Page 88 of Vapor

Right before we’re set to leave, I slip into the elegant but suffocating gown my sister chose. The mermaid lace V-neck gown clings to my body like a second skin, constricting my movements and making it difficult to breathe. My reflection in the mirror is that of a stranger’s. I’m nothing but a beautiful, hollow shell about to be sacrificed on the altar of my father’s ambitions.

The tension in the air is palpable, like a storm waiting to break, and apprehension coils in the pit of my stomach. I can’t shake the image of Vapor’s sleeping face, the memory of his touch still lingering on my skin. But this is the price I must pay to keep him safe—a cruel exchange.

As I take one final look at myself in the mirror, I whisper a silent prayer that Vapor will find a way to move on without me. Although my heart is heavy with the weight of my decision, I must walk this path alone.

“Good luck, Blue,” I say to my reflection, steeling myself for what lies ahead.“You’re going to need it.”

The door to my bedroom opens and my father strides in. His presence is commanding and authoritative. With a flick of his wrist, he sends the women who came to assist me out of the house.

“Not bad.” His eyes sweep over me, taking in the gown that encases my body like a straitjacket.

“That’s all you have to say?” I challenge.

“Ah, Blue, my beautiful daughter. You look exquisite. I knew this day would come, and I couldn’t be prouder,” he says, his voice dripping with false warmth and satisfaction.

“You always get what you want,” I manage to choke out.

“Of course I do. Today is the day you become Mrs. Justin Broussard, fulfilling your destiny and securing our future among New Orleans’elite.” The way he speaks makes it clear this wedding has nothing to do with love or happiness, but rather power and control.

“I will hate you forever for this,” I begin, wanting to express my disgust, but he cuts me off with a dismissive wave of his hand.

“This is for the best. You will thank me one day. Now, let’s not keep your groom waiting any longer.”

As he leaves the room, I turn back to the mirror, my reflection staring back at me with hollow, haunted eyes. Adjusting the veil atop my coppery red hair, I can’t help but feel the weight of the world pressing down on me. My father’s words echo in my head, a constant reminder of the life he has planned for me—a life devoid of love, passion, or freedom.

Taking a deep breath, I steel myself for what lies ahead. I’ll get through this. I have to. For Vapor.

The next hour is a daze. A limousine comes to pick me, Lacy and Father up. We arrive at the cathedral and are whisked into the bridal waiting room. There isn’t a minute to spare. We’re only inside the room for a couple of minutes before the groomsmen and bridesmaids, socialites I barely know, arrive to start the procession.

The music swells, carrying through the closed doors at the rear of the cathedral. As the wedding party begins the long walk down the aisle, everything inside me freezes. I could still turn and run, but how far would I get in this dress? No matter how far or how fast I try to flee, my father will always find me.

“You’re next,” Father says, appearing suddenly and holding out his arm. When I don’t immediately reach for it, he scowls.“Take it. And I don’t want to see a single moment of hesitation. Smile for the goddamn photos.”

I shouldn’t be shocked by anything at this point, but swearing in a house of God is beyond the pale. I doubt even Vapor would be that crass.

When the door opens, I’m momentarily blinded by the dazzling chandeliers overhead. As my eyes adjust, I take in the grandeur of the cathedral. Marble columns, gilded moldings, and a sea of white orchids surround me. It’s like stepping into another world, one that feels cold and alien compared to the warmth and camaraderie of the UVMC clubhouse.

Taking my first measured step down the aisle, my heart races, each beat echoing my inner turmoil. The anticipation in the air is palpable. Everyone turns to watch me on what feels like a death row march to the execution of my soul.

As I make my way towards my fate, I try to drown out my thoughts of escaping before they make me do something stupid.

“This is for Vapor,” I whisper so silently I doubt even my father heard me.

The delicate rustle of my gown against the polished floor is drowned out by the overpowering wedding march being played by the organist. The scent of the orchids fills my nostrils, their beauty a stark contrast to the darkness lurking beneath the surface of this union.

If the priest standing at the front of the congregation had any idea what was going on, he’d stop it. I’m sure of it. Some men are incorruptible.

The tight constriction in my chest steals the oxygen from my lungs. I silently remind myself to breathe so I won’t pass out in front of everyone. With every step, it becomes harder to hold back the tears threatening to spill down my cheeks. I’m sure people think these are tears of happiness, not tears of despair.

As I reach the altar, I fix my gaze on Broussard. His cold, calculating eyes bore into mine, sending shivers down my spine. This man holds the key to protecting Vapor, but at what cost? I swallow hard, willing myself to stay strong.

“We are gathered here today to…” The priest’s voice becomes background noise to my racing thoughts.

It’s a cruel irony that on a day meant to symbolize love and unity I’m being forced into bondage. For Vapor’s sake, I’ll endure this masquerade, clinging to the hope that one day he’ll find happiness and forget he ever met me. I’ll never, ever forget the love we shared, but because I love him with all my heart, we’ll never be able to be together again.

Chapter 24: Vapor

I jolt awake to find myself lying in an empty bed. On the pillow next to mine, where Blue should still be sleeping, I spot a piece of paper. Snatching it up, I recognize Blue’s familiar handwriting scrawled across it. As my eyes scan the page, I can’t believe what I’m reading. This can’t be real.

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