Prologue

"I can't believe it, Guia! You're really getting married!" Betty shrieked. 

I smiled as I watch myself in the mirror wearing a long-tailed sweetheart ball gown-style wedding dress. The dress is hugging my upper body, exposing my curves, while the skirt is overflowing, making me look like a real-life princess ready to marry my prince charming.

I giggled as I turn around while feeling the moment.

Napangiti ako habang tinitingnan ang sarili. This is the day that I have been waiting for. I'm going to marry Darius, and after this day, I'll become Mrs. Mallari.

Hindi ko mapigilan na kiligin habang iniisip 'yun. 

"You look so in love! Nakaka-inggit!" Natawa ako dahil sa sinabi niya. 

"Then go ask your boyfriend to marry you!"

"Nah! Ayokong mamilit kung ayaw niya. Tsaka isa pa, hindi pa rin naman ako sigurado kung kami talaga. I'll just let our fate decide for us." She shrugged then took her phone out from her purse. "Let's take a picture!"

Lumapit siya sa 'kin at kumuha ng napakaraming selfies. Kung hindi lang dahil sa make up artist na lumapit sa 'kin para i-retouch ang make up ko ay hindi pa siya titigil. 

"So, where are you planning to spend your honeymoon?" She rested her hand under her chin. She's now sitting on the high stool chair facing the vanity mirror.

"Maldives," I simply said. 

"Ay, iba talaga! Is that Darius' idea?" Nakatingin siya sa 'kin mula sa salamin. I just nodded as an answer. 

An hour later, I am now standing outside the biggest church in the city. Hindi ko alam kung anong nararamdaman ko. Magkahalong saya, kaba at... takot. I don't know why I'm feeling like this but they say that it's normal for the bride to feel this way. 

Nagpakawala ako ng malalim na hininga nang dahan-dahan nang bumukas ang malaking pintuan sa harapan ko. 

The event organizer gave me the cue, and so I started walking down the carpeted aisle.

I smiled as the lovely instrumental music lingered in my ears.

All eyes are on me. Halos lahat ng nandito ay kilala ko. They are our family, relatives, my friends, my officemates, and my college batchmates who became close to me through my college years.

They are all here to witness my wedding, making my heart filled with so much joy.

I smiled at them before I look in front. Standing there is the man I am going to be with for the rest of my life. The man whom I love the most.

Nagsimulang magtubig ang mga mata ko habang patuloy sa dahan-dahang paglalakad palapit sa kaniya. 

This felt surreal! It's like I am living my dreams. 

I was halfway through the aisle when I noticed something strange. It's a figure of a man standing behind the altar. 

Bahagyang napakunot ang noo ko pero agad din akong ngumiti ulit. Hindi ko na 'yun pinansin at nagpatuloy lang sa paglalakad. 

But as I am walking closer, I can now clearly see the man and I was surprised when I realized that he is holding something.

A gun.

It is a gun aiming in my direction.

Agad na gumapang ang kaba sa dibdib ko pero ilang segundo pa ay umalingawngaw ang putok ng baril sa buong paligid. Sinundan naman iyon ng sigawan ng mga taong naririto. They were all screaming in horror, but I froze.

I froze while feeling the excruciating pain from my chest spreading throughout my body until I feel numb. 

Kahit na nanghihina ay nakita ko ang mabilis na paglalakad ng lalaki paalis sa kinatatayuan niya hanggang sa mawala na siya sa paningin ko. 

Napaubo ako pero kasabay no'n ay ang paglabas ng dugo mula sa bibig ko.

I gasped for air as my body slowly fell to the floor. 

Hindi. Hindi 'to pwede. This is my wedding day. This can't be ruined. 

Pero habang iniisip ko na panaginip lang ito ay pilit naman akong ginigising ng matinding sakit sa dibdib ko. 

A single tear trailed down my temple then my vision became blurry. 

Bago ako tuluyang nilamon ng kadiliman ay inalala ko ang pigura ng lalaking bumaril sa 'kin. 

Who are you? 

Why did you do this to me?