chapter two: the wedding

Cassandra woke with a start, disoriented, as a heavy knock on the door echoed through her hotel room. Groggily, she sat up, rubbing her eyes. Her eyes widened as she realized it was her wedding day. Panic set in as she threw off the covers only to discover she was naked. Worried,she tried hard to recall the events of the previous night all to no avail. She quickly scrambled for a nightgown.

"Come in!" she called out as the heavy knock persisted.

The door swung open, revealing her sister Mildred, accompanied by a stylist.

"Good morning, Mrs Heights!" Mildred chimed. "It's your big day!"

Cassandra's eyes widened in delight accompanied by an eye to ear grin.

The hair stylist began setting up her equipment, oblivious to the tension,whilst Cassandra showered.

As Cassandra's hair was styled, she couldn't hide her excitement. "I'm really doing this, Mildred. I'm marrying Jim!"

Mildred smiled warmly. "You deserve all the happiness, Cass. Jim is lucky to have you."

Cassandra beamed. "I'm lucky to have him too."

Mildred's gaze drifted off, her voice taking on a wistful tone. "Jim is... amazing. So charming and handsome plus he's got the bucks too."

Cassandra playfully teased, "You want him, don't you?"

Mildred's eyes snapped back to Cassandra's, her cheeks flushing. "No, no, of course not!"

Cassandra chuckled. "Just kidding, sis."

Meanwhile, in a lavish, well-lit room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline, Claus Barrow paced back and forth. The room's elegant décor, complete with marble floors and a crystal chandelier, seemed to amplify his agitation.

It was his employee's wedding, infact one of his best employees, and he couldn't attend. The bride's words still lingered, fueling his annoyance.

"I, Claus Barrow a shallow-minded man?" Claus muttered to himself. "How dare she?"

His pacing quickened, his mind consumed by the memory of Cassandra's accusation.

Suddenly, his phone buzzed. His assistant's voice echoed through the speaker.

"Sir, shall I send the gift to the wedding?"

Claus's jaw clenched. "That isn't necessary."

The assistant hesitated. "But, sir, Jim is one of our top—"

"Not necessary" Claus repeated, his tone final.

As he ended the call, Claus's gaze fell upon a photo on his desk – a picture of himself and his latest conquest, Tyla. Her beauty and allure momentarily distracted him from his irritation.

But Cassandra's words continued to simmer in his mind, a constant reminder of the insult.

Jim sat in the pew, fidgeting with his cufflinks. His mixed emotions—anxiousness and excitement—swirled like a tempest. He took a deep breath, scanning the crowded church.

Suddenly, a collective gasp filled the air. Jim's gaze followed the sound to the entrance, where Cassandra stood, radiant in a simple yet elegant mermaid dress. The ivory gown hugged her curves, accentuating her toned physique. Delicate lace trimmed the neckline, framing her heart-shaped face.

Her dark hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, styled to perfection. A delicate silver tiara perched atop her head, complementing the sparkling diamond earrings that danced at her lobes. A slender silver necklace bearing a tiny crystal pendant glimmered around her neck.

As Cassandra began her walk down the aisle, Jim's eyes locked onto hers. He gasped, overwhelmed by her beauty. She looked prettier than he had ever imagined.

Phoebe, Cassandra's mother, beamed with pride, her eyes shining with happiness. She thought Jim was not only a good man but also well-off, able to provide for her daughter.

Tears pricked at the corners of Phoebe's eyes as memories flooded her mind—struggling to raise her three children alone after her husband's disappearance. The past few months with Jim had been a blessing; his financial stability had eased their burdens.

Cassandra's slow, graceful steps seemed to synchronize with the beating of Jim's heart. As she reached his side, he took her hand, his eyes never leaving hers.

"You look stunning," he whispered.

Cassandra's smile lit up the church. "You don't look so bad yourself."

Their exchange was interrupted by the clearing of the minister's throat. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..."

As the ceremony began, Jim's doubts resurfaced, mingling with his love for Cassandra. Little did he know, their vows would soon be tested.

Meanwhile, Claus watched from afar, he eventually decided to attend, his presence unnoticed by the joyful crowd. His gaze narrowed, fixed on Cassandra.

Jim's voice trembled with emotion as he recited his vows.

"Cassandra Pete, from the moment I met you, I knew you were the one. You light up my world in ways I never thought possible. I promise to love, cherish, and support you through life's ups and downs. Forever and always."

The congregation awed at his heartfelt words.

Cassandra's tears of joy streamed down her face as she spoke her own vows.

"Jim Heights, you're my rock, my partner, and my best friend. I promise to stand by your side, laugh with you, and cry with you. I love you now and forever."

Claus, hidden amongst the crowd, squeezed his face in disgust at the show of emotions.

Just as the minister smiled, prepared to pronounce them husband and wife, he asked Jim, "Do you, Jim, take Cassandra as your wife?"

Jim's response was joyful. "I do!"

The minister turned to Cassandra. "Do you, Cassandra, take Jim as your husband?"

As Cassandra opened her mouth to answer, a sharp voice pierced the air, causing the congregation to gasp in shock. Heads swiveled, searching for the source.

"This wedding cannot continue! I have proof of infidelity."

Cassandra's eyes widened, her face pale and Jim's expression transformed from joy to confusion.

Phoebe's eyes filled with tears, her hands covering her mouth.

Mildred's gaze dropped, her face flushing.

Claus eyes narrowed accompanied by a low "knew it."

The minister's voice faltered. "Who... who speaks?"

A figure emerged from the back, clutching a folder,walking confidently down the aisle.

"I do," the figure declared. "And this evidence will prove Cassandra's infidelity."