Behind the White Dress

I was just about to set my phone aside when a message from Joseph Clark buzzed in.

[Hey there, wifey. Missing me yet?]

[Don't push yourself too hard with your spiritual practices, okay? That lucky charm you gave me? I've been keeping it close all the time.]

His message, dripping with sweetness, made my heart sink.

Up until that day, I had been convinced that my husband was the world's most hopeless romantic. He was always so full of love for me, constantly checking in, sharing every little detail of his day.

However, in a mere moment, it all turned into a cruel joke.

I packed my bags in a daze and headed to the wedding hotel.

As I stepped into the banquet hall, my eyes immediately found Betty Stewart, radiant in her white wedding gown.

She was the center of attention, encircled by relatives.

The relatives were fawning over her, their faces plastered with ingratiating grins.

"Betty, you've always been more mature than Aria, and now, you've made such a splendid match. You've really made us proud!"

"Absolutely! The Clarks is one of the most prestigious families around, and Joseph's a real go-getter. You'll have to look out for us now!"

"Betty's always been bright and quick-witted. I knew she was destined for big things."

"Please, you're making me blush," Betty purred, her head dipped in feigned modesty, but her lips betrayed a triumphant smile.

"Joseph has been wonderful, indeed. The wedding venue alone set us back over a hundred and fifty thousand dollars."

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, eyes wide with surprise and envy.

"A hundred and fifty thousand dollars?! Wow, talk about a lavish affair..."

"Joseph promised me the best," Betty said with a smug smile, caressing the diamonds adorning her wedding gown.

"This dress is a one-of-a-kind Itania creation, the handcrafting alone cost thirty thousand dollars. I never meant to flaunt, but what can I do when I'm married to the wealthiest man around?"

She feigned a look of concern, yet her eyes sparkled with triumph.

The relatives gasped in awe, while a few young girls, green with envy, reached out to touch the gown, only to be deftly sidestepped by Betty.

From the doorway, I let out a soft laugh.

Three years ago, when I first laid eyes on Joseph, he was a man battered by life and plagued by illness.

He once caught me performing a mystical ritual and became convinced I possessed magic. He begged me to heal him.

Eventually, I relented and gave him a lucky charm. His health began to mend, and his luck took a turn for the better.

Little did I know that his newfound fortune would become Betty's favorite showpiece.

Then, Betty's eyes met mine.

She paused before letting out a theatrical gasp and a laugh loud enough for all to hear.

"Well, if it isn't Aria? What brings you here in that getup to my wedding?"