Chapter 4
The day of the wedding dawned bright and clear.
Outside, the air was filled with the deafening crackle of firecrackers and the blaring horns of the wedding convoy.
The entire Hall family was swept up in a feverish, electrifying joy.
Trix, dressed in a custom-made dress, moved through the crowd with a glowing face, warmly welcoming each guest.
Sterling, sharp in a suit, stood at the entrance, shaking hands and chatting with all the big shots who came to offer their congratulations.
Damian, looking every bit the prince in his crisp tuxedo and a boutonniere pinned to his chest, was the picture of a groom.
Everything was perfect.
Everyone was there, except for me.
I was nowhere to be found.
Trix paused between greeting guests, her brows furrowing in irritation.
"Where's that girl? Why hasn't she come out yet?" she asked the housekeeper standing nearby.
"I'm not sure, Mrs. Hall. Haven't seen her since this morning," the housekeeper replied.
Trix muttered, struggling to keep her temper in check, "She's probably sulking in her room again, throwing another fit.
"She's getting more and more out of line. After the wedding's over, I'll deal with her!"
Damian overheard her, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face.
"Mom, let her be. Don't let her come out and mess up everyone's mood," he said.
"You're right." Trix nodded, instantly switching to a bright smile as she greeted the next guest. "Today's your big day. Don't let her spoil it."
Just like that, no one mentioned me again.
I was nothing more than a useless ornament in this house, forgotten in some dark corner.
The wedding ceremony was held in the hotel's lavish party hall.
The emcee took the stage, sharing heartfelt blessings, and the room burst into thunderous applause.
Damian and Gillian exchanged rings and sealed it with a tender, loving kiss.
Trix and Sterling sat at the head table, their faces lit up with smiles so big their eyes crinkled with joy, soaking in everyone's well wishes.
This was the proudest moment of their lives.
My soul hovered above the party hall, watching it all play out with cold detachment.
I watched their beaming faces, their laughter echoing as they clinked glasses and celebrated.
Not a single person noticed there was someone missing from the family.
Or maybe, they never really cared at all.
After the wedding, my family returned home, pleasantly buzzed from the festivities.
The house was still in cheerful disarray, evidence of the celebration lingering everywhere.
The moment Trix stepped inside, I popped back into her thoughts.
The wedding had gone perfectly, and she was in a great mood, but her annoyance with me hadn't lessened in the slightest.
"Prunella has really gone too far. She was missing all day and not even showing up for her brother's wedding. Does she even care about us anymore?" Trix snapped.
Trix grew more furious with every word, marching up to my door and pounding on it with all her strength.
"Prunella, get out of here right now. You think you can hide in there and everything will be fine? Let me tell you. This isn't over!" she yelled.
Inside, there was nothing but dead silence.
Trix scoffed, "Still playing dead? Alright, if you're so brave, why don't you stay in there for the rest of your life!"
Sterling frowned, his brows furrowed in frustration. "She's got no respect for anything anymore!"
Damian, rubbing his aching head and sounding annoyed, muttered, "Don't bother with her, Mom. I'm wiped out. I need some sleep."
"No way!" Trix was absolutely furious now. "I'm dragging her out today, and she's going to tell me exactly what her problem is. Is she only happy if this family falls apart?"
She stepped back, raised her foot, and got ready to kick the door right at the lock.