1: Ruined Wedding

Brian’s House

"Breathe, Brian. Just get through today. A few hours, and she would be out of your life for good," Leonard, his best man adjusted his tie, watching his moody reflection.  

Brian’s jaw clenched. His fingers trembled as he fought back the sting in his eyes.

 "Just a few hours, Leonard," he repeated it like a mantra, but the words tasted like ash.  

"Yes," he confirmed, determined to give him hope.

"I have a concern, Leonard,” he informed him, his voice laden with despair.

Leonard gripped his shoulder and encouraged him, "Talk to me. What’s it? You can share it with me.”

Brian opened his mouth, then shut it. The weight in his chest crushed the words before they could come out of his mouth. Suddenly, a hot tear escaped, then another. 

Leonard pulled him into a rough embrace and urged him, "Let it out, Brian. Better now than in front of Jane and the guests. 

Then, there was a sharp rap at the door, "Brian!" His father’s voice was like a blade and it cut his heart.

"Yes, Dad," he answered him fearfully.

"Don't keep the registrar and your bride waiting. You must not embarrass this family."

He broke apart from Leonard and wiped his face. After a sharp inhale, he answered him, "I got it, Dad."

They snatched the suits from the wardrobe, hands moving fast. Then, he asked Brian, "You were saying something earlier." 

Brian’s voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "What do I do when the registrar tells me to kiss the bride? I can’t. I’d rather choke," he declared with tears pouring down his cheeks again.

Leonard froze. The thought of Brian’s lips on despicable Jane’s made his stomach twist. He sank onto the couch, mind racing fast. "There’s another way," he stated.

Brian’s gaze snapped to him expectantly and he inquired, "How?"

"We will run. Yes. We will run away the second we are off this estate. Your father can’t force you."

Brian’s eyes darkened. He dried his tears and asked him, "What a plan! Did you consider the security?" 

Leonard exhaled, thought for a while, and accepted, "You are right. Forget it. We will stick to the original plan. Just compose yourself and get through the ceremony."

Brian stared at the wall in silence while the air thickened with unspoken rage.  

Mr. Garfield's Room

He returned from Brian's room and met his wife, busy with her team of make-up artists, hair stylists, and costume designers.

She looked at his troubled face and asked him, "Is he set?"

"Yes. We will leave soon," he announced.

"I got it. I'm almost through," she said and signaled to her team members to hasten up.

Mr. Garfield took a step but was halted by the television broadcast.

(BREAKING NEWS: Human remains found in Garfield And Brian Cosmetics Factory. Probably a missing heiress.)

His stomach dropped, his breath catching in his throat as the words seared into his mind. 

"Human remains in my factory?" He thought of the implications that would hit his business like a freight train.

"Jane must be responsible for this," he cried out and walked into his room.

His wife saw the breaking news and was disoriented. Her mind raced, scrambling to recall every detail that could tie her son to the crime. 

"Was there evidence? Who else knew about this if not Jane?" She asked herself. 

"Excused me," she said and left the team.

She walked to her husband's room and met him staring at the wall. Although Brian could be innocent, the scandal alone could destroy his reputation. Garfield & Brian Cosmetics would be under scrutiny, investors might flee, and the media would hound him relentlessly.  

"You have to calm down, My dear. Once the wedding is over, we will be free from this."

"What about the scandal?"

"There would be no such thing if Jane clears the air. Let's hasten to the registry."

Jane’s House

Jane smiled in triumph as the stylist curled her hair. The event planner and costume designer were doing a good job on her.

Meanwhile, her father and brother had not spoken to her since her step-sister, Valerie vanished. They believed that she killed her because she was finer and their fathe'rs favorite.

"It is their loss," she said without concern for her missing sister and adjusted her veil, admiring her reflection. 

"Perfect," she complimented the costume designer and makeup artist.

Her mother, Magdalene, beamed and encouraged her, "You deserve this, Darling. After everything, you are the young lady of the Garfield family."

"You can leave us," Jane ordered the team.

"We got it, Ma'am," they said at once and left.

Jane’s grin sharpened and she spoke, "You are right, Mom. After the lies, threat, blackmail, and the way Brian’s father had folded when I whispered about Valerie’s disappearance. He wished to defend his son until I convinced him."

"Huh!" How did you do that?" She asked desperately.

"I told him that true love forgives. He should plead with his son to forgive me and he accepted," she said, batting her lashes.  

"Really."

"Yes. The old fool had believed me." Now, Brian would marry me. Whether he wanted to or not."  

They laughed cynically when they saw the news. Unknown to them, the nightmare had just begun.  

Flashback – Three Weeks Earlier

Mr. Garfield’s office. 

Jane visited him and her tears were masterful.  

"Despite everything I’ve forgiven Brian, Mr. Garfield," she sulked.

The President’s face softened and he praised her, "You’re too kind to forgive my son despite all his errors."

She let her voice break and pleaded, "Thank you for the compliment but I just want him back."

Her lie was smooth as silk. And he swallowed it whole. When Brian walked in later, his face was dull, just the way it had been since Valerie went missing.

His father felt he had a piece of good news that would cheer him up and informed him with a broad smile, "Son, she has a good heart and has forgiven you?"

Brian was disturbed. He asked him calmly and dispassionately, "What do you mean, Dad?"

His father expected that and smiled broadly. He gave him a sympathetic look and encouraged him, “You must have gone through a lot alone. You did not even carry your mother and me along.”

Brian was lost the more and gazed intently at him. Now, Mr. Garfield felt that his son was in pain and took a deep breath.

“I can feel your pain, Son but it has come to an end. Jane was here a few hours ago and said that she had forgiven you. She no longer begrudged you over the disappearance of her stepsister.”

At that point, Brian got the complete picture and was disoriented. He got up at once and shouted, “Jane? Did she have the courage to come here again? Did you give her an audience?”

His father thought that he was surprised at her bold steps. He smiled softly and persuaded him, “Yes. It was a difficult decision for her to take but she still loves you and wishes to let go.”

“Love? No, Dad. It is not what you think. I fired her three years ago and she is to be avoided. You must not allow her anywhere near you,” he advised him with his eyes wide open as though they would pop out of their sockets.

“Calm down and take your seat, Son,” he instructed him with a calm demeanor.

Now, Brian was breathing heavily, but he sat down all the same while his father continued, “I agree that she wronged you by accusing you falsely, but she has learned her lesson.”

“Dad, you have to believe me. She is not …” 

“Enough of that. How dare you argue with me,” his father yelled when he assumed that he was being unreasonable.

Brian locked eyes with him and apologized after a while, “I'm sorry, Dad.”

“That is more like it."

With an encouraging aura, he assured him, "Jane has given you a second chance. Don’t throw it away. Get ready to continue with your marriage plans,” he declared dismissively. 

He was too nervous to voice his objection. He felt intimidated by his father who should have defended him and stayed silent. His protest died in his throat. Jane's trap was set and it worked -but just for a short while.