The Substitute Heiress

Yes, I Do (I)

Chapter 8: Yes, I Do (I)

Cassandra.

The day had finally arrived. It had been a long and arduous journey, but here we were, on the eve of a union that, though not entirely sincere, would be seen by everyone as the event of the year. Since dawn, the mansion where I was getting ready had been a hive of activity. Everything had to be perfect.

The mansion's garden had been transformed into a floral paradise. Arches adorned with white roses and lilacs, silk ribbons hanging from the trees, and crystal lanterns in every corner. Round tables with white linen tablecloths dotted the lawn, decorated with peony centerpieces and aromatic candles. Chairs, covered in lace covers, awaited the guests.

Inside the mansion, the décor was no less impressive. The stairs were covered with a red carpet, and each banister was wrapped in garlands of flowers. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, warm light that bathed the space in a golden glow. Flower arrangements abounded: lilies, tulips, and hydrangeas formed a pastel color palette that contrasted with the elegance of the crystal chandeliers.

Every detail had been meticulously planned. Dark blue velvet curtains at the windows added a touch of opulence. Appetizer tables were adorned with hand-embroidered tablecloths, and the dinnerware was fine porcelain with gold trim.

From the window of the room where I was getting ready, I could see the guests arriving. There were more guests than I could count. Prominent figures of society, celebrities, businessmen, and politicians, all dressed in their finest attire. Women in long, elegant dresses, men in designer suits, all anticipating a wedding that would be remembered for years.

The variety of dresses was impressive. There were deep red velvets, emerald silks, and lavender chiffons. The men were equally dashing, with impeccably tailored suits and gold watches that sparkled under the salon lights. Each guest represented a world of wealth and prestige.

Among the guests, I recognized several prominent figures: the city mayor, several industry magnates, and an internationally renowned actress. Their faces showed a mix of curiosity and expectation, clearly expecting this event to live up to its exclusivity.

Warrick, always impeccable, wore a classic black tuxedo with a perfectly tied bow tie and a white flower in his lapel. His custom-made tuxedo stood out for its elegance and precision. The cut of the suit enhanced his athletic figure, and the black velvet fabric had a subtle sheen that perfectly caught the light. His silk white shirt had a soft shine, and his bow tie was a final touch of sophistication. His hair, styled with precision, and his impeccably trimmed beard completed his look of a flawless leading man as he strolled through the garden greeting guests.

On the other hand, I had crafted my own dress. I had been working on it for a while, but the sketch had been ready a long time ago, and I already knew what I wanted. It was an ivory white lace dress, snug in the torso with a wide skirt cascading in light layers. The lace was delicately embroidered with silver threads, and small crystals adorned the neckline. My veil was long and simple.

The dress had a long train that glided smoothly behind me as I walked, adding an air of elegance and royalty. The lace details were intricate, with floral patterns intertwining in a delicate and sophisticated design. The small crystals shimmered with every movement, capturing the light and creating an ethereal effect. The bodice, fitted and structured, enhanced my figure without being oppressive, and the sleeves, made of embroidered sheer tulle, added a touch of delicacy.

We had chosen a selection of classical music for the ceremony, performed by a live orchestra. The sound of violins, cellos, and harps created an ethereal and almost magical atmosphere. The music flowed gently, enveloping the guests and preparing them for the grand moment.

The repertoire included pieces by Vivaldi, Mozart, and Beethoven. The soft notes of the string instruments resonated in the air, creating a dreamlike ambiance. The orchestra was situated on a small stage decorated with flowers, and the musicians, dressed in black, played with a precision and emotion that made each note come alive.

During the reception, the music shifted to a more festive tone. A jazz band joined the orchestra, blending classical rhythms with modern melodies. The combination of saxophones, trumpets, and pianos added a vibrant energy to the atmosphere, encouraging guests to rise and dance.

The menu had been carefully curated. Gourmet dishes, from appetizers to desserts, each more delicious than the last. There was a cheese and charcuterie table, seafood stations, and a selection of wines and champagnes that would delight even the most discerning palates.

Appetizers included smoked salmon canapés, caviar tartlets, and mini spinach and goat cheese quiches. For main courses, guests could choose between beef filet with truffle sauce, oven-baked sea bass with a lemon and dill reduction, and wild mushroom risotto. Each dish was exquisitely presented, with attention to detail showcasing the chefs' talent.

The dessert table was a spectacle in itself. There were towers of pastel-colored macarons, fruit tarts with shiny glaze, and petit fours decorated with sugar flowers. The wedding cake was a five-tier masterpiece, adorned with sugar flowers mimicking those in the garden. Each layer of the cake had a different flavor: vanilla and raspberry, dark chocolate with hazelnut ganache, and lemon with mascarpone cream.

As the hour approached, nerves began to take hold of me. Could I go through with this? Could I maintain the facade? My bridesmaids, close friends, and family tried to calm me down. My mother, elegantly dressed in a navy blue suit, stood beside me, offering words of encouragement and reminding me that everything would be alright.

"Cass, you're ready for this," said Nicole, my best friend, as she carefully adjusted my veil. Her voice was soft and reassuring.

"Yes, I think so. I just... want to make sure everything goes perfectly," I replied, trying to calm the nerves that were starting to creep in.

My mother approached with a small velvet box in her hands.

"Darling, it's time to follow traditions," she said with a loving smile. "Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue."

"What do we have here?" I asked, feeling both curiosity and excitement.

First, my mother pulled out a small tiara of pearls and diamonds that had belonged to my grandmother.

"This is something old. It was your grandmother's, and she wore it at her wedding too," she said, carefully placing the tiara in my hair, giving it the perfect touch to complement the veil.

"It's beautiful, Mom. Thank you," I said, feeling a special connection to my grandmother in that moment.

Next, Nicole handed me a new garter with blue lace.

"And here's something new and something blue, all in one," she said with a mischievous smile. "It's tradition, you know?"

I chuckled as I slipped the garter onto my thigh, feeling a bit of relief at the sight of my friends' smiles.

"I know, Julia. Thank you," I replied, appreciating the gesture.

Then it was time for something borrowed. Sarah, another bridesmaid and childhood friend, handed me a delicate gold bracelet.

"This is something borrowed. It was my mother's at her wedding, and she asked me to lend it to you for this special day," she said, with a smile.

"Thank you, Sarah. It's beautiful. I promise to return it intact," I said, as I put the bracelet on my wrist.

I looked at myself in the mirror, trying to find strength in my own eyes. "You can do this, Cass," I told myself. "This is just one more step. Hold on a little longer." My makeup, done by a professional artist, was flawless: soft shades of natural tones, subtle eyeliner, and pale pink lips that complemented my dress. My hair, styled in an elegant low bun, was adorned with small flowers that blended with the pearl tiara.