THE BRIDE IS A MAID (ENGLISH VERSION)

CHAPTER 3

KIRSTEN WAS BEING prepared by the makeup artist for the upcoming wedding, she couldn’t help but stare blankly at her reflection in the mirror. Beside her was Lorraine, equally silent and deep in thought as she was being groomed. They weren’t talking to each other, but there was no conflict between them. Both were simply consumed by their thoughts.

Kirsten believed Lorraine had no idea that she had already agreed to their request. Knowing Ice, she was confident he hadn’t informed Lorraine. Ice was someone she knew to be selfish, so she didn’t expect much from him. Kirsten sighed in her seat. As a friend, she felt it was her responsibility to let Lorraine know the truth to ease her burden. That’s what she wanted to achieve.

“L-Lorraine,” Kirsten softly called.

Lorraine looked at her friend in the mirror and gave a faint smile. Kirsten reached out and gently squeezed Lorraine’s arm, hoping to provide some comfort.

“Yup?” Lorraine responded weakly.

“I’ve decided to agree,” Kirsten admitted.

Lorraine gasped, covering her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes. She wanted to cry out in joy but held back. She didn’t want the makeup artists working on them to overhear their conversation. One thing was certain—her heart was overflowing with happiness.

Kirsten sighed again. “Ice—uh, Sir Ice—already knows.”

Lorraine rolled her eyes. “What a jerk. He didn’t even bother to tell me. He just let me cry my eyes out.”

“What else can you expect? The most arrogant and selfish brat in the entire world,” Kirsten said.

“Tin, I owe you my life. Thank you so much. I promise, I’ll make it up to you,” Lorraine said, her face now reflecting genuine happiness.

Kirsten didn’t reply and just refocused on what was happening. As the makeup artist continued working on her, her mind wandered to what might happen next. She could already imagine being judged. Some would be angry, others wouldn’t believe what she had done. She understood—it was wrong, after all. But for the sake of her friend, whose behavior had drastically changed, she would go through with it. It went against her principles, but her conscience wouldn’t allow her to let Ice die—and certainly because of her.

Kirsten was snapped out of her thoughts when the door opened, revealing Lorraine’s father. She chose to ignore him. She had always felt uneasy around him, knowing since childhood that he disapproved of her as a friend for his daughter. But he couldn’t control Lorraine, especially now that she could make her own decisions—except for the marriage, which he had forced by threatening to disinherit her.

“Dad, you’re here,” Lorraine said.

“Of course. I just want to see my princess. You look beautiful, Lorraine. Are you excited to become Mrs. Miranda?” Zeddrick, Lorraine’s father, asked.

“No, Dad. You know I don’t want this... you’re the only one who wants this,” Lorraine boldly replied.

Kirsten glanced at the mirror and saw the change in Zeddrick’s expression. She suspected that, if they weren’t in a room full of people, he would’ve scolded Lorraine out of anger.

Zeddrick sighed. “You’re getting older. Stop being such a brat, Lorraine. Even if your only contribution to us is getting Ice married, that's okay with us.”

Kirsten’s mouth dropped open. She couldn’t believe a father would say such a thing to his own child. Seeing Lorraine’s sad eyes felt like a dagger to her heart.

Kirsten turned to Zeddrick. “Excuse me, Sir. With all due respect, that’s not right. How can you say that? A child doesn’t owe their parents anything. It’s the parents’ duty to care for their child.”

“You don’t know anything about being a parent, young lady. And besides, you don’t have parents who raised you. You didn’t even have a father to guide you. So, I know you don’t understand what fatherly love is. That’s what I’m showing my unica hija,” Zeddrick said seriously.

“Dad! Please... just go!” Lorraine said angrily, turning to Kirsten. “I’m sorry, Tin.”

“Don’t be too kind to her, Lorraine. You don’t know where she comes from. Her mother was nothing but a—”

“D-Dad!” Lorraine shouted.

“Oh, sorry,” Zeddrick said mockingly, laughing. He kissed his daughter. “Bye, my princess.”

After Zeddrick left, Kirsten couldn’t stop the tears streaming down her face. She could tolerate being insulted, but dragging her late mother into it was a different story. As strong as she was, this was her weakness—hearing someone belittle the woman who had loved her unconditionally while she was still alive.

Lorraine shook her head as she looked at her friend, feeling like her father’s insults extended to her as well because she shared his blood.

“Tin, I’m so sorry. I’m horrible. I couldn’t even stop my dad from disrespecting you,” Lorraine said tearfully.

Kirsten didn’t reply and continued crying. The two makeup artists working on them exchanged glances and decided to pause their work.

•••

SEVERAL HOURS LATER, Kirsten and Lorraine’s preparations were complete. Kirsten was the first to step out, but she still seemed lost in thought over what had happened.

As she descended the stairs, her eyes immediately caught sight of Lorraine’s father. She quickly lowered her gaze, unwilling to meet his eyes. She hadn’t forgotten how he had humiliated her earlier.

Walking on, she felt his gaze lingering on her, which made her regret agreeing to her friend’s request to ride together to the church. It wasn’t an idea she liked, but she didn’t want Lorraine to feel bad, so she conceded.

When she reached the living room, her eyes landed on a large framed photo of Lorraine’s family. It included her mother, father, and her older twin brothers—Rose Mario and Rose Leo. Despite her sadness, Kirsten smiled. She was happy for her friend, who had a complete family, but also felt a pang of sorrow for lacking the same.

Zeddrick cleared his throat, catching Kirsten’s attention. She was about to look away, but he spoke.

“You don’t have that—a complete family. You must be envious of my daughter, right?” Zeddrick began.

“Maybe so, sir. It’s normal to feel envy. But I can assure you, it’s the kind without hatred. I envy her family, except for the fact that you’re her father. I’ll wait outside. Please let your princess know,” Kirsten replied, her tone serious.

Zeddrick’s brows furrowed. “It seems Marissa did a better job raising Ice and Snow than your mother did with you.”

“Maybe so, sir. Let’s just agree on that, if only to make you feel better. I don’t want to argue with you since you’re my friend’s father. Even with your attitude since I was a child, I still respect you. I’ll take my leave now, Sir.”

Kirsten turned and started walking away. Somehow, confronting him eased her feelings. Just as she was about to leave the mansion, she ran into Rose Leo, one of Lorraine’s older brothers. He immediately threw an arm around her shoulder and joined her outside.

“Lil’ sister,” Rose Leo greeted.

Kirsten sighed. “I told you not to call me that. It’ll only make your father angrier at me.”

“Why should I care about that arrogant man? He’s just like his favorite, Ice.”

Kirsten laughed. “That’s harsh. You even dragged Sir Ice into it. So, what are you doing here? I assume you’re heading back inside your house. Why tag along with me?”

“Just felt like it. Anyways, you look extra beautiful today,” Rose Leo said, staring at her face.

“I’m broke. Don’t bother flattering me.”

“No flattery here—it’s the truth. Anyways, Mario has been looking for you.”

“W-Where is he?” Kirsten asked, smiling.

“He’s at the church already. He said you were taking too long.”

“That’s mean. But why are you still here?”

“He wants you to ride with me so you’ll be comfortable. He didn’t want you riding with Dad and Lorraine.”

Kirsten smiled warmly. “Mario is so sweet.”

“If he courts you, you better say yes, okay?”

Kirsten’s face scrunched up. “Are you serious? You’re not grossed out by that? Both of you treat me like a little sister, and now you’re teasing me about him? That’s unfair. I only see him as a brother, and I’m sure he feels the same.”

Rose Leo shrugged. “Sorry, just thought there might be a chance. You know, when fate plays its little tricks... kinda magical.”

Their conversation halted when Lorraine and Zeddrick emerged. Rose Leo tapped Kirsten’s shoulder before approaching his sister to escort her. Kirsten sat back down, watching as her friend was helped by her brother. She raised her brow, noticing that their father did nothing to assist—even with something as simple as carrying the long gown, leaving it to others.

Having spent so much time at the Miranda mansion, Kirsten had come to know Zeddrick’s personality well. Lorraine and Rose Leo were right—the man was arrogant. Kirsten couldn’t entirely blame him, as he had grown up with a silver spoon in his mouth. However, she was grateful none of his children inherited his attitude.

Minutes later, Rose Leo returned and offered Kirsten his hand, which she gladly accepted as she stood up with his help.

“I already told Lorraine. She knows you’ll be riding with me. Let’s go?” Rose Leo asked.

“Okay.”

Hours passed, and everyone was now at the church. The wedding began. Kirsten sat quietly in her seat, her heart pounding.

She closed her eyes, overwhelmed by fear over what was about to happen. But there was no escaping the decision she had made. To save Ice’s life, she had to go through with it.

Taking a deep breath, she felt her entire body trembling. Opening her eyes, she glanced around the room. Her heart ached upon seeing the joy on the faces of Ice’s parents and grandmother, who were celebrating the union. They had no idea of his madness.

Kirsten sighed again and focused on the statue of the Lord. She bit her lower lip, holding back the tears threatening to fall.

“Lord, forgive me for what I’m about to do. Please forgive me in advance,” Kirsten prayed silently.

When Kirsten heard the priest announce the exchanging of vows, her heartbeat quickened. Opening her eyes, she noticed both Ice and Lorraine looking at her. Their eyes seemed to remind her of the promise she had made.

Ice spoke first, delivering his vow. His tone was dispassionate, as if he were merely reading from a script. When he finished, Lorraine followed with her feigned sweet promise to Ice. With every word Lorraine spoke, she sobbed uncontrollably. The guests thought she was overcome with joy, unaware that her tears stemmed from fear—fear that Kirsten might not act to stop the wedding.

“L-Lord, how do I even begin?” Kirsten asked silently.

As Lorraine finished her vow, Kirsten’s heart pounded even faster. She felt as if she might die from the overwhelming tension. Hearing the priest clear his throat to conclude the ceremony, she began to lose hope. She didn’t think she could keep her promise.

“Go now in peace and live in love, sharing the most precious gifts you have—the gift of your lives united. And may your days be long on this earth. I now pronounce you—” The priest didn’t finish what he had about to say.

Kirsten stood up.

“W-Wait!”

~~~