Chapter 01: The Betrayal

Chapter 01: The Betrayal

Aria’s POV

A genuine smile spread across my face as I remembered everything we’d been through — and now, finally, I was getting married. The guests kept showering me with compliments, telling me how thrilled they were about today’s event.

“Aria, dear, you look absolutely stunning,” Aunt Celestine said warmly, pulling me into a hug. I giggled, feeling her kindness wrap around me like a soft blanket.

“Thank you, Aunt Celestine.” I smiled at her.

“Congrats, Aria! It’s finally happening,” Carla said, grabbing my hand and planting a quick kiss on my cheek.

“I can’t wait. This is it, Carla. It’s really happening.” Tears welled in my eyes, emotion bubbling just beneath the surface. She chuckled and playfully tapped my arm.

“Aria! Oh my gosh! You look amazing! Congratulations — finally you’re marrying your longtime fiancé!”

We all turned toward Lena’s voice as she burst into the room. She hurried over and hugged me tightly, nearly pushing Carla aside.

“Looks like you’re more excited than the bride,” Carla joked with a fake cough. Lena just rolled her eyes.

“That’s none of your business, Carla. I’m just happy my best friend is finally getting married,” she said, smoothing a stray strand of hair from my face.

Lena had been my best friend forever. I trusted her more than anyone and was proud to have her as my maid of honor.

The door opened again, and my stepmom entered with a warm smile.

“Aria, sweetheart, are you ready? The guests are already at the church.” She came over and gently adjusted my wedding gown.

“I’m so ready, Mom. Thank you for helping me get ready.” I hugged her tightly, feeling her reassuring touch on my back.

“Anything for you, sweetheart.” She smiled. I was grateful for her support — she had always been there for me.

“Aunt Dianne, Aria, we’ll head to the church now. We’ll wait for you there, Aria,” Carla said as she left.

“I’ll check on the guests too. Lena will stay here with you,” Mom said, grabbing her bag and kissing my cheek before leaving.

Lena grinned. “I think Richard’s the lucky one, marrying my bestie.”

I laughed. “He’s the lucky one, alright.”

“Congrats again, Aria. I hope I find someone like Richard someday — caring, rich, the best man, someone you’d fall for,” she said, her voice full of hope.

“I thought you were in a relationship? You mentioned it last week when we were on vacation,” I said, raising an eyebrow.

She shrugged. “That was then. Today’s different. Let’s not talk about it. I’ve got things to do — see you later.” With that, she hugged me and left. I watched her go, waving goodbye.

I sighed, staring at my reflection.

Aria, this is what you’ve dreamed of. I smiled before turning away.

The wedding car was waiting outside the hotel. The driver opened the door and helped me carefully settle my gown as I got in.

“Thank you,” I said softly as he started the engine.

Suddenly, I gasped. “Oh no — I forgot my earrings in my suite!” I realized I wasn’t wearing them. “Please, turn around.”

The car stopped, and I hurried inside, heart pounding. Voices drifted from the living room.

I crept closer, confusion and unease knotting in my stomach.

Then I saw them.

Richard and Lena, tangled on the couch. Richard was half-naked. Lena wore only her underwear.

I pressed a hand to my mouth, unable to breathe. Shock and betrayal slammed into me like a tidal wave.

“R-Richard? Lena?” I stammered.

They both froze, eyes wide with surprise as they scrambled to cover themselves.

“Aria, what are you doing here? Why are you still here? I thought—” Richard started.

I cut him off, fury and heartbreak burning in my chest.

“I should be the one asking you. I thought you loved me. Lena, you’re my best friend. How could you do this to me?” Tears streamed down my cheeks.

Lena rolled her eyes, fixing her hair like she didn’t care.

“Come on, it’s not a big deal,” Richard snapped, voice sharp with anger.

I wiped my tears, hurt twisting deep inside me.

“You’re kissing my best friend, Richard. What am I supposed to feel? Happy? You’re cheating on me on our wedding day. I love you. How could you do this?”

“Enough!” Richard’s voice was cold. “Fine, you caught us. But I don’t love you, Aria. I love Lena. Not you.”

His words shattered me.

Lena smirked, stepping closer. “Seriously, Richard and I have been together for years. Now that you know, there’s no point hiding it. He chose me over you.”

Richard wrapped his arm possessively around her waist.

My heart slowed as I watched them.

What did I do wrong? I loved him with everything I had. What about the promises? The dreams we shared? Our wedding day?

“Lena, you were my best friend. How could you betray me? I thought we were inseparable.” My voice cracked.

Lena laughed, cruel and cold.

“Friend? I never cared about you. You’re boring. I only stayed close to get Richard. I never expected you to find out, but I’m glad you’re here, seeing how much we love each other.” She pressed her hand against Richard’s chest with smug satisfaction.

I couldn’t believe it. I had treated her like family. “You were supposed to be my friend.”

“And you, Richard... why? Why do this on our wedding day?” I asked, tears blurring my vision.

He looked at me without a flicker of remorse.

“You can pretend nothing happened and go through with the wedding — to save face for your family,” he said roughly.

My fists clenched, struggling to hold myself together.

“How can you say that? I love you. I never imagined loving anyone like I love you.”

Richard sneered. “The truth is, I never wanted to marry you. It was all for show. The only person I ever wanted to propose to was Lena.”

He reached out, caressing her cheek as they kissed again — right in front of me.

I turned my back and ran, the heavy wedding dress dragging behind me.

I was speechless. I couldn't believe, the two people I thought I could trust and relay on betrayed me.