shuhaige
Congratulations
Letta gazed at her reflection in the large mirror in front of her. She was wearing a white dress that clung to her body. Letta kept staring, wondering if the reflection in the mirror was really her or not. Her face was adorned with light makeup, yet she didn’t even recognize her own face. Had it really been so long since she last dressed up? Letta tugged at the corner of her lip.
A few years ago, Letta had envisioned her dream wedding with Abian. They planned for a simple ceremony with a few friends in a spacious garden. There wouldn’t be much adornment; just a simple dress with a flower crown. Letta didn’t demand much from Abian. The memory made Letta’s smile fade.
But now, everything was different. The dress that clung to her body, even just the price of it rendered Letta speechless. Even the small hairpin that supported her hair glimmered in the mirror’s reflection. Letta didn’t know the price of all the things she was wearing, even though Marco had said they wouldn’t have a lavish party or be attended by many people. For Letta, everything was far from her plans.
Her reverie was interrupted when someone knocked on her bedroom door. It was Desi, dressed differently from her wedding day. Letta smiled as Desi approached.
“Is Madam ready?” Desi asked, making Letta nod.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
“Well then, let me be the bridesmaid for you,” Desi said, making Letta continue to smile. Of course, there was no one who would want to be her bridesmaid. Her family, even Letta herself, didn’t inform her aunt and cousins. Her biological father was nowhere to be found. Not even a friend, Letta currently had none. It made Letta smile sadly to herself.
“Thank you, Desi,” Letta said, making Desi smile and nod before returning her smile. Letta saw Desi smile like that for the first time. Previously, Desi always had a blank expression that Letta couldn’t read. At least Letta had to be grateful to Desi, even though she wasn’t sure if Desi did it sincerely or just because Marco told her to. Besides Desi, there were a few other female servants who would be her bridesmaids, accompanying her to the altar. Letta took a deep breath. She could certainly stand on her own, even if there was no one to hold onto.
The large door in front of her opened, revealing the backyard that had been transformed into a garden party with a white theme, as Letta had previously imagined. Although somewhat different, at least Letta could slightly imagine that her wish might come true. Letta stepped onto the white carpet amidst the chairs arranged around her. Some of the people present, Letta didn’t even recognize the faces staring at her as she walked. Letta could only stare at the bouquet of flowers she was holding.
Then Letta tried to compose herself, looking at Marco, who was already standing in front of her with a blank expression and a suit matching the dress she was wearing. Letta had never imagined that she would actually marry someone named Marco. Even on their wedding day, Marco never took Letta to meet their extended family. It made Letta wonder whether she should feel fortunate for not having to deal with that wealthy family or feel sorry for herself.
Letta’s thoughts were interrupted when there was a hand reaching out in front of her. Letta looked at Marco, who was also silently looking at her. She reciprocated the gesture, and Marco finally led Letta to stand alongside him at the altar. They uttered sacred vows that would unite them, binding the connection between the two of them. Letta said the vows with a heavy heart, reciting them as she should.
When Marco took Letta’s wrist and slipped on the plain ring with an inscription inside, Letta didn’t have a chance to examine the ring, despite having ordered it last time. Letta’s heart raced as Marco began to lean in. However, when Letta closed her eyes, she felt Marco’s kiss on her cheek, not where it was supposed to be. Letta immediately looked at Marco, who was looking at her with raised eyebrows, full of confusion.
“Congratulations,” Marco said, leaving Letta momentarily speechless. Was he giving congratulations for his own wedding? Letta thought. Applause from the guests caught Letta’s attention, allowing her to finally see some of the guests from the altar. She didn’t recognize most of them, perhaps only 15 to 20 people in attendance. Letta moved closer to Marco.
“I don’t recognize all of them. Are they your friends or your family?” Letta asked, making Marco look at her with his head slightly bowed. Marco felt a little disturbed by Letta’s puzzled expression. The guests in attendance were Marco’s family and people he considered important to be present at their wedding.
“You’ll know once we get off the altar. They’ll each come to greet us,” Marco said, making Letta return Marco’s gaze, then nod her head slowly. Marco guided Letta, and the first people to approach them were a married couple who made Letta feel that their aura was almost similar to Marco’s. Especially the middle-aged man with a stern expression like Marco, Letta began to speculate whether they were Marco’s parents.
Unconsciously, Letta gripped Marco’s arm quite tightly, and Marco became aware of it. “They won’t bite, they’ll just be as firm as I am. So, just relax. Aren’t you used to dealing with me?” Marco said, making Letta look at him with raised eyebrows. Of course, Letta couldn’t compare herself to Marco’s parents. How could Letta consider them the same, Letta thought, starting to feel anxious as their steps drew closer.