Shawna

Present Day

Today was one of the happiest days of Shawna Hawkin's Life. After three back-to-back failed relationships that left her feeling less than desirable, she had finally found the greatest gift she could ask for, true love. It seemed to happen at a time when she had given up on love. Shawna was a hopeless romantic, but the back-to-back heartbreak as well as the callous, cold-hearted treatment she continued to endure for those she loved had become a burden she could no longer carry or deny. Love should not hurt.

Love should not make one feel as if the very floor was pulled from under them. It had taken her two solid years to recover from the trauma of narcissistic abuse, not by just one lover, but three. Each one was more charming and cunning than the next. After her last lover ghosted her, she decided to focus inward. She found the answers she had wanted them to have when they left her so broken. She realized she needed to love herself more. Her self-esteem had never been the greatest, but when she reflected on the severity of their treatment towards her, she knew deep down it was because Shawna thought she deserved it.

Her self-worth had been in the dumps. She took the initiative and changed her mental perspective. Instead of going to nightclubs, dancing, and drinking the night away, she opted for quiet nights at home, watching her favorite movies. In doing so, she was able to experience and appreciate her own company. Instead of sleeping in on weekends, she rose early and chose to do full-body yoga and meditation.

It was two seemingly small changes in her life, but the benefits were extremely noticeable. She incorporated more things like self-help workshops and joining a murder mystery book club, which turned out to be a great place for her to make friends and focus less on her lonely life. Yes, she had pushed past all that darkness. She decided not to allow those three losers to determine her future. She learned her worth would never be defined by a man.

It would be defined by her worldly contributions and overall good character. She found her life filled with people and places she had come to love, and just when she had settled into becoming a bachelorette for life, she met him, Harper Dove. It didn't take him long to show interest in her and sweep her off her feet shortly after. He proposed three months later. They were getting married today. Shawna was basking in the glow of radiant abundance and positivity that was her life.

She was head over heels in love with one of the most generous and loving men she had ever met, not that she had met many. She was ready to spend the rest of her days with Harper. Her heart beat faster at the thought of having to kiss him in front of their family. Shawna's back was turned to the cheval mirror. Her father's hands gently rested on her upper arms.

His chest swelled with pride in his vintage black tuxedo. She could see his pride for her shining in his eyes. Six years ago, Shawna would have never seen herself this happy and fulfilled in her 27 years of life. Her business was generating enough revenue that she could take care of herself and her family financially for many, many years. Shawna had dreamed of making her dad a jolly father of the bride.

She felt loved by her father in this moment. He saw her for the adult woman she was and not the child he had raised. It was a beautiful feeling. She felt accepted by everyone around her, after struggling for so long. Some people would say her life was just about perfect, and she would always counter that assumption by arguing that no one is perfect and life has its trials for everyone.

Shawna had always been a very private person. Only her closest friends knew about her own private struggles in life and in love. She was just grateful she had kept the faith in herself as well as her goals.

It was the reason she was so happy and fulfilled.

"You look beautiful, my angel." Her father complimented her. "Harper is a lucky man. He better treat my princess right. If he doesn't you let me know so I can set him straight." he jested.

Shawna smiled at him. "Of course, Dad." She agreed.

He continued, "And if you ever need to come home, me and your mother will gladly accept you back with open arms." He chuckled warmly.

Shawna loved her father very much. Since she could recall her father always had a kind and warm disposition. She hadn't been a perfect child, but he loved her like she was one. Both of her parents adored one another and her. They all got along so well that it felt like they lived in their own bubble.

In middle school, her friends would tease her about having parents who were old. She was happy they were both healthy and alive to see their only child get married. She had found real love. She was surrounded by the people who cared about her on her special day. A day she would cherish and look back on with happiness. 

"I love you, Dad." She kissed his cheek. A lone tear tried to fall, but she caught it in time, careful not to ruin her beautiful makeup. 

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Her maid of honor, Amber peaked her head in, "It's time." She announced. "You look amazing in this wedding dress, just like a princess. Harper is going to love this." Amber oozed.

Shawna couldn't help but beam at the compliments her friend showered upon her. She rarely got to look this beautiful and wear makeup. Seeing her reflection earlier she realized just how beautiful she was and how her past prospects always made her feel ugly, untrustworthy, and simple. The weak woman she had been in the past was gone. She knew she was beautiful, more than trustworthy, and very intelligent. She was a new woman and her man was nothing like the trolls of her past, of that she was sure. 

"Alright, my darling. Let's go." Prompted her father.

With a gentle touch, Shawna slightly raised her gown above her ankles. Her father opened the door wide for her, making sure he was out of her way when she exited. Amber was waiting for them by the elevator. The trio got into the elevator. Her father pressed the Lobby button.

.

"Where's mom?" Shawna asked her father.

"She went along with the rest of the bridal party to the venue." He explained. 

The elevator dinged, and the doors opened. Amber exited first, followed by Shawna and her father. The doors quietly closed behind them. They walked out of the hotel lobby towards a white vintage Rolls Royce, decorated with white lily garland around the base and back bumper. There was a driver. Shawna couldn't see his face very well because of his dark shades and the hat that matched his gray uniform. The driver held a sign that read 'Shawa H.'

She was overjoyed. When she had spoken to the wedding transportation company they had told her that a Mercedes was within her budget. She was happy with the surprise upgrade. 

"Wow!" Amber said as she looked at the luxury vehicle.

When they were all close enough the driver spoke. "Afternoon. I'm here to take you to St. Paul Cathedral. "

"Yes. That is correct." Amber confirmed for Shawna.

Shawna looked from Amber to her father, who was patting his pockets as if he had suddenly realized he had lost something. "What, Dad?" Shawna inquired

"Oh dear! I left my phone and my camera upstairs. Your mother will kill me if I don't have them." He said. 

Shawna agreed and her father went back inside of the hotel, leaving just her and Amber with the driver. She looked at Amber, who was texting on her phone. She watched the driver walk to the back of the luxury car and open the passenger door for her. 

"It is your day a bride as beautiful as you should wait in the car until your father returns." The driver suggested. 

She thought the gesture a kind service. She didn't disagree with the idea either. She tentatively got into the car. He lightly closed the door. Had she not been watching him she would not have heard it close. Shawna took a deep calming breath.

Where was her father? She didn't want to be late to her own wedding, she thought. Her train of thought was interrupted by why she saw the chauffeur throw his half smoked cigarette onto the street. Walked to the driver's side and got in. Without saying a word to her the driver drove off. It was like the chauffeur had read her mind, but she hadn't arranged any other transportation for her father or her maid of honor.

They were all scheduled to ride together. Something was wrong...