CHAPTER ONE - Is this my wedding?
1073 Words
~Laura~
"Mary, he's not picking up his call," I said, still trying to dial Alexander's number.
"Relax, maybe something happened. I'm sure he'll make it before the guests fully arrive," Mary said, trying to comfort me, but I saw it right in her eyes that she had little faith, too.
"What could have happened? Alexander has never acted like this before! Why today, of all days?" I asked and bit my lips, feeling frustrated.
I turned to the full-length mirror in the dressing room and gazed at my reflection in the mirror. A soft chuckle escaped my lips, "See... You look beautiful, just like how the rest of today will be. Do not worry, he'll be here," Mary said, causing me to nod my head.
I sighed and turned to the small sofa in the corner when my phone suddenly began to ring. I quickly checked who the caller was, hoping that it was Alex, but disappointment washed over me the moment I saw the name Anna on my phone screen.
"Why's Anna calling me? She made it clear that she won't attend my wedding," I said, gazing at Mary as if waiting for her to give me the go-ahead to answer the call.
"She's your sister after all..."
"Step-sister!" I corrected. I and Anna have been best friends from childhood even though we are sisters and although we quarrel sometimes, it never lasts for a day until she started seeing me as her competition in everything.
"Okay... And you guys just had a dispute which is normal and now that she has called, do well to answer," Mary said, causing me to let out a long sigh. I was only devastated because Alex wasn't here yet. In truth, I have been waiting for her to come, hoping that I'll see her amongst the many guests that'll graced me with their presence today.
"You're right..." I said and answered the call.
"Hello?" Her husky voice fell into my ear. I cleared my throat before responding,
"Anna, how are you?"
"Babe, I'm fine; I'm sorry for my response. The last time we had a dispute, I want to make it up to you today," she said, causing me to arch my brows. It was so unlike Anna to apologize first.
"Okay?"
"I have a surprise gift for you today..."
Suddenly, the door of the dressing room flew open. "Laura! Laura, Alex is finally here," One of my bridesmaids said.
"Anna, we will talk later..." My phone buzzed, indicating that the call had ended. I gave my phone to Mary and straightened my dress with a smile on my face. I was overwhelmed with happiness. I was finally getting married, not just to anyone, but to Alexander Duncan. The CEO of Dunmart enterprise. I bit my lips in satisfaction as I climbed down the stairs.
Suddenly, everyone began to murmur. I couldn't catch a single word, but I knew all was not well. I turned to Mary, who was concerned too about the murmurs.
"Mary.... What's happening?" I asked, still trying to smile.
"I don't know," she responded, causing my heart to beat rapidly on my chest as I took the last turn.
"Don't turn to your right, Laura," Mary said. I quickly turned to my right out of curiosity and my eyes fell on Alexander, but he was not standing alone.
"What's happening?" I raised my dress and matched to where he stood. A blonde-haired woman was standing beside her; she looked familiar from behind. I couldn't see her face, but I refused to believe my guts. As I got closer, the blonde hair lady turned to face Alexander and pecked him. I instantly froze.
"Anna?" I muttered in shock.
"Darling, how are you?" she asked with a smile plastered on her face. I felt my blood boil, but I tried to remain calm.
"What is this Alex?" I asked while clutching my dress.
"Why are you dressed like this, Laura? Like a bride," Alex said with a sly smile on his face.
"What do you mean?" I asked, "Aren't we getting married today?" I felt my heart ache.
"Married? I'm the one getting married babe, you don't like my dress? I just wanted something short and simple," Anna said, causing me to arc my brows.
"Ma'am, please, will you move to the side? I want to wed the bride and groom, it's time," the priest said, leaving me dumbfounded.
"What do you mean? Today is my wedding. Check the cards!" I said and turned around. My eyes fell on the priest's hand. He was holding one of the wedding cards and without asking him for it, I took it from him to check the names on the invitation card.
"Here... Look at it..." I paused the moment my eyes fell on the name "Anna!"
"What? What is this?" I asked. Anna smirked and took the card from me.
"My name is on it, sweetheart! What are you talking about? You're causing a scene on my wedding; you should be happy for me," Anna said, causing me to furrow my brows. I turned to Alexander, who stood with his hands folded. It all felt like a dream. Anna leaned closer to me and whispered into my ear.
"If you weren't too busy with work, then you would have had the time to check the cards and other preparations," she scoffed.
"Laura! There's no need to act petty! I know about all you've done!" Alexander said and held Anna's hand.
"Thankfully, Anna made it clear to me that you only wanted me for my money. I know about your meetings with your ex! Don't think I'm a fool," his words sounded strange in my ears.
"Ex?"
"Oh, don't deny it, Laura! He knows about every single thing," she said, causing me to shake my head in disagreement.
"There's nothing!" I said, trying to reach out to Alex.
"You remember that gift I mentioned on the phone? Well, you're welcome.” She grinned and turned to the priest.
"Please, I'm sorry for this little distraction. My friend is unwell. Let's proceed now," she said.
I turned to Alexander, expecting him to say something! Anything! "Alex, you love me, right? What is this? A joke?" I asked, trying to hold his hand.
"Get your dirty hands off me. I don't love you, not anymore!" He paused and glared at me. "Besides, Anna is carrying my child now!"
- Writer
