I Became the Heroine’s Stand-in - Chapter 50

The preparations stretched on for what felt like an eternity, long enough for the grandfather clock to chime twice more.

When Diana had asked when it would end, she had been told, “It’s almost finished.”

That had been some time ago, long enough for the clock to chime again in the meantime.

Daisy continued to insist, “Almost done, my lady,” only to go back and adjust her hair, her makeup, checking every detail repeatedly.

“Now we’re really finished!”

Let’s see how long that lasts.

Diana shot Daisy a playful glare, prompting the maid to hastily reaffirm her words.

This time, it wasn’t a lie.

Two maids entered, carefully carrying a full-length mirror.

The crimson cloth draped over it was lifted away, revealing the pristine glass beneath—so well-maintained that it gleamed like a polished jewel.

“Take a look!”

Daisy’s tone was similar to the day before the monster subjugation, but this time, it was more confident.

Diana, who had expected nothing, watched her own reflection with growing astonishment.

Her lips parted slightly, an unbidden breath of admiration slipping through.

She looked…

Breathtaking.

The off-shoulder wedding gown accentuated the delicate curve of her collarbones, subtly revealing her slender shoulders.

The bodice, tightly fitted to her frame, radiated maturity, while the skirt, gracefully flaring at the bottom, exuded elegance.

Crystals and golden embroidery adorned the hem, glistening like her pale complexion and golden hair woven into fabric.

Her hair was styled in a loose, low updo, exposing the delicate shape of her head and face.

Her makeup was subtle yet refined, accentuating her features with the lightest touch of color.

Everything came together seamlessly, creating an image of noble grace.

Beyond the mirror, Daisy fidgeted, clearly not finished yet.

Balancing on a small stool, she seemed to be preparing something.

“This is, well… I thought it might be uncomfortable if you wore it too early,” she explained hesitantly.

“Of course. How thoughtful,” Diana replied dryly.

When their gazes met in the mirror, Daisy grinned sheepishly, as if she’d been caught.

Diana lowered herself slightly, making it easier for Daisy to reach.

A sheer white veil was carefully draped over her head.

Atop it, a wedding tiara adorned with tiny diamonds was gently placed, securing the veil in place.

As the final touch was completed, the grandfather clock chimed once more.

A voice from beyond the door urgently called out, informing them that it was time to leave.

Daisy and another maid gathered the edges of Diana’s gown, advising her to walk slowly.

As she stepped forward, the hallway was eerily empty.

It seemed everyone had already moved to the ceremony hall.

For a fleeting moment, she felt as though she were the sole survivor of a ruined world.

No, that wasn’t right.

The empire would never fall—if anything, she was the one on the verge of destruction.

Bathed in soft sunlight, she made her way forward, her steps deliberate.

When she finally arrived at the waiting room, a voice called out—

“Lillian!”

Turning toward the sound, she saw Meline, holding a bridal bouquet.

Behind her, the Count and Countess of Mernard stood with pleased smiles.

“Oh, my goodness… You look absolutely stunning!”

Meline’s breathless admiration rang through the room.

Even as she reached for Diana’s shoulder, her touch was delicate, as if afraid she might accidentally mar something so perfect.

Finally, she handed over the bouquet.

A delicate arrangement of lavender, baby’s breath, and soft pink roses, a combination that perfectly complemented Diana’s violet eyes.

The melody of a piano trio drifted into the waiting room—the signal for the entrance procession.

“Shall we?”

Dressed impeccably, Count Mernard extended his arm toward her.

Diana silently took it, slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow.

A maid opened the door, revealing the path that led directly to the ceremony hall.

She and the Count stepped forward.

A deafening cheer erupted.

“The bride, Lady Lillian Mernard, enters!”

At the end of the aisle, Ersivan waited.

Upon reaching him, the Count shook his hand, exchanging a formal greeting before stepping back.

“I’m glad you came,” Ersivan murmured.

It seemed he had worried after last night.

His voice, relieved, brought a quiet smile to Diana’s lips.

“That goes without saying,” she replied smoothly.

As if she would truly call off this marriage.

The officiant cleared his throat, and the music softened, gradually fading into the background.

The ceremony had begun.

First, the introduction of the bride and groom.

Though, in reality, it was hardly necessary—everyone present already knew the distinguished achievements of both noble families.

“Thank you all for taking the time to be here today,” the officiant announced.

With that, the ceremony shifted.

It was time for the declaration of vows.

“Do you, Ersivan Valencia, and you, Lillian Mernard, swear to uphold this union for the rest of your lives?”

Their gazes locked.

Despite wearing heels, Diana still had to tilt her head slightly upward to meet his eyes.

She was once again reminded of his towering stature.

Ersivan’s lips curved into a subtle smirk.

“When it’s time for the vow,” he had told her once, “watch for my cue. When I smile, wait three seconds, then answer together. Understood?”

That smirk was his signal.

Diana gave the smallest nod, barely perceptible to anyone but him.

One… Two… Three.

“I do.”

Two distinct voices, of different tones and timbres, spoke in perfect unison.

“Then, Ersivan Valencia, please present the token of your vow to Lillian Mernard.”

At the officiant’s cue, a young page boy stepped forward, carrying a small cushion.

Resting atop the heart-shaped velvet pillow were two wedding rings, delicately tied together with a ribbon.

Ersivan untied the ribbon with practiced ease, retrieving the smaller of the two rings.

Without hesitation, he reached for Diana’s left hand, slipping off her glove before slowly sliding the ring onto her finger.

Diana curled her fingers, then stretched them out again, testing the unfamiliar weight.

The sight of the wedding band on her hand felt so foreign, as though she were gazing at an illusion.

The delicate band, encrusted with tiny diamonds, wrapped snugly around her ring finger, binding her as if sealing their connection.

“As per tradition, it is now the bride’s turn,” the officiant announced.

“Lady Lillian Mernard, please present the symbol of your vow to Sir Ersivan Valencia.”

Diana lifted the remaining ring from the plush pillow.

Her fingers trembled as she reached for his much larger hand.

The slight quiver in her grip made her worry she might drop the ring altogether.

Don’t tremble. Take it slowly.

There were moments when she could read the message beyond someone’s gaze.

This was one of those moments.

As she looked into Ersivan’s deep crimson eyes, a strange calmness washed over her—as though she had taken a sedative.

Steadying herself, she successfully slipped the ring onto his finger, completing the exchange without incident.

“They have made their vows before their families and loved ones, swearing to share both joy and hardship for a lifetime,” the officiant declared.

The ceremony was reaching its final moment.

“Now, as a token of gratitude, let them seal their love.”

Diana had attended several noble weddings in her time as Lillian, so she knew exactly what this meant.

Even if she hadn’t, it was common knowledge for any bride-to-be.

“At the end, when the officiant asks you to prove your love, it means one thing, my lady—”

“You must kiss.”

It was a tradition regardless of circumstance.

Whether the marriage was for love or, like theirs, a contractual obligation, the ritual remained the same.

Ersivan took a step toward her.

This time, Diana did not shrink back as she had the night before.

She did not step forward either, but as he approached, she braced herself, mentally preparing for what was to come.

He lifted the veil, revealing the face that had remained hidden until now.

His handsome features, already striking, were now illuminated in full view.

He tilted his head slightly, his gaze lowering toward her lips as he drew closer.

They were so near that if either of them moved just a fraction, their lips would inevitably meet.

To the onlookers, it must have already seemed like they had kissed.

“Close your eyes,” he murmured.

His lips were so close that the words seemed to vibrate against her skin, as though they traveled directly from his mouth to her mind.

Diana obeyed immediately, squeezing her eyes shut.

Her long, honey-brown lashes trembled slightly, the delicate movement carrying an oddly sensual air.

And then—

Ersivan suddenly tilted her backward, dipping her into a deep arch.

He had not kissed her, yet the gesture itself was no different from one.

A theatrical display, but an intimate one nonetheless.

Their breaths mingled, the warm proximity leaving no space for uncertainty.

Diana’s eyes fluttered open, only to find his were closed.

It was as if he were truly lost in the moment.

He was always so hyper-aware of his surroundings, yet now, he seemed utterly oblivious.

As soon as she met his gaze, he noticed her staring.

Their eyes locked, and Diana felt as though she had been caught red-handed—as if she had been doing something she shouldn’t.

“…”

With a quiet exhale, he steadied her upright again, returning her to her original position.

“From this day forward, these two are now one,” the officiant declared.

“Let us celebrate the first step of Ersivan Valencia and Lillian Valencia’s journey together!”

The ceremony ended.

The officiant’s closing words, the swell of instrumental music, the thunderous applause of the audience…

None of it reached Diana’s ears.

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