The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 39
Chapter 39
‘Perhaps I shouldn’t have told the designer to ‘feel free to do whatever you want.’ If I’d given her specific instructions, she would have stuck to them.’
A sigh escaped me as I gazed upon the seemingly endless collection of dresses displayed before me like some grand exhibition. I knew it was rude to the designer who had worked so diligently, but I couldn’t help it.
“Given the limited time, I gathered every designer in the salon to create these. Should I have assembled more? If they don’t meet your expectations, it’s my oversight. Please, forgive me.”
My sigh hadn’t meant any offense. I simply meant that the dresses, intended to be worn once and discarded, were excessive. Yet, Ms. Adair bowed deeply, apologizing profusely.
With a slightly intimidated expression, I replied, “There are more than enough.”
“Thank you for your understanding, Madam. You’re truly a gracious lady. I, Adair Gigier, am deeply touched.”
Uncomfortable with her effusiveness, I lowered my gaze. Ms. Adair, clapping her hands with excitement, gestured toward the dresses. “A mermaid-style gown would suit you, Madam. Shall we try this one first?”
“Oh, yes. Alright.”
Lost in a daze, I passively allowed the designer to guide me, trying on dress after dress. Under the direction of the skilled designer and her assistant, I spent hours changing in and out of gowns.
Ultimately, the first dress I tried on was the chosen one. I couldn’t help but glance at the designer with a hint of reproach.
***
Time flew after I chose the wedding dress. The usual torment at home no longer dragged on. Perhaps knowing it was almost over made it bearable.
On my wedding day, I took one last look back before leaving the Count’s estate. The soft, yellow sunlight of spring bathed the mansion in a warm glow, a fleeting moment of peace, like a final, gentle caress on my life.
‘I won’t see this place again.’
Without a shred of regret, I turned away. It was time to go to the wedding, to my eternal rest.
I fidgeted with the bracelet on my wrist, a gift from Kin long ago. It might not be suitable for a wedding, but I couldn’t bear to leave it behind, knowing I’d be going straight to the Grand Duke’s estate after the ceremony.
Thankfully, no one commented on it. I’d been worried they might take it from me.
I stared at the man before me, but my vision was obscured.
‘I’m going to die without even knowing what my husband looks like.’
Imperial wedding custom dictated that the bride wear a translucent veil until the wedding night, blurring my world into a hazy dream.
‘Does he even suspect his new bride will die tonight?’
The husband who would lose his wife immediately after marrying her, and the wife who would die immediately after marriage. Which of us was more unfortunate?
There was no need to weigh the options. I was finally free, going somewhere beyond this life, so I would be happy. He, on the other hand, with all his apparent wealth, wouldn’t be entirely miserable, but certainly inconvenienced. It was undoubtedly more unfortunate for him.
Lost in these frivolous thoughts, I slowly walked forward. Everything was extravagant, from the decorations and flowers adorning the hall to the guests in attendance.
I walked calmly towards him. The Grand Duke, rumored to be a monster, extended his hand. I intended to barely touch it, a fleeting graze he might mistake for an accident.
“…?”
But his hand clasped mine firmly, unexpectedly. Startled, I tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong.
‘What is this?’
I lacked the strength to resist, and I couldn’t simply drop his hand in the middle of the ceremony. Resigned, I relaxed my hand and glanced up at the vague silhouette of the Grand Duke.
‘He’s incredibly tall.’
That was my first impression. Large hands, imposing height. Even through the veil, I could discern a lean, powerful physique. I wondered what he would look like when the veil was lifted.
‘…Kin was short.’
Would Kin have grown this tall if he’d lived? I didn’t know. He was always so thin and frail.
I should stop thinking about Kin, yet my thoughts remained fixed on him. I sighed inwardly, looking towards the sky.
‘It should at least rain.’
How indifferent the heavens were. Someone was about to join them, yet not a drop of rain fell. The heavens, always indifferent to me, remained so even now.
It seemed more important to bless the lives of others with sunlight than to mourn my death. The thought stung.
Amidst the resounding applause, he placed the ring on my finger. I’d suspected it since the dress incident, but the Grand Duke was clearly overflowing with wealth.
I didn’t recognize the gem, but it was enormous, yet tastefully set in a sophisticated design.
Following the ceremony, I placed the ring on his finger. I’d worried about fumbling with the veil, but it went smoothly.
And then, somewhat anticlimactically, the ceremony ended. I should be grateful we didn’t have to exchange vows.
I knew there was usually a reception after the ceremony, but there was no such atmosphere here. Guests exchanged glances and began to disperse.
