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Chapter 4
TRINA
I squeeze the hands of my sisters in the midst of wedding dress shop chaos. "Thank you for getting here quickly." I lean into Melanie's ear, mindful of the cameras around us, but I'm not mic'd today. "At least for this shoot, Liam doesn't have to be here."
Her smile is sympathetic. I've been texting Melanie—emotion-vomiting about this awkward situation, but on camera, I've got to wear my happy face.
Melanie pats my arm. "Adam and I wouldn't miss this for the world.”
I squint at her. “You just like the five-star hotel.”
Melanie laughs. “Guilty as charged. No complaints about that."
I'm thrilled that they're a great match. Adam is a true sweetheart. He dropped everything in Washington, canceled his physiotherapy appointments, and cleared his schedule to be with Melanie for the wedding next week.
The shop assistant hangs three more extravagant dresses in the fitting room. A cameraman scans the dresses from the hook to the bridal train. Under the lighting, everything is white and dazzling.
I take a deep breath, trying to push aside the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. This whole wedding preparation feels like a twisted game, and I'm desperately searching for a way to navigate through it without losing myself in the process.
My sisters follow me into the massive fitting room. At last, a moment of privacy, but we can't talk loudly.
As I slip into the first dress, a mermaid-style gown with intricate lace detailing, Pam's eyes widen. "All hail Princess Trina."
I force a smile, admiring my reflection in the mirror. "Princess Leah should be here, not me."
Melanie frowns. "Who?"
"Never mind."
Pam steps forward. " Liam could turn out to be the prince charming you never knew you needed."
I scoff. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves." I lower my voice. "Not a real marriage, remember? It's all for show."
Pam wriggles her eyebrows. "You never know what could happen."
I shake my head. "No. This isn't some fairytale romance. Liam knows I can't stand him. It’s nothing more than a charade. Anyhow, I adhere to the rule of past centuries. If the marriage isn't...you know, the deal sealed with more than a kiss, it's not a real marriage."
