Chapter 3 FAILED WEDDING

Chapter three

It’s been two weeks since the incident with Aaron.

Two weeks of torture, of guilt eating me alive. How would my sister feel if she ever found out I had slept with her husband? Why didn’t I control myself?

And now… today is Zara’s wedding day.

I stood in the corner of the room, watching the makeup artist work magic on her face. She looked so happy, glowing like a queen, while I hadn’t felt like myself for weeks. My soul was tangled with too many emotions, and worst of all, I kept falling deeper for Aaron. I thought about him every single day. This wedding felt like hell, a punishment I couldn’t escape. I hadn’t seen him since that night. Everything just felt blank.

I wore a body-hugging white gown worth thousands, paired with glass heels that clicked sharply on the tiles. My long hair fell straight down my shoulders, my light makeup only making my beauty more noticeable. Zara caught her reflection and her lips widened into a smile.

“I’m sure Aaron won’t be able to take his eyes off you when he sees you,” Michelle, my sister’s co-actress, chimed in.

“Yes, of course. Why would he? I’m too beautiful,” Zara giggled, and they all burst into laughter.

I forced myself to laugh along, though it sounded hollow.

Then Michelle’s eyes slid to me, a smirk curling on her lips. “Are you okay, Sarah?”

I knew where this was going. Michelle and I had never gotten along. She despised me and I despised her back. She wore the face of a kind, beloved actress to the world, but deep down she was wicked, always mocking, always trying to hurt.

“I’m fine, thanks,” I replied bluntly.

But she wouldn’t let me off. “No, Sarah, I know you. Something’s off.”

I snapped. “Excuse you, you don’t know me. You only know my sister. So buzz off.”

The whole room went silent. Even Zara turned to stare.

“What’s wrong, Sarah? Why are you acting like this?” she asked softly.

“I told you, she’s mad,” Michelle added quickly, grinning like she’d won.

My chest tightened. I needed to calm down. I couldn’t risk anyone suspecting me. But my temper was already slipping.

“I’m sorry, Zara. I just want Michelle to back off. She’s been picking on me for ages. Not every day is a good day.”

Michelle laughed loudly. “Today is your sister’s wedding, Sarah. It should be a great day for you… or…”

“Or what?” I shot back, glaring at her. “Michelle, if you dare me today, I’ll break your jaw.”

The makeup artist froze mid-stroke. Zara turned quickly, her tone soft but firm. “You’re not Anthony Joshua, calm down. What’s going on with you?”

Damn it.

“You shouldn’t be mad on my wedding day,” Zara said gently.

“Then tell your friend to watch her mouth. She keeps pulling my strings every single time,” I muttered, fists clenched.

Michelle tilted her head, smiling in that cruel way. “Is that it? Or are you scared I’m about to expose you?”

My heart skipped. Expose me? Did she know? No. That wasn’t possible… right?

“Aww, look at the panic in her eyes,” Michelle laughed.

“Michelle, please,” Zara begged softly. “Today is my wedding. I don’t want anyone upset. Stop looking for trouble.”

Michelle hugged her sweetly, kissing her cheek like the perfect friend. “I’m sorry, darling. I won’t disturb you again.” Zara smiled warmly.

But when Michelle turned to me, her grin was different, dark, secretive. Almost like she knew.

The makeup artist finished Zara’s face. Then came the moment for her gown—a diamond-covered masterpiece that glittered under the light. My chest squeezed tight. I couldn’t take my eyes off it. This was supposed to be my dress, a bitter thought whispered inside me.

The stylists helped her into the gown. Everyone gasped at how stunning she looked. It suited her perfectly, of course.

When it was time for her earrings, the stylist reached for them, but Zara stopped her. “Sarah, please come and wear my earrings.”

My heart sank. I forced myself forward, taking the diamonds in trembling hands. As I fixed them onto her ears, my fingers shook. Guilt burned in my chest. Zara had always loved me, always trusted me. And this was how I repaid her.

Tears slipped out before I could stop them.

“Sarah? Why are you crying?” she asked, worry soft in her voice.

I sniffed, forcing a smile. “I’ll just miss you so much. I’ll miss you when you leave.” I hugged her tightly, hiding my pain.

She patted my back warmly. “Don’t be silly. You can always visit me.”

“Yeah. I will,” I whispered, though my heart screamed otherwise.

Then came the announcement: Aaron and his family had arrived.

My spine froze. This was really happening.

Mom fussed over Zara. Dad checked everything twice. I wasn’t noticed at all, I was just a shadow.

The wedding began. Zara walked out on Dad’s arm, radiant and glowing. I made my way into the hall, packed with celebrities and businessmen.

And then I saw him.

Aaron.

Our eyes locked across the crowd. My hands went cold instantly. I forced myself to look away, but it was too late. His gaze had already pierced right through me. He looked sharper than ever in his black suit, neck tattoo showing slightly, hair perfectly styled. His presence was powerful, magnetic.

The crowd turned when Zara entered. Aaron smiled warmly at her, but I felt his eyes flick back to me. My stomach twisted.

“Let’s begin,” the Reverend announced.

The vows started. Each word echoed like a hammer in my chest. My breathing grew heavier, my vision hazier.

“Zara David, do you take Aaron Bourne as your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do,” she said proudly. The crowd erupted in cheers.

“And you, Aaron Bourne, do you take Zara David as your lawfully wedded wife?”

Aaron’s eyes moved to mine. My face turned pale, my whole body drenched in sweat. My heart pounded painfully.

“I…”

The hall spun.

Bang.

I collapsed, my head hitting the floor hard. The only thing I heard before darkness swallowed me was Zara screaming my name.