BILLION BUCKS (ENGLISH)

BB.14

Jean Florence's POV:

I looked at myself through the mirror reflection of the dressing table. Today was the day many happy couples have been waiting for.

I laughed bitterly at the thought. Happy? Couple? There was none of that one. Happy couples were certainly very enthusiastic. They would be busy with several brands, like choosing a ring to wear at the party or choosing a beautiful dress to wear. 

How about me? The dress and the ring had been prepared as well as possible. I just sat there and closed my eyes, and the next day, all was done.

Dominic and I were just two people who were united by something disgusting, in my opinion. Dominic saved me by buying me at the auction, thanks to my stepmother. 

Again, I pursed my lips. It was all because of my stepmother's greed for money and for her young lover. I didn't know why my dad loved her so much.

Dad, my lips were trembling just remembering her name. Were you alright? Were you looking for me? I was sure he would be sad to know if his only daughter had been married behind him.

Dad, you should accompany me to the altar and say that you were delighted that I have found the right man. 

I was really grateful Dominic had saved me from that damn place. But I didn't feel happy or at ease with him either. Moreover, I have been defeated by him. 

My crown, the crown I had guarded for so long, ruined for just one night. Dominic had conquered me. No, he bested my body easily. 

I was afraid, if this continued, my heart, my love which I closed tightly for anyone, could surrender to him, with Dominic Archer. I want to open up to Chanyeol, my best friend who had confessed his feelings to me. But I disappointed him.

The last meeting with him made me feel even more guilty. He must have felt surprised by Dominic, who had claimed to be my lover. But what can I do? Dominic has owned me entirely. 

"It is ready, Miss." Said one of the men who put make-up on my face. Right now, three people were helping me with my make-up as well as my dress. 

"Thank you." I answered politely. 

I stood watching my appearance, the dress I was wearing. It was gorgeous, luxurious, and elegant. The dress was in simple style but very luxurious because there were diamond sequins on the chest without sleeves. 

Who was it? I couldn't believe it in the mirror. If my Dad saw me, he would be happy about how beautiful his daughter was today. 

I held back the tears that I've been holding back since earlier. I didn't want my make-up to be ruined with just tears falling from my eyelids.

This wasn't the end of my suffering. At least I have to prepare myself for what would happen next. 

"Everything is ready." Said someone came over to let me know that the time for the pledge was about to begin. 

"Give me time." I said, asking for a bit of time. I have to prepare everything, including my mind. 

"Alright." The three people who did make-up for me and the people who came told me the event would start leaving me alone. 

"Dad, I'm pretty, right?" I spoke to my reflection as if I was talking to my Dad. 

But suddenly, the door opened and revealed my Dad with a trembling breath. Was he running? No, was this a dream? Would my Dad attend my wedding? This must be a dream. 

My Dad got closer and hugged me tightly. I was crying. This was real. He hugged me very tightly. God, I wanted time to stop. It was just my Dad and me. 

"Hey... Don't cry, your make-up will be ruined." Said my Dad with a swollen face from crying. 

No, please don't cry, it was my fault. 

"You brat. You're getting married but didn't tell me. Good thing, Dominic came to tell me. And what are you doing? Hiding your relationship from Dad, huh?" 

Daddy pinched me softly. And what did he say? Dominic walked over to him? Did I hear wrong?

"Dominic came to you, Dad?" I asked to make sure I didn't hear wrong. 

"Yes, he came to our house and told me if your relationship had been going on for a long time. What are you doing? Leaving the house for fear I will not bless you just because Dominic is rich and respected?" Said Dad, telling me. 

I blinked, not knowing what Dad meant. Did Dominic lie about our relationship? I was both grateful and guilty for lying to him. 

"Sorry." I said, looking down, not daring to show my face for fear of being caught if I was lying. 

"Oh come on, your marriage will start soon." Said someone from behind my father's back. 

My stepmother came with my father. 

"Hi Jean. How are you, daughter?" Said my damn stepmother amiably. 

I didn't answer, didn't even care about it. But she still came closer and hugged me while saying words that made me almost scream, cursing at her. 

"I did good for you, didn't I?" She whispered. I clenched my fists tightly.

"Come on, baby, let's go." The woman pulled My Dad out.

"Wait." Dad came back to me. 

"Jean, I'm sorry, I couldn't give you anything on your happy day." Said Dad with a sad face. 

"No Dad, I'm the one apologising to you for not telling you about this." I said, holding his hands that weren't young anymore as seen from the wrinkles that have started to appear. 

My Dad released his hand and took something from behind his trouser pocket. 

I frowned seeing my father put the bracelet in my hand.

"It's your mother's. I kept it on purpose and was going to give it to you today, your wedding." Dad smiled even though it was apparent how sad he was. 

I hugged him again.

"Thank you, thank you." I cried again, to hell with my make-up. 

"Come on." The snake woman pulled Dad away. 

I looked back at the bracelet my father gave me. The bracelet fit in my hand perfectly. I saw a name engraved on the back of a heart-shaped pendulum.

"Jean." I read the name written on the engraved bracelet. 

I didn't realise someone had entered. 

"Je." Someone called me.

Dheg...

   That voice, the voice that made me feel guilty. The last voice I heard was so longing and frustrating. He was Chanyeol. 

"Chan." I noticed Chanyeol approaching with his crumpled face. He was wearing a black tuxedo. 

With quick steps, Chanyeol hugged me so tight that I was having a little trouble breathing. 

"Chan." I called, reminding him of his tight embrace. But Chanyeol still hugged me. 

"You're bad Je." Said Chanyeol in a choked voice. 

Was he crying? 

"Sorry." Only that one word could come out of my mouth. 

Chanyeol let go of his hug.

"You're beautiful." Said Chan, looking up and down. 

"Sorry Chan..." I haven't said anything but Chanyeol put his finger on my lips, telling me to shut up. 

"Whatever your decision, I accept it. I just don't like you disappearing. If this makes you happy, I'm willing. But please don't disappear again, Je." 

His words were so heavy. I knew he held back his tears. 

"Sorry." I didn't know what to say to Chanyeol. Only the word sorry can come out of my mouth. 

"Be happy." Chanyeol stroked my open shoulders. I felt sorry for him. 

"Sorry, it's getting started." Said someone. I nodded in understanding.

"Go on, be the happiest woman in the world, Je." Chanyeol tried to smile. I nodded at him and left Chanyeol alone.

****

Jean's heart was racing as she approached the altar, where Dominic awaited her. Dominic wore a matching white tuxedo with the dress Jean was wearing. 

He was so handsome, according to Jean. If only this marriage were not fake, maybe Jean was one of a hundred people who were very happy to be with Dominic. 

Apart from being handsome, Dominic was a wealthy and well-off young man. Who could refuse Dominic Archer? Not to mention he was also one of the young entrepreneurs of his age. 

Jean looked around, and there was her father and stepmother. There was Adam and also Dominic's Grandpa. Chanyeol was nowhere to be seen in the room. 

Dominic held out his hand to Jean. Jean hesitantly put her hand and immediately grabbed by Dominic. 

Dominic fluently made promises in front of the audience. Jean had tears in her eyes. 

He was so fluent saying that. Was the sacred promise of marriage an ordinary thing for Dominic? But it meant a lot to Jean.

Dominic touched Jean's cheek and leaned forward to kiss Jean. Their lips were stuck together for quite a long time. 

After breaking the kiss, Dominic brought his forehead to Jean's forehead. 

"Welcome to Dominic's world, Ms Flo." Dominic smiled in mischief.

*****

Outside, Chanyeol was seen sitting on the steps leading to the entrance of Jean's wedding. Before long, Chanyeol took big steps, leaving the place with swollen eyes from crying. 

"I hope you are happy, Jean."