MISSING BRIDE.

MRS. LANGSTON POV.

“I won't be able to make it. Something came up.”

The words hit me like a slap. I held my phone tightly. “David, today is your daughter's wedding. You can't keep running away from your fami…”

“I'm not running away!” He cut me short. His tone was firm and full of anger. “I already called the hospital to check in, and they said she's doing fine. Didn't you say it was a minor scratch?”

I paused for a while, swallowing hard. He mustn't know about her condition yet. “Ye—yes,” I lied. “But you haven't seen her since the accident. Don't you care how she feels?”

There was a long pause between us, heavy and suffocating. “It's not as simple as you think,” he said, his voice softening.

“Then make it simple! Do you want people to talk? She's still your daughter, David! She loves you…”

“Stop! Just stop.” His voice cracked, a mixture of pain and frustration. “Does she know the truth yet? Will she still love me after finding out the truth?”

The question hit me like a blow to my chest. “No,” I whispered, my heart beating faster. “And she never will. We vowed to take it to our grave.”

“You can't keep hiding it forever.” His tone was heavy with resignation. “I'll try my best to be there, but for now—I must leave.”

And just like that, he hung up.

The silence that came after crushed me. Tears flowed freely under the intense pressure I felt. That secret—our secret, it weighed on me like a stone pressed against my chest.

The weight of the burden we both shared was the reason for our distance, and now he felt like a stranger.

Regardless, I still loved my husband and a tiny hope lingered in my heart when he said he would try to show up for the wedding.

I wiped my tears and stood, forcing myself to be strong. I couldn't show weakness—not now. Victoria needed me strong.

But as I walked past my mirror and stared at my reflection, I couldn't help but wonder how long I could keep this secret, before it finally eats me up completely.

****

At the wedding ceremony, I held my head high. I tried my best to look happy, convincing enough to the guest.

Helen Sterling waved me over with a smile. “Oh, Grace! It’s such a pleasure to finally welcome a beauty like you in our family.” She gave me a warm hug.

A faint smile curved my lips. “Helen, you never fail to make me blush.”

“This union marks the beginning of something great.” Mr. Sterling joined in jubilant. Together, we’d be unstoppable!”

I nodded. “Indeed! This union is for the best.”

Helen laughed. Her tone echoed the rhythm of joy. “And Victoria! Unstoppable, fierce—she’s just the perfect bride for our Michael ...”

“They are both capable of leading our empire back to the top! True leaders.” Mr. Sterling concluded.

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding fast. If only they knew about Victoria’s amnesia. I dared not mention a word about it to them until after the marriage.

“Yes, you’re right.” My voice hollowed.

Mr. Sterling looked around. “How come I don’t see David, your husband?”

“Well… he’s on his way. Hopefully, he makes it here on time.” I said in haste. “If you’d excuse me. I’d love to go check up on the bride.” I said with a weak smile, trying to excuse myself from the whole tension.

“Yes, of course! Go check on her!” Helen said, laughing heartily. “I’m sure she’s nervous!”

I climbed the stairs slowly. My heart pounded as I approached her room.

When I got to her room, Victoria sat on the bed in her beautiful white ball gown. The maids stood around, and the make-up artist did her magic.

From where I stood, she felt like a total stranger to me. The spark—the fierce fire that had always defined her—they were all gone. Her eyes, once full of happiness and determination, now showed sadness and weakness.

“Excuse us,” I said firmly, with my chin up.

Everyone left the room, and I walked to where Victoria was.

“You have to be strong! Show no weakness.” I gripped her shoulder. My voice was firm, yet my hands trembled. “My child, sacrifices are sometimes necessary for us to achieve certain goals. Please, understand…”

She turned to me, and the raw pain in her eyes was palpable. “Mother, I’ve forgotten so much… but why does my heart ache this much?”

“Stop all this nonsense, Victoria!” I struggled to keep my composure. “You must do this! It’s for this family. For Langston’s Legacy.”

I turned away to hide the tears brimming in my eyes and left the room without looking back.

****

As soon as the music began, everyone turned to the aisle to watch the bride. A hush fell over the crowd and some people began to feel emotional.

Victoria walked forward, her gown sweeping the polished floor. My heart clenched as tears spilled, but I quickly wiped them off.

Despite the delicate veil over her face, her radiant glow drew soft gasps from the crowd. Her presence was commanding.

Michael smiled as she approached, convincing enough to anyone watching him. As soon as she got to him, they turned to the priest and exchanged vows.

Finally, it was time to reveal the bride and the room held its breath.

As Michael lifted her veil, the gasp that escaped his lips was barely unnoticeable—but I was observant enough. My chest tightened. I knew at once that something was off.

From my seat, I saw his eyes widen in shock before his expression shifted to excitement. The kiss was passionate—too intimate.

As soon as they turned to face us, panic clouded the air.

A small smile lingered on the bride’s face as she looked straight at me.

“What have you done?” I whispered, my voice was barely audible, but cracked.

My hands trembled as I looked around for Victoria, searching desperately. It had to be a prank—it had to! But everyone looked as surprised as I was.

I clenched my fist together, and with the amount of anger and betrayal I felt, I screamed at the top of my voice—“Where the hell is Victoria?!”