Chapter 52
Anne lifted her gaze. Marilyn’s grape-purple eyes were still clear and pure. There was no trace of resentment toward her.
What would it have been like if Anne had known Marilyn’s feelings a little earlier? Would she have stepped aside willingly, even if Logan had clung to her, crying and begging?
Anne was no longer confident. Regardless of the original story, this was her life, and the relationships and the people were all real. Wouldn’t the idea that she had to blindly follow the original story be the very thing that ignored that reality?
Still, she felt endlessly sorry toward Marilyn. In the end, hadn’t she chosen love over her friend? Anne nodded weakly.
“Yeah, probably…”
“That’s a relief.”
Marilyn broke into a bright smile. A radiant smile, truly worthy of a female lead. Tears welled up in Anne’s eyes.
“Marilyn…!”
Anne threw her arms around Marilyn. The maids who would have to fix her ruined makeup winced. But Anne didn’t care about that right now. She let a few tears fall in her friend’s arms.
“Thank you, Marilyn.”
“I’m sorry, Anne. For making you worry.”
“No.”
Anne shook her head. The white veil swayed back and forth. As if to calm her, Marilyn gently patted her shoulder.
“I’ll go sit down, so see you later.”
“Okay. Thank you, Marilyn. Really.”
Marilyn smiled and stepped back. Anne wiped her tears with her fingertips.
Anne had no way of knowing how deep Marilyn’s feelings for Logan had been. But since she had spoken them aloud, they couldn’t have been light. Even so, she had sincerely congratulated her. Would she herself have been able to do the same? Anne wasn’t confident.
Anne made a decision. Just as Diane and Violet in the original story had stood by Anne Agnes, she would also stand by Marilyn to the very end. And she prayed. She didn’t care about the original story anymore, so she prayed that a new love worthy of the beautiful Marilyn would come to her soon.
After Marilyn left, Anne spent quite a while fixing her makeup. Because of that, the ceremony was slightly delayed. When Anne stepped out into the corridor with the help of the maids, Russell Avery was waiting there alone.
“Anne.”
“Yes, Father.”
Anne placed her hand on his arm. Duke Avery spoke the same words for the fifth time that day.
“You look very beautiful today.”
Anne let out a small snort. Clearing his throat, Russell continued.
“Don’t be nervous.”
“Yes.”
He probably meant not to get nervous and accidentally break the groom’s arm. Because of his troublesome youngest daughter, Duke Avery had suffered quite a lot. The soft-hearted Duchess was probably already inside, wiping away tears.
At last, the doors opened. The maids quickly lowered the veil over Anne’s head. She lifted her chin slightly and glanced inside. At the end of the long aisle, she saw a figure.
Russell Avery took the first slow step. Anne carefully moved her feet as well. Like the engagement ceremony, the wedding was being held in the chapel inside the palace. Normally a royal wedding would be held on a much grander scale, but there hadn’t been enough time. Still, Anne and Logan thought this held meaning in its own way. That engagement ceremony had really not been great.
The bride entered the lavishly decorated chapel. The guests’ gazes gathered in one place. Anne lowered her eyes and walked carefully. These days she didn’t make mistakes like doing a handstand, but there was always a chance.
The podium drew closer. As expected, Catherine Avery, sitting in the front row and sniffling, came into view. Anne gave her a small smile. She didn’t know if it would be visible through the veil.
On one side of the podium, Beatrice was seated in a luxurious chair. Despite the double celebration of the legitimate heir’s royal marriage and the conception of a legitimate scion, her expression was stiff. Whether she was still displeased with Anne Agnes for her bold behavior, or simply because many eyes were watching, Anne couldn’t tell. A chill ran down her spine, and she unconsciously drew in her shoulders.
Logan, who had been standing at the front of the podium, stepped forward as if to receive her. Before handing over his daughter’s hand, Russell Avery whispered softly,
“You look very beautiful today.”
That made six times. Unable to hold back, Anne let out a laugh.
Naturally, the man standing beside her changed. Logan examined her expression and asked,
“Does your stomach feel alright?”
“Stop making me anxious and look forward.”
Even at Anne’s rebuke, Logan remained steadfast. Being considerate was nice, but wasn’t this a bit out of character? When Anne glared up at him beneath the veil, he finally took a reluctant step.
The two of them stood side by side before the podium. Recognizing the officiant’s face across the table, Anne sucked in a sharp breath.
His hair was sparsely gray, and deep wrinkles lined his mouth, but it was definitely the same person.
The priest who had once sprinkled holy water over her head to exorcise her.
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.