Page 117 of Temporary Vows

“I am, though. And the same type of shit she went through with my father is going to happen to me.”

“Only if you let it.”

I gaze at her, contemplating her words.

“What can I do to help? Tell me.” She squeezes my hand again. “I want to cheer you up. And just so you know, I wouldn’t be against skipping school and spending the day eating and shopping.”

I laugh. I’m surprised I can still do that, but Skylar is the kind of girl who can bring anyone out of a sour mood. Even for a heartbeat.

“Sounds tempting, but I can’t. The kids are preparing for their mock exams. I don’t want to let them down because… I’mstuckin my feelings.”

“I hear you. Just know I’m here for you.”

“I know. You always are.”

She releases my hand and gives me a firm stare. “You can have a separate life, too, Elodie. This isn’t just a one-way thing.”

“I know.”

“Good. Then guard your heart. That’s all you can do if you want to get through this marriage arrangement.”

Guard my heart.

It’s good advice, but like most things that make sense, it’s easier said than done.

* * *

My wedding day arrives before I’m ready for it. Like time folded in on itself and dragged me here before my mind could catch up.

It feels like it was just a minute ago that I was crashing into Dorian at the coffeehouse. And now I’m at Oheka Castle wearing a breathtaking Valentino wedding dress, moments away from marrying him.

I’ve only ever seen Oheka Castle in magazines or on TV. It’s one of those grand historic estates built to impress. Marble floors greeted us the moment we walked in, stretching vast beneath our feet. Chandeliers dripped light from the sky-high ceilings, and paintings lined every wall. Everything around us was breathtaking, and the entire venue was decorated for today’s event.

Billionaire Dorian Vale is set to marry Elodie Harper, a darling schoolteacher.

That’s how the papers dubbed us.

They took our story and ran with it, publishing headline after headline in the lead-up to the wedding. Anyone would think we were royalty. Though I suppose, in a way, the Vales are. Not so different from any of America’s power families.

Now, Skylar and I are following a dark-haired usher to the grand hall. She came to collect us from the bridal boutique, where we spent the entire morning being primed and prepped.

Skylar loops her arm through mine and gives me a giddy smile. She looks stunning in her forest-green bridesmaid’s dress and is way more enthusiastic than me. It’s the opulence surrounding us that has her so excited.

Neither of us has been anywhere this fancy. Despite the anxiety gnawing away at my nerves, I’ve been able to appreciate the decor, too. But only marginally.

Reality has a bad habit of kicking in every time I see something mesmerizing. It reminds me that I’m just a contract bride. And this place… It’s a fairytale setting for a story that will never be one.

I haven’t seen Dorian since he gave me the ring. And he never answered any of my messages—which I seriously regret sending.

One message was official. I needed to let him know when I’d signed the registry documents. But the message I sent asking if I’d see him before the wedding was me being stupid again. Falling prey to my inner frustrations.

Then I took one stupid step further and kept asking the staff when he’d be home. At least they were nice and non-judgmental when they told me he’d be away for business.

After a week passed, it was clear he wasn’t just ignoring me. He was also avoiding me.

“Relax, you’ll be fine,” Skylar mutters, brushing my shoulder with hers.

I give her one of my practiced smiles. “I’m just nervous.”