Gabriel walked in, and right behind him, a crowd of people followed in.
At that moment, everyone froze. I blinked a few times, glancing at Gabriel, whose expression had turned even colder. Instinctively, I took a couple of steps back and turned to sit on the bed, pretending nothing was happening.
I casually reached over to grab the veil hanging by the bed and quickly pulled it over my face. With my other hand, I fanned myself vigorously.
Good grief, does the Fleming family's servants not have any sense? Not a single one thought to announce their master's arrival!
I sat there playing dead, and sensing the awkwardness in the air, an older maid suddenly called out loudly, "Please, groom, lift the bride's veil!"
Well, finally, someone with some sense! When I'm in charge, you're getting a raise!
The room was dead silent, and not a single sound broke the stillness, leaving me feeling increasingly uneasy. What if he's having second thoughts? Seriously, what the hell? Before the wedding, I asked him if he was really on board, and he just pretended to be cool.
But there is no use in regretting anything now! If he refuses to marry me after I've shown up here, it will be my pride on the line.
Still, at this moment, I couldn't bring myself to make a single sound.
Finally, I heard footsteps approaching, so I sat up straight, trying to look composed.
"Choose auspiciously, choose love, and choose for prosperity!"
The veil was lifted from my face, and I stared at the man in front of me as he bent down. I panicked and squeezed my eyes shut, only to peek again.
He wouldn't dare to kiss me, would he?
"Do you have an eye condition?" His voice was low, sending a shiver down my spine. I turned my head to meet his gaze, my eyes narrowing.
In a whisper only he could hear, I replied, "Yes, sometimes I see people as pigs or dogs."
I turned my head back, feeling quite proud of myself. You started it!
"Now, please drink from the cup of unity!"
A maid brought over two cups, and we both downed our drinks in one go.
"May you be as one, never to be separated," the older maid continued with the blessings. Gabriel's arm wrapped around my waist, and the onlookers nodded in approval, showering us with compliments as if they were free.
But then, his hand wandered a little too low on my side. I shot him a puzzled look.
Then, with two fingers, he twisted my side.
I winced, biting my lip to keep from making a sound.