meant for marriage, dude.” I replied with a wink.

“That’s a lie. If you gave me your hand, I wouldn’t even hesitate to change my life if it meant something to you.”

“What are you talking about?” Alexandria asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Alexandria, you just never really noticed me. You never understood me. Behind this carefree facade is a man who wants to marry his soulmate and start a new journey.”

Alexandria sighed. “You really are high on something, dude. I’ve never heard such mature words from you. I’m telling you to get your head checked; you probably lost some marbles while traveling.”

Alexandria laughed while he sighed in despair. Aaron knew she looked pretty when she laughed like that, and the way he appreciated her unfiltered self always kept her close to him. Over the years, Aaron Cheng was her better half. He did everything to keep her safe and happy. He was her happy pill, though his idea of relationships and marriage was always a concern since he never wanted to settle down or have kids. It just wasn’t on his list or maybe he hadn’t met the girl of his dreams. While the two friends stood there staring at each other with no words, the door opened rashly, and Alexandria saw her mother walking toward them with frustration.

“What’s so funny, Alexandria? Act like a lady now that you’re marrying Dankworth. We hope you give up your childish behavior and become a good wife to him.” her step mother said coldly while eyeing Aaron.

“What’s the rush, Aunt? Aren’t we just 25? Why must my little princess change herself for this cold man? Can’t he cherish her as she is, a beautiful blunder?” Aaron said, smiling at her lovingly.

“Listen, Mister Aaron Cheng, this is not your hometown where you can share your philosophy. This is my home, so stop calling her ‘your little princess’ cause she ain’t. Let me remind you again, she’s going to become someone’s pride, so you better stop lurking around her like a lewd bee. It’s time you grew up and leave your silly childhood behind.”

There was a sly smirk on her mother’s lips as if she’d won a battle. “Mom, why do you act so mean? It’s just Aaron.” Alexandria interrupted.

“You should be quiet and come down before I smack you in front of your guests. I’m waiting by the stairs, so hurry up.” her step mother said, ignoring Aaron entirely as she walked out of the room.

“I’m sorry, Aaron, it’s just that mother...”

“You don’t need to apologize, Alexandria. A man like me isn’t worth praising. I’ll leave now.” He turned, but Alexandria grabbed his wrist.

“Hey, wait, aren’t you going to meet My Husband?” Alexandria asked.

The term ‘my husband’ shattered his soul and a tear drop rolled off his eye. “I suppose my journey with you ends here, my little princess. I wish you luck in your marriage and your new life as a wife. I’ll always wait for you. Come back whenever you feel the world is too harsh and unbearable. Just come back to me, meet me where we last met before you moved to Seoul ten years ago. I’m still, and always will be, waiting by the root of the cherry tree for your return. Farewell Miss Alexandria.”

Alexandria watched Aaron walk away, his footsteps slow and deliberate as though he were carrying the weight of unspoken words. For a moment, a lump formed in her throat. Could he have been serious? Aaron had always been her constant, her anchor in life. Her eyes trailed his retreating figure until he slipped through the door. For a second, she wondered if she should call him back, just one last time. Shaking her head, she turned to the mirror once again, letting the soft candlelight illuminate her face. This wedding, this gown, the rich pearl-encrusted veil that flowed from her shoulders, it all felt surreal, like she was a character in someone else’s story. The weight of expectations settled on her like a second skin, familiar yet foreign. This was her fate now, marrying Kim Dankworth, a man who remained a distant stranger despite the countless family gatherings and business dinners.A knock at the door broke her reverie, and she turned to see her father’s face peeking through. He entered with a tentative smile and walked over, clasping his hands together nervously.

“Alexandria, my beautiful girl,” he began, his voice softer than I’d heard it in a long time. “Look at you. Just… so perfect.” He paused, as if the words were almost too big for his mouth.

“Thank you, Dad. I hope I made you happy. I know how close and Mr. Kim are.” Alexandria replied with a small smile, trying to fight the lump forming in her throat again.

He looked down, his face suddenly serious. “I’m proud to be your father. And I know this marriage may seem sudden, but I’ve spent my life building something here. This union will mean more for our family, more security, and more prosperity for all of us. Thank you for accepting this proposal my daughter.”

There it was, the reminder that this marriage was a contract, a merger of assets and reputations. Alexandria just nodded, biting her lip. “I understand, Dad. This is for the family.”

He squeezed her hand tightly, the rough skin of his palm grounding her in that moment. “I know this isn’t easy for you. But trust me, Dankworth is a good man. His business, his reputation, it’ll support you, care for you.”

Alexandria nodded again, more firmly this time, though her heart felt like it was sinking further with every word. “I trust you, Dad. I know you wouldn’t make a decision like this without thinking it through.”

Just as he was about to respond, they heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Her step mother stepped into the room, her gaze shifting between the two of them before resting on her. “It’s time, Alexandria. The guests are waiting.”

The finality in her words was like a jolt, a spark that ignited something in her. This was real. Alexandria took one last look at her reflection, adjusting the veil with trembling fingers, before following her parents out of the room. As they moved down the grand staircase toward the ballroom, her heart pounded in sync with the heavy drumbeats of the traditional wedding procession music. Alexandria could see the crowd below, a blend of familiar and unfamiliar faces. Relatives, family friends, business associates, and dignitaries, all mingling and sipping champagne under the glittering chandeliers. Her eyes scanned the sea of faces, subconsciously searching for one in particular. But Aaron was gone, vanished like a ghost.

Finally, her gaze landed on him. Dankworth stood at the altar, tall and striking, his suit tailored to perfection, every inch the image of a man in control. His dark eyes bore into her as she approached, unreadable and intense, and for a brief moment, she thought she saw a flicker of something, maybe longing or regret. But it was gone just as quickly, replaced by the stoic expression he always wore. As she reached the altar, her father gave her hand one last squeeze before placing it into Dankworth’s. His grip was firm, strong, and as his fingers intertwined with her, she felt a surge of heat. But it wasn’t a warm, comforting heat; it was like being tethered to something that was just a little too powerful, too overwhelming.

“Thank you for agreeing to this, Alexandria.”

Dankworth’s voice was low, barely above a whisper, yet it held an undertone of command. There was something almost unsettling in the way he spoke, a cool detachment as if he were addressing a business partner rather than his bride. Alexandria nodded, offering a forced smile.

“Of course, Mr. Parody. We both understand the importance of this.”

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “We don’t have to be so formal, Alexandria. Tonight, we become husband and wife, after all.”