Page 8 of Villainess's Redemption
The priest’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. “You may now kiss the bride.”
Noah leaned in, pressing his lips to mine and I fought the urge to recoil. His lips met mine, and I waited for the spark, the thrill that had once set my heart racing. I should have felt electrified, loved. But I felt nothing. Nothing. I felt nothing but a cold emptiness where love had once resided.
The past me would have been overjoyed, but I was no longer that love-sick fool. My lips stayed stiff, unresponsive. Sensing my discomfort, Noah kept the kiss mercifully brief.
The kiss ended and we turned to face the crowd, their cheers echoing off the vaulted ceiling. I plastered on a smile, my mind reeling.
Was this truly happening? Had I somehow been granted a second chance? The cynical part of me—the part forged in the harsh realities of exile—scoffed at the notion. And yet, here I stood, twenty years old again, on my wedding day.
My gaze swept the crowd, cataloging faces I hadn’t seen in nearly two years. Duke Eldrick Stormbourne, Noah’s father, looked regal and disapproving. My own mother dabbed at her eyes with a silk handkerchief.
As I descended the steps of the altar, my gaze locked on my family—whole, alive, and beaming with pride. Father and mother held each other’s hands as they looked at me warmly, full of love. And then there was Sebastian, looking healthy again as he smiled mischievously. His eyes were full of joy, hope, andyouth—so unlike the empty, tired husk of a man I had last seen. The sight hit me like a punch to the gut, stealing my breath and clouding my vision. My foot caught on the edge of a stair, and for a heart-stopping moment, I teetered on the brink of an ungraceful tumble.
“M’lady!” Laurel’s soft voice reached my ears as she darted forward, hands outstretched to catch me.
But Noah was quicker. His strong arm wrapped around my waist, steadying me before I could fall. “Careful,” he murmured, concern etched across his features.
I barely heard him. My eyes had locked onto Laurel, and another wave of emotion crashed over me. Sweet, timid Laurel—the girl I’d treated so abominably in my previous life. Memories of my cruelty flooded back, each one a knife twisting in my gut.
I’d snapped at her for the slightest infractions, berated her for things beyond her control. I’d been a monster, plain and simple. And yet, here she was, still by my side, still rushing to my aid without hesitation.
“Thank you, Laurel,” I managed, my voice thick with unshed tears. Her eyes widened, fear flickering across her face at my gratitude.
She ducked her head as if waiting for punishment. I sucked in a sharp breath.
Of course, she would be scared of my sudden change.She didn’t know any better.
“Whatever, can’t you see?” I said in snidely and she visibly relaxed. Just my luck—I couldn’t even be nice to her without coming across as threatening.The irony.
As Noah guided me down the remaining steps, I couldn’t tear my gaze from Laurel. Her eyes were downcast, her posture hunched—a stark reminder of the fear I’d instilled in her. The very sight of it made me sick.
This time would be different. I’d been given a second chance, and I’d be damned if I squandered it. No more cruel words, no more unreasonable demands. I would show Laurel—show everyone—that I could be better.
We proceeded down the aisle, Noah’s arm linked with mine, leaving my family behind.
I panicked. I couldn’t help it.
I broke free from Noah’s arm and ran to my father, my heart pounding against my ribs. The crowd’s gasps faded into white noise as I threw myself into his arms, breathing in his familiar scent of parchment and ink.
“Papa!” The word came out as a sob. He was real. Solid. Alive.
“There, there, my little doll,” His arms wrapped around me, strong and secure. Just like they used to be before everything went wrong. It had been ages since I heard him call me his little doll. “Such tears on your wedding day?”
Mother’s hand smoothed my hair. “Oh, darling. We know it’s hard leaving home, but you’ll always be our daughter.”
I clung tighter to Father, my tears soaking into his expensive doublet. “You’re alive. You’re both alive.”
Father’s chest rumbled with laughter. “Of course we are! Though your mother might kill me if I keep spoiling you with more jewelry.”
“Elyas!” Mother swatted his arm, but her eyes sparkled with mirth. “Don’t encourage her.”
A familiar throat-clearing sound cut through my emotional haze. “What? No love for your favorite brother?”
I spun around to face Sebastian, his green eyes—so like mine—dancing with mischief. My arms were around his neck before he could dodge.
“Oof! Someone’s feeling dramatic today,” but his arms came around me just as tight.
“Shut up, Seb.” I buried my face in his shoulder, inhaling the scent of leather and horse that always clung to him.
