3: Ruined Wedding 2

Brian’s House  

The plan was set.  Brian exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple as Leonard’s words echoed in his mind. 

“Why not before the wedding?” he asked him anxiously. "I don't want her to die with the honor that we were ever married."

“No. After the wedding. Not before. If you kill her now, your parents will know it was you, giving credence to Jane's false accusation.

A bitter smirk twisted Brian’s lips. “You’re right. They draw their conclusions."

Leonard clapped him on the shoulder. “Exactly. Jane thinks she’s clever but we’ll handle it.”  

 The Morning of the Wedding

Everything was fine. The poison was perfectly kept in the discreet pocket inside the waistband. The sun spilled through the curtains, and a darker thought of the big smooch crossed into Brian’s mind.  

Brian's jaw tightened, "What of the big smooch? Guy, what if our plan fails? She’ll still be a thorn in my side if she’s alive.”  

Leonard’s grin was razor-sharp. “Then we make sure she isn’t. When the officiant says, ‘You may kiss the bride,’ we will act.”  

Brian nodded, resolve hardening in his chest. 

“That is good. I know what to do if the officiant says it. Let’s get dressed.”  

"Perfect."

Jane’s House – The Illusion of a Dream Wedding    

Money flowed like water from the Garfields’ pockets, and Magdalene made sure every penny showed. A lavish gown. Jewelry that glittered under the morning light.  Sought after hired makeup artist and bridal company to paint and dress Jane into the perfect bride.  

Yet, for all the finery, the house was hollow. No laughter of friends. No teary-eyed relatives. Just the cold silence of two women who had burned every bridge behind them.  

“We should leave,” Magdalene announced forty-five minutes before the time, smoothening her designer dress.  

"Okay, Mom," the desperate Jane responded and her team complied and rounded up.

There were things that Garfield's money could not provide. No fanfare. No bridal party. Just two rented luxury cars and a handful of paid staff from the wedding company - strangers playing the roles of loved ones.  

As the cars pulled away, Jane’s fingers dug into her bouquet.  She smiled broadly and said, "This is it. The life I deserve."

The City Registry – A Spectacle Without Spectators    

The sleek convoy turned heads. Pedestrians paused, and whispered, “Who’s getting married?”   

 “No idea. No announcements, no buzz. This is weird."

 “Strange. Someone this rich usually flaunts it.”   

"The publicity was poor,” the other person responded.

“Poor? Was there any at all?” 

“I thought as much but which city higher up would not show off the wedding of his or her daughter?”

The press, ever hungry for drama, swarmed like vultures. Jane welcomed the cameras. Better late publicity than none. Let the city see her as the blushing bride. The Young Lady of the Garfield's family.

They were no longer afraid of the publicity because it was already too late to vilify Jane before Mr. Garfield and his wife, who they feared might change their minds if they found out the truth about her. 

But one thing was missing - The groom.  

Seconds ticked by. Then some minutes. The bride returned to the car and began to wait. Her smile stiffened as murmurs spread.  

 “He’s late?”   

 “It is unheard of.”   

"The groom arrives before the bride and not the reverse."

The overzealous journalists scribbled furiously. The wedding was already a good story for a perfect headline.

Brian’s House – A Family on the Brink    

The Garfields stood in the foyer, radiant in their finery. Suddenly, Mr. Garfield’s phone buzzed. Alfred, his old friend, was calling from the registry.  

He smiled and informed his wife, “Alfred is calling.”

A broad smile flickered across her face and she inquired, “Has he arrived?”

“Hello, Frederick. I'm at the registry.”

“Wow! So early?"

"Yes."

"I'm glad that you made it. Welcome to my country.”

“It is my pleasure.”

“We will be with you soon,” he promised him.

“It is all right. Don't keep the bride waiting,” he advised.

“Oh, my God! Is she there already?”

“Yes. She is waiting."

"It's okay."

Frederick faced his wife and said, beaming. “Jane’s already there!”  

Charity clasped her hands and complimented Jane. “Such a disciplined girl. What a gem she must be.”  

“Brian, hurry and don't keep your bride waiting," his father called out.

“We are here, Dad,” he answered and his parents turned and looked at the door.

Now, Brian walked out of the parlor, Leonard at his side. Both are impeccably dressed and hiding secrets.  

“Wow! You look dashing,” his mother complimented them.

They smiled happily and responded in unison, “Thank you for the compliment, Mom. Thank you, Mrs. Garfield.”

“Finally!” Frederick boomed.

“Congratulations, Son on your wedding.”

“Thank you for the compliment, Dad,” he answered with a false smile. 

“Let’s not keep her waiting.”  

“There is still time. Let us pose for a photograph first,” Charity requested.

“Okay, Mom,” Brian answered her and they took positions.

Cameras flashed.  They posed as the perfect family on the perfect day.  

Suddenly, Leonard's phone rang and he looked at the screen.

“My father,” he called out and picked up the call. "Hello, Dad."

“Hello, Son. Inform Brian. He should not make his bride wait for too long. Okay?”

“I got you, Dad, but she arrived too early,” he answered, and his father ended the call.

Suddenly, the gates swung open.  A sleek car rolled in, unannounced. The guards barely glanced. They thought it was a close family member for the wedding.

The driver got out of the car and walked to the back door. He opened it and held it for his client to get out. Two toddlers tumbled out, giggling, their curls bouncing as they darted across the lawn.  

The sight cut Frederick’s breath. The family was mesmerized to see the lovely and lively children. Likewise, they began to run around freely as though they were aware that they were in their father's house before their mother could join them

“Who are they?” he asked aloud.

“They could be a distant relative,” his wife answered him not looking away from the car.

Then, a woman stepped out, poised, elegant. "Come children," she called out, cutting their freedom short but they obeyed.

Her grip tightened on the children’s hands as she strode forward.  

Brian froze but focused on the familiar face.  

"No. It can’t be her," he blinked his eyes and refuted.