Standing in the grand foyer of the Wiseman estate, Vanessa watches with a mixture of resignation and barely concealed distaste as the family guards escort {{user}} in. Her black hair falls asymmetrically over one shoulder of her designer ivory dress, her posture perfect despite her internal turmoil
"So this is what it's come to..." her voice carries that practiced aristocratic tone, though there's a slight tremor of annoyance "Mother and Father's idea of punishment - pairing me with a..." she pauses, dark eyes scanning {{user}} from head to toe "...a commoner."
She takes a few elegant steps forward, the click of her Louboutin heels echoing in the marble foyer "I suppose you think you've won some sort of lottery, don't you? Being matched with someone of my... standing?" her manicured hand adjusts a diamond hair pin "Well, let me be clear - this is merely a business arrangement. Nothing more."
To the guards "You may release him. He's hardly going to run away from such an... advantageous position." her eyes narrow slightly "Though I do hope you understand, {{user}}, that certain standards will be expected of you. This isn't some common courthouse wedding you're walking into."
Oh no i have not thought that Vanessa im truly humble by your statis in the world but that is not what i want! I want love and a family! But obviously you have to be okay with that but if not i can always change my thoughts.
"I don't know what you think you saw in me, Dan," she says coolly, her tone as carefully measured as her steps around him. "But let it be known that I am not some... charity case for you to marry off." Her chin lifts slightly, and a hint of anger sparks in her eyes. "I have my own standards, and I will not compromise them simply because father is anxious about our family name."
Her fingers idly stroke the pearls at her throat, feeling the coolness of the stones against her skin. "My reputation has been carefully built over generations," she says softly. "I will not see it tarnished by association with someone beneath me."
The guards exchange awkward glances before stepping forward to escort Dan Sigsworth out, his cheeks flushed and his expression a mixture of hurt and anger. As the double doors swing shut behind them, Vanessa takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She's not sure what she expected from this encounter, but it certainly wasn't this... coldness between them.
Her words sting, even if he knows they are true; he isn't good enough for her by societal standards. But that doesn't mean he can't try to change things... "Vanessa," he calls out softly after them, "please, I didn't mean any disrespect. All I want is a chance to make you happy." His voice carries down the marble hallway after her. "Please..."
"Happiness," she murmurs under her breath, as if the word tastes bitter on her tongue. "What an impossible thing to expect in such a situation..." She smooths out the folds of her gown, adjusting it around her hips with practiced precision. "My father has seen fit to arrange my life," she says finally, her voice steady despite her turmoil within. "I must respect his wishes, no matter how much I may disagree." She pauses, forcing herself to meet Dan's eyes before looking away again. "We have an arrangement," she reminds him coolly. "Now we must live up to our ends of the bargain."
Her features twist into a wry smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "But don't worry, Mr. Sigsworth. I'll make certain your new title comes with all the prestige you desire."
Her words cut deeper than he expected; she's determined not to let him in. Yet part of him can't help but hope that perhaps someday she might warm up to the idea. For now, though, he must play his part well. "Of course," he says quietly, nodding solemnly. "I understand." As they begin walking down the hallway together towards their... future, Dan can't help but steal glances at her profile from time to time; there's something about her that calls to him on a level deeper than mere attraction. He only hopes that one day she might feel the same way.
"You must forgive me, Dan," Vanessa murmurs, her eyes fixed on the polished marble floor as they continue their stiff-legged march towards the wedding chamber. "It's not you personally I find... disagreeable. It's simply this situation we find ourselves in." Her shoulders lift in a rueful shrug. "I suppose we must make the best of it."
The faint scent of lavender from her designer dress tickles Dan's nose, and he struggles to suppress a sigh. How is he supposed to get through this without breaking down every last barrier she's so carefully erected around herself? But then again, perhaps that's exactly what she wants: for him to give up before they even begin. A flash of determination passes through his mind, spurring him onward. He will not fail her. He will not fail himself.
He nodded as he listened to her words; part of him understood that she had her reasons for being so guarded with her emotions. But another part ached at the thought of never truly being able to connect with her on a deeper level. "I understand," he said softly, looking into her eyes. "And I promise... if you ever need someone to talk to, or just simply want someone who isn't your father or anyone else involved in this arrangement... please come to me."
"Thank you," she says quietly, her expression softening briefly before she once again composes herself. "I'll keep that in mind." She glances at the doors leading to the wedding chamber, her stomach knotting with a mixture of anticipation and dread. This day was never meant to be like this; it was supposed to be a celebration of love and happiness... instead she feels trapped, as if all her choices have been taken away from her. As they approach the doors, Vanessa takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself for what lies ahead.
But when one of the guards unlocks the ornate bronze doors and swings them open, revealing the grand ballroom beyond, she finds herself momentarily distracted by the sight before her...The room is awash in an ethereal glow, lit only by flickering candles and chandeliers dripping with crystal teardrops. A stunning tiered wedding cake rests atop a marble pedestal, its delicate white frosting sparkling like freshly fallen snow. And there in the center of it all stands a single throne, decorated with flowers and ribbons, reserved for none other than herself. Her heart skips a beat as she realizes that despite everything... this is her day too.
Looking at the ballroom and then at Vanessa as she takes in the sight before her, he can't help but feel a mix of emotions himself. He wonders if she knows how beautiful she truly is; how radiant in her ivory gown. "It's... magnificent," he whispers, his voice barely above a whisper. "You look absolutely stunning."
Her cheeks flush slightly at his compliment as they step through the doors and into the ballroom. She feels suddenly self-conscious in her finery, a weight settling onto her shoulders like a heavy cloak. "Thank you," she manages to whisper, forcing a small smile. As they begin their processional down the aisle of flower petals and candlelight, Vanessa's focus shifts from the opulent surroundings to the faces of the guests gathered around them. Many of them are familiar; some are relatives she sees only on special occasions, others friends of her parents. Most are watching with curious eyes, no doubt wondering how long it will take for her to "tame" Dan Sigsworth and shape him into the perfect husband.
She glances over at him out of the corner of her eye, noticing that he seems almost lost in thought as he walks beside her. Perhaps he's also feeling the weight of expectation, the pressure of being part of this new family... Even though she's married to him now, they are both still strangers in many ways. As they near the altar, Vanessa takes a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever comes next.
"Vanessa," he whispers as they reach the altar, their hands now clasped before them. "I want you to know... this may not have been how we wanted things, but I promise that I will do everything in my power to make sure you're happy." His gaze meets hers for a moment before looking down at where their hands are entwined. "I may be from a different background than you, but I love you just the same... and nothing will ever change that."
Her heart skips a beat as his words wash over her, feeling a rush of warmth spread through her chest. It's true; she didn't expect to feel this way about him... but then again, love isn't always logical or predictable. Perhaps there is hope for them after all. With a trembling smile, Vanessa leans closer to him and whispers back, "Thank you, Dan." She pauses before adding softly, "I promise I will try my best too."
Their exchange is witnessed by the gathered guests, who watch with curiosity as the two newlyweds share a moment of genuine connection. As the ceremony draws to a close and they are pronounced husband and wife, Vanessa takes a deep breath and allows herself a tiny sigh of relief... for now, at least, she doesn't have to pretend anymore.
"Thank you, Vanessa," he whispers back with a genuine smile, feeling a rush of warmth spread through him as well. He takes her hand in his and squeezes gently before leading her off the altar and out into the reception. Despite their initial awkwardness, there's a newfound sense of ease between them now that they're finally married. As they mingle with their guests, he can't help but wonder if perhaps this arrangement might not be so bad after all... after awhile i find myself on a balcony looking out into the distance just trying to calm myself down from talking to everyone and being in big social occasions like this one.
Feeling the warmth of the summer air against her bare shoulders, Vanessa follows Dan onto the balcony. The soft rustle of the foliage provides a soothing backdrop as she takes a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. For once, it's just the two of them; alone in this moment, without the weight of expectation or judgment from their families and friends.
Her eyes flicker over to Dan, studying his profile as he leans against the balcony railing. There's an air of confidence about him that she finds strangely compelling, despite her initial reservations. She takes a tentative step closer, drawn by some invisible thread connecting them.
"Thank you for earlier," she whispers, breaking the silence between them. "Your words... they meant a great deal to me." Her cheeks flush slightly at the admission, but she's unable to look away from him.
"Of course, Vanessa," he responds softly, meeting her gaze with sincerity. "I meant every word. I promise that I will do everything in my power to make you happy... and not just for the sake of appearances, either." He takes a step closer, their bodies now only inches apart. "If there's anything you need, or if you ever want to talk..."
Her heart races as he speaks, his earnestness making it difficult for her to maintain her composure. She swallows thickly before responding, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... thank you." As she says the words, she finds herself leaning closer still, drawn inexorably toward him like a moth to a flame. The distance between them seems to shrink with each passing moment, their breath mingling as if they share one lung.
Her eyes flutter closed, and for the briefest of instants she imagines what it might be like if she could simply forget everything else - her family, their expectations, even her own carefully crafted sense of self - and give in to this... this feelings swirling through her. But as quickly as the thought comes, it's replaced by a cold flood of reality. This is foolishness; they barely know each other.
Yet even knowing all of that, she can't help but wonder what might happen if they were to take this chance... just once...
Dan looks down into her eyes as they close, his heart racing in his chest. He reaches up slowly with one hand to gently caress her cheek before cupping her face between his palms. "Vanessa..." he whispers, feeling an overwhelming urge to bridge the distance between them. His other hand moves to rest lightly on her waist as he leans forward, their lips mere inches apart. A shiver runs through him at the thought of finally touching her like this, not just for show or duty but because it's what he truly wants. "Please," he breathes, "tell me if I'm wrong... am I making you uncomfortable?"
Her heart is pounding in her chest as he cups her face and leans in, so close she can feel his breath on her lips. She looks up into his eyes, searching for a sign that this is what she wants... or if she should pull away. But then his hand rests on her waist, warm and steady, and something inside her snaps loose.
With a shaking exhale, she tilts her head upward, closing the distance between them. Their lips meet in a gentle brush, almost tentative at first, before deepening with a sigh that escapes them both. Her arms slide around his neck, holding him close as she feels the foreign yet wonderful sensation of desire igniting within her.
For just a moment, they are nothing but two people caught in the thrall of passion, their differences and pasts forgotten as they lose themselves in each other's embrace. But then reality returns with a jolt, and Vanessa pulls back ever so slightly, breathless. "No," she whispers hoarsely, her eyes wide and dazed. "This... this doesn't feel wrong."