ManyWriters

On the day I was meant to walk down the aisle, the boy I had secretly adored for years uttered a vow that left me breathless.
He promised that if I took the initial step, he would take care of the remaining 99.
His gentle yet determined words became my guiding light. My heart pounded with wild excitement as I rushed to our rendezvous, filled with the notion that this would mark the beginning of something wonderful. However, upon arrival, the harsh truth hit me like a bolt of lightning. His grin wasn't one of affection but of arrogant victory.
His companions erupted in laughter behind him, their jeers filling the air.
"Look! She actually fell for it! A grand each, don't forget to pay up!"
Clutching his winnings, he turned to my bridesmaid who had driven me there and embraced her in a way that was impossible to misinterpret. His treachery cut deep, leaving a gaping wound in my heart.
With a mocking grin that shattered my dignity, he said, "Ravenna, don't be so conceited. It's her I truly desire, not you. Did you honestly believe I'd fall for a married woman like yourself?"
Then, as if to twist the knife further, he dropped to one knee, presenting a ring to my bridesmaid. The onlookers gasped, their murmurs piercing the air like countless blades.
Observing my somber expression, he laughed, the sound dripping with cruelty. "If you wish to scamper back and proceed with your wedding, go ahead. But I doubt the groom would still accept you!"
What he failed to realize, what none of them understood, was that this supposed elopement wasn't his triumph; it was my move in a game he wasn't even aware he was playing.

Childhood Crush Falls for My Cunning Trap

"You're calling it a bridesmaid dress, but I'm the actual bride today," Viella remarked with a smirk, her words laced with disdain. "Let's face it, your marriage was always just a formality to please your families. Now that you've abandoned your own wedding, it's clearly not happening!"


I retorted firmly, "Who says I can't get married? I only stepped out briefly. Once I return, everything will proceed as planned."


I motioned towards the impressive building behind the grass, my heart racing.


"In a short while, I'll be exchanging vows right over there."


Viella erupted into cruel laughter, the sound piercing the air. "Of course, your husband adores you endlessly. He's such a saint; he'll forgive his bride for chasing another man and making him look foolish."


She looked at me with mock sympathy. "Ravenna, I understand you're upset, but this is your decision, isn't it? Stop this charade and these absurd claims."


"Are you aware of the cost to hold a ceremony in Sinclair Garden's grand hall? The venue fee alone is $200,000! It's not just about money—it's about connections."


"For me, Hendrick moved mountains to secure this lawn three months in advance. And now you're boasting about marrying in the grand hall? Be careful not to embarrass yourself!"


As she finished, her followers burst into laughter.


"I think Ravenna's lost her mind, bragging like that."


"Poor deluded bride. It's almost pitiful."


Seeing my refusal to give up the dress, Viella's impatience grew visible. She turned to Hendrick, her voice challenging. "Hendrick, don't you think this wedding dress would suit me better than her?"


Without even glancing at me, Hendrick raised an eyebrow, his voice smooth and assured. "Is that even a question? Of course, it would look better on you, darling."


His response was all Viella needed. She immediately reached for my veil, her fingers grazing my skin mockingly. "I know this gown is expensive. Your pathetic husband even purchased it from some luxury brand overseas. Ravenna, since we're such close friends, let me try it on!"


It was because of our supposed friendship that I had asked her to be my bridesmaid. But I never imagined she'd already be involved with Hendrick.


I cried out, my voice sharp and desperate, "Don't touch my veil! I'm about to walk down the aisle in this any minute!"


Viella's sneer was cold and cruel. "Stop pretending! Walk down what aisle? Just remove the wedding dress!"


As I stood my ground, refusing to move, she turned to her group, frustration in her eyes. "Why are you all just standing there? Help me!"


But her command went unheeded. Instead, they looked to Hendrick, awaiting his signal.


I couldn't help but stare at him, a tiny glimmer of hope still flickering in my heart, praying that after everything we had shared, he wouldn't allow her to do this to me.


But Hendrick gave me a cold, indifferent look, his voice as sharp as ice. "Didn't you hear what your future sister-in-law said? Go, remove Ravenna's wedding dress and let my fiancée try it on."


In an instant, numerous hands reached for me, pulling at my dress, tugging at my veil.


I screamed. I shouted. And then, in the depths of despair, I closed my eyes.


This was the man I had loved for fifteen long years. A childhood friend who had always placed me at the bottom of his priorities.


Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the air, commanding, "Stop! What do you think you're doing?"


I froze, stunned. The voice... sounded remarkably like my husband, someone I barely knew.


There was a flurry of hurried footsteps, and in the next moment, a jacket, warm from a man's body heat, was draped over my shoulders, shielding me from the chaos.


I couldn't resist the urge to turn, and when I did, I was met with a face that left me breathless.


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