Chapter 1

Elena’s POV:

I stood in front of the mirror, smiling broadly as I tilted my head downward and admired the beautiful white wedding dress that glittered under the soft lighting on my body.

My dress, a long white mermaid dress adorned with silver crystals, matched my pale skin. The corset clinched at the waist for a flattering fit that revealed my curves, with a decorative bow strap.

My lhair was styled in soft waves and packed in a bridal style.

My makeup highlighting my cheekbones, and my red lipstick made me look flawless.

I couldn't believe that this day would truly come to pass. The day that I will finally get married to the love of my life, Caleb, and step into my long-awaited freedom. 

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. “This is a day of new beginnings,” I muttered silently with a broad smile.

For so long, I had followed my father's orders and done everything he demanded. Working tirelessly for him and not having to pursue my dream.

Today marks the end of an era. I'll finally get to make my own decisions. I couldn’t believe how everything had come together to become excellent.

Zoey glanced at me through the mirror as she fixed the diamond necklace on my neck.

“Elena, you look stunning! I can't believe you're getting married to Caleb,” she mentioned. Her voice was filled with excitement.

“Thank you so much, Zoey. I can't believe that day has finally come. A day of freedom and new beginnings. I have dreamed of this day for so long.” I responded as I smiled gracefully, looking at myself in the mirror.

“You are going to walk down that aisle and take everyone’s breath away. I can't wait to see the look on Caleb’s face when he finally sees you. You look divine!” Zoey grinned.

Zoey is right. I can't wait to see Caleb’s face when he sees me in my wedding dress. 

Zoey decorated me with glittering jewellery, and she bent downward to fix my heels when we heard a gentle knock on the door that drew our attention.

“Elena,” my father, Mr. Williams, called. He gently swung the door open and walked inside the room. 

His face lit up. “You look so beautiful, my child,” he said, with a warm smile that tugged at the corners of his lips as he walked up to me.

“Thank you, Dad,” I responded, holding his hands gently. 

“The guests are waiting already. Are you ready to proceed with me down the aisle?” he asked.

“Yes, father. I'll be ready in a few minutes. I need to look perfect,” I said while looking in the mirror once again. “Is Caleb at the altar already?” I queried.

“No,” my dad responded. He looked at the watch on his wrist. “He should be here any minute, you need to hurry up. We don't want to keep the priest and everyone waiting.” My dad spoke.

I hurriedly grabbed the bouquet lying on the bed before exiting the room with my dad.

Zoey followed us from behind.

I stood with my father at the entrance of the Isle, patiently waiting for Caleb to arrive. I could hear the murmurs from the guests. Caleb seems to be delaying.

My father looked at me and whispered, “Elena, Caleb is not here yet. What could be keeping him?”

“I don't know, Dad. Let me call him.” I responded.

“Please do. We're running out of time,” he replied.

Zoey handed my mobile phone to me, and I quickly dialled Caleb’s number. His phone rang continuously, but he didn't pick it up. 

I became nervous.

The murmurs of the guests became louder, and I became restless as I watched my dad stand impatiently. 

“We are running out of time already, Elena,” he whispered to me.

Caleb is supposed to be here. What's keeping him from arriving? I wondered. My heart started beating fast.

My father turned to me with a weary look on his face. “Elena, this is unacceptable! I'm running out of patience. What exactly is going on?” he inquired.

“I don't know, father. He should have been here by now. Let's give him a few minutes. I'm sure he will arrive.” I answered, my voice trembling slightly and my eyes almost welling up with tears.

I could sense the tension in the room as the murmurs grew louder. My stepmother looked at me angrily from afar. Aunt Lily stared at me with a worried look on her face.

Just then, Sarah, my stepsister, walked up to my dad. She whispered something in his ear. My father’s facial expressions hardened immediately.

I could tell something had gone wrong. My dad let go of my hand unexpectedly. He fixed his gaze on me before speaking up. “Elena, you must follow me right now.” 

“But, father, what's going on?” I asked, feeling confused.

I felt a huge lump in my throat, and my heart started beating fast. I could tell that whatever news Sarah brought wasn't a good one. 

I hesitated to leave the aisle before running off to catch up with my dad. 

What could have gone wrong? Did I do something wrong? My mind raced with multiple questions. 

I ran into the room where my father and Sarah had entered. I froze when I saw Caleb standing with his fist tightened by his side. His eyes were red, and I could see anger written all over his face.

“Caleb,” I called, “what's going on? Why are you here? You should be on the altar.” I questioned him, feeling confused as I walked up to him. My eyes searched his eyes for answers. I wish I could read everybody’s mind with the look on their faces. 

Caleb turned to me and gave me a stern look. “I didn't know you to be a worthless bitch,” he shouted. I could see his veins popping on his head.

“This marriage is not going to hold, and I have terminated the deal I have with your father’s company,” he declared.

The bouquet in my hands fell to the ground, and my heart slammed heavily against my chest. “What? What's going on with you, Caleb?” I asked with a trembling voice.

“I don't want to ever set my eyes on you. It's over between us, Elena.” Caleb shouted. His voice was filled with fury.

My heart slammed continuously against my chest, and my confusion grew stronger.

“Caleb, whatever the problem is, we can settle it after the ceremony. It hasn't gotten to that.” I responded, my voice trembling. “Common, the guests are waiting.”

I tried to keep tears from rolling down my cheeks. I felt numb. I stared at my dad, hoping he could say something, but he kept mute.

Caleb turned on his heel to walk out of the room when I rushed to hold his hands to make him stop.

“Caleb, please don't do this. I haven't done anything wrong. Sarah could testify.” I pleaded, tears already rolling down my cheeks.

He hurriedly removed my hands from his, and I froze at that spot. I have never seen Caleb behave like this when he is angry. What could be going on?

He threw a file on the floor and walked away. I tried to go after him, but the pictures that floated in the air caught my attention, and they suddenly landed on the floor. 

I got a glimpse of the pictures, and my deep brown eyes widened with shock.

Pictures of me and another man almost kissing and making out last night outside the club.

I gathered the courage to catch up with Caleb as he walked outside of the room, but to my biggest surprise, I received a slap on my cheeks. 

I stood glued to the ground and held my burning cheeks. My stepmother had slapped me in the face.

“You dirty hoe. How could you sleep with another man a night before your wedding? Why have you decided to humiliate this family?” My stepmother shouted.

When I turned around, Sarah and my father were staring at me with disdain. I felt disappointed in myself, and nobody could save me from this mess.

“It's not what you think, Father.” I ran to my father and held his hands. He didn't alter a word. I looked him in the eyes, but all I could see was disappointment.

“Sarah? Sarah!” I walked up with Sarah. Tears are uncontrollably running down my cheeks. “Sarah, we were together last night. Please explain to them. You are aware of what happened last night. Please tell them the truth.” I fell to my knees in front of Sarah, but Sarah didn't say a word. 

Instead, she gave me a daring look and stared at me with disgust.

My stepmother interrupted again, “You low life... You are so shameless. Look at how you have ruined your life and your father’s company. I've always known you were useless to us the day your father brought you into our home,” she spat.

“What? I didn’t sleep with him, Mom. I passed out last night while Sarah and I were clubbing. He took me in when we couldn't find Sarah.” I cried out.

I looked up at Sarah and spoke up, "Sarah, please tell them the truth. I'm pleading.” But Sarah stood there, looking at me with disappointment. She didn't utter a single word to save me from this mess.

My mind circled around the events that happened last night.