Prologue
-Josie-
The atmosphere surrounding me brimmed with joy and anticipation as my bridesmaids encircled me, aiding in the final preparations before we embarked down the aisle to celebrate my momentous day. Each meticulous detail was tended to with care, ensuring my appearance was flawless. It was surreal to realize that my long-awaited day had finally arrived.
A wide grin adorned my face as I surveyed myself in the mirror, taking in the elegant contours of my wedding gown, the ethereal veil cascading down my back, and the expertly applied makeup accentuating my features. My heart fluttered with excitement, unable to contain the happiness that surged within me. This day held the promise of perfection.
“Just one last toast before you’re officially off the market,” quipped my best friend, Katie, rising from her seat with a glass in hand, her eyes brimming with mischief.
I chuckled at her playful remark. “You make it sound like I’m headed for a life sentence.”
“Close enough,” she teased, her tone affectionate as she raised her glass alongside mine. “Let’s take a moment to cherish being together, to revel in this beautiful day, and to witness your happily ever after.”
We raised our glasses in unison, laughter and cheers filling the room. But as I took a sip, my attention was drawn to the door, which creaked open slightly, revealing the concerned expression of the best man. Sensing something amiss, he motioned for Katie to join him outside. She obliged, and they exchanged hushed words, their expressions fraught with urgency.
As the other bridesmaids began gathering their belongings, a sense of unease settled over me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was awry, especially as I observed the exchange between Katie and the best man. The apprehension in their gaze hinted at a disturbance beneath the surface, casting a shadow over the previously jubilant atmosphere.
“Ready, Josie?”
I didn’t respond. As my bridesmaids noticed where my gaze was fixed, they fell silent, turning to follow my line of sight. Katie, sensing the sudden shift in attention, glanced back, locking eyes with me. In that moment, a different kind of tension pulsed between us, one born of unspoken understanding. It was as though I could already sense the news she was about to deliver, though I desperately wished it weren’t true.
“What’s going on?” someone ventured, their voice muffled by the haze of confusion enveloping me.
The best man squirmed uncomfortably, clearly reluctant to be the bearer of bad news. Slowly, Katie stepped forward, her movements weighted with apprehension.
“Um... Josie,” she began, and a chill swept over me, draining the color from my face. “There’s something you need to know...”
I didn’t catch the rest of her words. Though her lips moved rapidly, I didn’t need to hear the details to understand the gravity of the situation. The somber expressions that met my gaze from the others confirmed what I already feared.
“Josie...” Katie called out, but instead of allowing them to console me, I pushed past the group, my emotions roiling inside me.
“Hey, Josie!” another voice called after me, but I didn’t stop.
I didn’t hesitate. With a forceful shove, I pushed the best man back, causing him to stumble. Though he reached out toward me, I refused to let him impede my escape. Tears welled in my eyes as I fled, my heart heavy with betrayal. The venue, meticulously chosen for its beauty and intimacy, now tainted by his betrayal.
As I stormed through the hallways, evading the gazes of the assembled guests, I could hear voices calling out to me, pleading for me to stop. But I ignored them, my determination propelling me forward. Despite the pleas and shouts growing louder behind me, I found a reserve of speed I never knew I had.
Bursting through the exit, I tore the veil from my head and discarded it, kicking off my shoes and hitching up my dress as I fled the confines of the venue. Cars lined the street, but my eyes fixated on the waiting limo, a beacon of escape. The driver, unsuspecting, stood nearby, taking a break.
“Drive,” I commanded, seizing his arm with urgency.
His startled gaze met mine. “What’s going on?”
“Drive, now,” I insisted, desperation lacing my voice. “Anywhere. Just away from here.”
Without further question, I climbed into the car, the driver following suit. With a screech of tires, we sped away, leaving behind the prying eyes and sympathetic stares of my loved ones. I couldn’t bear to face them, to see their disappointment and pain. So, like a coward, I fled...
