Chapter 4: The Wrong Bride at the Altar

I hugged her lightly.

But she hugged me back, her lips brushing my collarbone. My breath caught.

“Cass, I’ve waited so long for you!”

Her breath was hot on my neck. My whole body went rigid, nerves sparking like live wires. I had to remind myself: this was just the plot talking. She was acting. Right?

I forced myself to pull away, keeping my voice as steady as I could. “Thanks for picking me, Ms. Lane. I’m really looking forward to working with you—I won’t let you down!”

She smiled, then turned to the audience:

“Cass is a hardworking actress. I’ve noticed her since she was doing bit parts. I’m so happy she chose me as her mentor today, and I can’t wait to work together to bring you all something amazing.”

The queen herself said she was happy I picked her? I was floating.

Though, about those bit parts—nothing in the book mentioned that. Maybe the original Cassidy hustled harder than I realized.

After the second round, I joined Vivienne’s team, along with another actor, Noah Pierce.

Vivienne was our director; Noah and I would star in a play together.

The script was drawn at random—we got ‘Married First, Love Later.’

Noah and I played a marriage-of-convenience couple, all polite distance after marriage.

One day, I’m taken hostage, and Noah risks his life to save me.

In the end, we fall in love and start a sweet life together.

We had a week to prep.

The first two days were spent rehearsing the pre-marriage scenes—everything was fine.

On the third day, we rehearsed the wedding.

I slipped into a white dress and walked slowly toward Noah.

Vivienne and Noah stood together.

That’s when I noticed Vivienne’s outfit: pale blue suit, hair in a high ponytail, just a hint of makeup. She looked ethereal, almost untouchable.

Without thinking, I started walking toward her instead.

Luckily, I got back on track at the last second.

Officiant: “Will the groom please kiss the bride?”

Noah and I stood face to face. He actually looked a little shy, blushing bright red.

“Wait!” Vivienne cut in.

“You two have never been married, so your expressions aren’t quite right. Let me demonstrate.

“Noah, step down and watch.”

With Vivienne leading, we started again.

I walked toward her, bouquet in hand. Sunlight poured across her face, lashes casting delicate shadows.

The officiant looked at Vivienne: “Do you, Vivienne Lane, take Cassidy Monroe to be your wife? For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, will you stay by her side forever?”

Vivienne bit her lip, a trace of longing in her eyes. “I do.”

The officiant turned to me: “Do you take Noah Pierce to be your husband?”

Vivienne frowned, interrupting: “Sorry, change the lines—make it Vivienne Lane instead of Noah Pierce.”

The mood got awkward for a second.

The actor playing the officiant quickly corrected: “Cassidy Monroe, do you take Vivienne Lane to be your… husband? For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, will you stay by her side forever?”

Tears welled up. I thought, if only this were real.

I guess people who wake up inside stories really do get swept up in them.