Chapter 4
Hannah had changed into her attire, her face beaming with smiles as she mingled with the guests.
Only Milana was hiding in the crowd, her expression so sour that it looked like she could bite someone.
I sat in the room, dressed in a vibrant wedding dress with a veil over my head, waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Cara was beside me, helping me with my dress.
"Miss, we're about to head out," Cara said, her voice trembling. "Miss, please... take care of yourself."
I glanced at her through a gap in my veil.
"Just stay in the house and keep out of trouble," I said quietly.
Cara nodded. "Miss, rest assured. I'll be here, waiting for your return."
I didn't say anything.
Come back?
I never once thought about coming back.
The matron came in to urge me.
"Miss, it's time to step out," she called.
I stood up.
Cara gently supported me as we walked out together.
The main hall of the Nicholson mansion was packed with guests.
Everyone was staring at me.
I could hear people whispering.
"I heard something happened to the Crown Prince..."
"Who knows if marrying him is a blessing or a curse..."
"Looks like the Nicholson family is pushing their illegitimate daughter into the spotlight, making her stand in for the real heiress..."
I acted like I didn't hear any of it.
Zachary walked over.
"Vivienne, you're about to get married," he said. "When you arrive at the Crown Prince's Palace, remember to take good care of the Crown Prince.
"The reputation of the Nicholson family is in your hands now."
I looked at him through the slit in my veil.
He never cared about me—not once.
To him, I was just a pawn he could throw away whenever he pleased.
"Don't worry, Father. I know my duty," I said.
My voice was calm.
Zachary nodded in satisfaction.
Hannah walked over and pressed a small pouch into my hand.
"I prepared this for you. Have something to eat on the way," she said.
I took it and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Inside were a few snacks.
I smiled.
What a hypocrite.
"Thank you, Mrs. Nicholson," I said.
Milana stood off to the side, watching me from a distance.
Her gaze was a tangled mess of emotions.
There was jealousy, relief, and a hint of schadenfreude all mixed together.
I met Milana's gaze from across the room.
Even through the red veil, I stared at her, unblinking.
She suddenly shivered and quickly looked away, unable to meet my eyes.
The sound of fireworks exploded outside, echoing through the halls.
It was time for me to leave.
Cara supported me as I stepped out of the Nicholson mansion.
Outside, a sedan was waiting for me.
This was the kind of honor reserved for the Crown Princess.
I climbed into the sedan.
The curtain dropped, shutting out the world behind me.
As the fireworks thundered outside, my journey as the Crown Princess began.
I peeked through the gap in the sedan curtain, taking one last look at the Nicholson mansion.
That place had been my prison for fifteen years.
From today on, I would never set foot in there again.
The sedan made its way toward the palace.
The streets were buzzing with excitement the whole way.
People poured out of their homes just to catch a glimpse.
"Look, it's the Crown Princess."
"I heard she's the legitimate daughter from the Nicholson mansion..."
"Poor thing, the Crown Prince is in such a state now..."
As I listened to the chatter outside, a faint smile tugged at my lips.
Poor?
I had never thought of myself as pitiful.
The sedan passed through the palace gates.
Inside, it was much quieter than the bustling streets outside.
I heard the voice of a servant echoing through the halls.
"The Crown Princess has arrived," he announced.
The sedan came to a halt.
Someone pulled back the curtain.
"Your Highness, please step out," a servant called respectfully.
I was helped out of the sedan, steadying myself as I set foot inside the palace.
As soon as my feet touched the ground, I knew it.
From this moment on, my life would never be the same.
Up ahead was the Crown Prince's Palace.
That was where I would go through the wedding ceremony and officially become the Crown Princess.
I took a shaky breath, steadying myself.
Then, I lifted my foot and walked forward, ready to face my new life.
As I stepped through the grand gates of the Crown Prince's Palace, the sound of ceremonial music drifted out to greet me.
The priest raised his voice, announcing the start of the ritual.
He said, "Let us begin by invoking the blessings of the heavens and the earth."
I bowed.
"Now, we ask you to honor your parents and the family that raised you."
I bowed again.
"Finally, exchange your vows with each other, pledging your love and commitment."
I turned around.
Standing across from me was a man.
He was dressed in a striking suit, a ceremonial crown resting on his head.
This was Jasper Hamilton—the Crown Prince everyone whispered about—the one rumored to be nothing but a cripple now.
I couldn't make out his face through the red veil.
But I could feel his gaze fixed on me, just as mine was on him.
We exchanged out vows with each other, pledging our love and commitment.
"The ceremony is complete," the priest said.
I was gently guided toward the bridal suite.
The wedding chamber was set inside the Crown Prince's Palace.
Inside, festive decorations filled the room, radiating joy everywhere.
Cara helped me sit down at the edge of the bed.
Then, everyone quietly slipped out of the room.
Now, it was just me and Jasper—alone together at last.
I heard footsteps approaching, growing louder in the quiet room.
Then, someone gently lifted my red veil.
The veil slipped from my head, fluttering softly to the floor.
I raised my head, finally meeting Jasper's gaze for the first time.
For the first time, I got a clear look at Jasper.
He was young—maybe 21 or 22, barely older than me.
His features were striking, almost too perfect, with sharp brows and eyes that looked like they belonged in a painting.
The only flaw was the paleness of his skin.
It must be from the fall—his body still hadn't fully recovered.
Jasper was watching me too.