The Accident
“Your husband is cheating on you.”
Those words struck deep into Serena as she stared at the blank white ceiling. Just then, the door opened. She looked to her side to see a man dressed in black suit approach her. He stopped a few inches from where she laid and stared at her briefly.
“I warned you.” he told her, his voice calm.
Serena looked away, but she said nothing.
The man sighed. “It is high time you stopped pretending. We both know you are not the same anymore.”
At hearing this, Serena smirked slightly. Then she turned to face him.
“How did I do?” she asked him.
“You were quite an actress I would say. I almost fell for it.” he told her.
Serena smiled.
That was exactly what she wanted to hear.
She sat up from her bed and looked around once more.
“I wish I could stay here for some time.”
“You can't.” the man blurted out.
“Is everything set?”
The man smiled. “Just as planned. You are really a genius. I bet they won't see that coming.”
Serena's smile broadened as she got up. Then she looked at the man once again and her smile faded just as it had come.
***
CAMILLE'S POV
It was Saturday. An important day for me. The weather was bright and beautiful, as if the heavens themselves had approved of this day.
As I sat elegantly before the large mirror, I could feel the morning breeze and the fresh smell of roses and expensive perfume.
I inhaled deeply and smiled.
Today was going to be the happiest day in my life. The one every woman looked forward to. I watched as professional makeup artists and hairstylists moved around the bridal suite, trying to make sure everything was in place.
I was supposed to look perfect with my silk robe embroidered with delicate lace and my glossy hair cascading over my shoulders. The hair stylist walked to me and adjusted the final curls while the makeup artists did the final touches to the flawless makeup.
Today, I was getting married.
I had dreamt about his day; from the walk down the aisle to the exchange of vows and the promise of staying for a lifetime together.
Every detail had been carefully planned and as she was seated, she could only wish the day turned out well for her.
“You look stunning, ma'am.” One of the makeup artists complimented.
“The groom is going to lose his breath the moment he sees you.” the other added.
I blushed.
“I hope so.” I said, trying to hide the excitement in my voice.
Just then, my eyes landed on the nearby rack where my wedding gown was hung. I caught sight of the diamonds that sparkled like tiny stars being infused in the fabric, then I saw the veil, long and flowing as it awaits to be laid on my head like a crown.
Before I could look away, my gaze fell on the picture I had taken with the man I was to marry. The smiles on our faces and the way our fingers were intertwined made me let out a smile.
*After today, we will no longer get to hide,” I said with a smile, “we will finally be husband and wife.”
***
We arrived at the venue just in time for me to walk down the aisle. The hall was filled with people from various calibre, from politicians to celebrities and powerful business tycoons, the wedding was already making headlines even before the event had begun.
I stepped out of the vehicle with the help of my close friend, Vivian, I had chosen as my chief bride's maid.
“Is Sophia around?” I asked the lady.
“Sophia? Your step-sister? Don't tell me you invited her to be here after treating you like trash.” Vivian said with an irritated look.
“She's my sister. I cannot abandon her like that. Besides, today is my happy day, and I want everyone to enjoy it.” I told her.
Vivian sighed. “You are too kind, Camille.”
As I walked to the church, Vivian assisted me with my gown, but something felt strange.
“Do you get the stares?” I whispered to Vivian as we got to the cathedral.
“You look stunning, of course you get the stares.” she said to me.
“Is she wearing a wedding dress?” I overheard someone ask.
“I thought the bride was already inside.” one of the media personnel asked.
My heart skipped a beat.
“Is she trying to ruin the ceremony?”
At that moment, the doors opened.
I froze in shock.
Even the grand hall fell into complete silence.
Their eyes were turned towards me in dismay.
That was when I saw them.
My fiancé…and…my step-sister?!
Both were dressed as bride and groom and their fingers were intertwined!
“Vivian, am I dreaming?”
Before my friend could answer, I caught sight of my parents looking at me in disgust. It was as if my presence wasn't even expected.
Then my mother rose and approached me with a glare.
“What are you doing?” she asked me.
“I–I was supposed to get married.”
“And what?” she asked, “Look, I guess you were not informed, but there have been some changes. Your sister has been in a relationship with him and I figured he is the best for her.”
“Mum–”
“She has never taken anything from you. Can't you just let her have this one?” My mother asked me.
That question got me furious.
Was it actually her intention to embarrass on this beautiful day?
“You don't need to cause a scene. You can head back and wait, we will explain things when everything is over.”
Suddenly, I shook my head in refusal.
I walked past her and headed for the altar.
“Does she plan to take her sister's husband?” a guest asked as I walked past her.
“What is the meaning of this, Ethan?” I asked my fiánce as I got to him. “And you Sophia do you think you can reap where you did not sow?”
Sophia chuckled lightly.
Her makeup glittering under the bright chandelier that shone from the ceiling.
“Do I know you?” Ethan asked with a knitted brows.
On hearing that, I felt my breath hitch.
“Ethan it is me, Camille, your fiancée. We were supposed to get married today.” I told him.
Instead, Ethan looked at me like I was some intruder into his life.
“I think you have mistaken me. I know my wife and she is right beside me.”
Accusations began to fly across the room in whispers.
I looked at Sophia and watched as she grinned widely and linked her arms in Ethan's.
“Sophia–”
She leaned towards me and whispered, “I know you have always liked him, Camille. But he is mine. Today is my wedding so can you please let me enjoy my day?” Sophia asked me.
“So she really came to steal her sister's man? Disgusting!” someone in the crowd spat.
“Where the hell is the security?!” another yelled.
“Security!” Ethan called out while his gaze rested on me. “Take her out.” he ordered with a stern tone.
“Ethan, don't do this to me. We promised to stay by each other's side forever. Have you forgotten?” I asked as I was taken out of the hall.
Ethan let out a smirk, but said nothing.
“Mum! Dad!” I called out to my parents, but they turned their faces away like I wasn't someone important.
After being thrown out, I headed straight for my vehicle with teary eyes. Vivian tried following me, but before she could reach me, I sped off.
***
Tears filled my eyes as I drove along the highway with no destination in mind. I wanted to clear my head to forget all that had happened and think of it as a dream, but I couldn't. The scene kept on seeping back into my head.
Suddenly, my phone began to ring. I looked at it from the seat where it laid.
It was him.
As I reached to pick it up, I glanced up abruptly to see a truck driving towards my direction.
My heart began to thud as I pressed the brake hard. The vehicle did not stop, in fact the brakes were not functioning.
At that moment, I knew everything was over. My life flashed before my eyes and the next thing I could feel was the car tumbling away from the road.
My body was stiff, my eyes were blurry and my vision had turned red. I tried to keep them open but I found myself drifting into a dark void.
When I couldn't hold it any longer, I gave up and at that instant, I was rendered DEAD.
