Facade

Chapter 31

    I stood in front of a mirror, staring at reflection. I looked beautiful. With my makeup flawless, my hair in curls beneath a veil, and my gorgeous white gown, I looked stunning. This was how you should look on your wedding day, but I knew the way I felt wasn't the way you should feel.

    I felt terrible. My brain and my heart were screaming that I was about to make the worst decision ever, yet I stood ready to get married to Philip. Dolled up and wearing a luxurious gown, I was a bride who would be married in about an hour. The idea was unreal.

    Staring at myself, something twisted at my heart at the thought of Alex. I hadn't seen him since he told me the truth, and I knew I would never see him again. I would never see the boy I loved and the thought was painful. So painful, tears pooled into my eyes.

    "Diana!" I heard Mother suddenly exclaim, surprising me. "You look beautiful."

    I whirled to face her with my bottom lip quivered, feeling overwhelmed. I felt like crying and became embarrassed, knowing I couldn't cry in front of her. Too bad she noticed because she frowned as she walked up to me.

    "What's wrong, Diana?" Mother asked, taking both my hands in hers. "Why don't you look happy on your wedding day?"

    "Nothing," I lied. "Well, I can't help but feel like I'm too young to get married."

    "You're never too young to help everyone." Mother gave me one of her rare smiles. "You're helping me and the townspeople."

    I knew that and that was the only reason why I didn't break down. Knowing I was going to help the people I cared about, I knew that even if I wasn't happy at least they would be. That was all that kept me motivated.

    "Philip will be good for you," Mother said, squeezing my hands. "He'll be good for everyone."

    At the mention of Philip, I couldn't help but scowl. There wasn't a time where Philip didn't make me feel unpleasant, and once again I felt like breaking down. I couldn't believe I was about to ruin my life by marrying the man I hated.

    "Diana," Mother said, suddenly sounding annoyed. "You're a good person. You will sacrifice your happiness for others."

    Although I usually liked being known as a good person, the way Mother spoke those words made me frown. I couldn't help but wonder if it shouldn't be her who made the sacrifices. Shouldn't she want me to be happy instead of others? Maybe she was trying to be selfless, but I couldn't help but wonder if Mother truly cared about me. If she even felt sorry for making me marry Philip.

    "Do you ever feel sorry for me?" I couldn't help but ask.

   "No," Mother answered immediately. "I don't because you have made me suffer for years."

   My eyes went wide at those words. I watched as Mother dropped my hands and walked off, leaving me alone in the dressing room. She wore a furious expression and it left me hurt.

   I knew Mother was talking about being a prostitute, but I wondered why it was my fault. Why I was I the one who had made her suffer, even though I had been unaware all these years? Feeling my heart ache, I seriously began to question what I would do. After realizing Mother was still cruel, I wondered why I was marrying Philip for her.