Episode 25

Antonella reached the altar and her father handed her over to Róger. Antonella didn't look into his eyes. Róger tried to find those beautiful eyes that captivated him the first moment he saw her, but it was impossible.

The priest was ready to start the ceremony. He began with a prayer and then said a few words.

Then came the acceptance from each of them, and they exchanged wedding rings.

"So, since you both desire to enter into holy matrimony, join your hands and express your feelings before God and His church."

"I, Róger Athonyson, take you, Antonella Spencer, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part."

"I, Antonella Spencer, take you, Róger Athonyson, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part."

The groom may now kiss the bride.

Róger lifted Antonella's veil, and as she raised her gaze, he looked into her hazel eyes, dull like that night. Slowly, he approached her face but instead of kissing her lips, he kissed her cheek.

Everyone stood up and started applauding. Little children threw rose petals into the air to celebrate the newlyweds. They were now married before God and man.

Antonella had to fake a smile to all the guests, just as a happy bride should do after marrying the man she "loves."

The guests began to congratulate them. Antonella received well wishes out of courtesy, ignoring the indifferent and envious glances from many of the women present.

The Spencers were the happiest for the union. Antonella would now be far from their fortune, but what they didn't know was the mistake they made in marrying her to Róger. They dug their own grave.