A NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING

Lazar’s POV 

9 PM at Crystal hotel

“Please...I have half of the money. Within this week I will complete the rest...just don't kill me," he begged, trembling like a fowl wearing nothing but boxers.

My patience slowly slipped away as I stared at the idiot before me. “You had three months to repay the loan you took, Williams. Three fucking months and an extra week of grace. I gave you enough time to pay up but you chose to mess around with women. A useless man doesn't deserve to live," I grumbled, corking my gun in the air.

He screamed pathetically from the sound, bracing himself for the impact. 

“Wait... please don't shoot. I have someone who can repay the debt immediately," he blurted out in fear. 

A giggling sound echoed through the room, breaking the intense atmosphere. He quickly grabbed his phone and answered the call, making sure to put it on a loud speaker.

“Honey, where are you? It's getting late already," A woman's voice spoke through the phone. Her voice, soft and gently laced with worry. 

“Miriam, I...I will be back soon," he said, trying hard not to sound troubled.

“Alright. I can't wait for us to get married tomorrow. See you when you get back," she said, tiredly before ending the call.

“She is the one to pay the debt. So please spare my life," he said without hesitation. I raised a brow at him, amused by his betrayal towards his bride. He was trading her in exchange for his life. 

A selfish cheating bastard. 

“I didn't know you were getting married tomorrow, Williams. Does your wife know about your cheating habits?" I asked, pointing at the woman he had been making out with when I barged into the room.

“Please spare me and take her instead. She will serve you until the loan is paid off." He abandoned his wife in order to save his. 

••••••••• 

Miriam POV 

Morning came quicker than usual, maybe it was because it was my wedding day. I don't know how to explain the joy I feel waiting for my big day. 

I grinned at white floral dress in the mirror, imagining how Williams will look at me the moment I step onto the aisle.

He was my dream come true, the love of my life, best friend and now to be my husband. Anyone who marries their childhood sweetheart will understand what I feel right now.

“You are gorgeous, Miriam. I am so happy for you," Janet, my stepsister beamed behind me. She was a sweet person full of sunshine and a great support ever since our parents got married.

“Thank you, Jan. Someday, you will be in a dress like this. I can't believe it's finally today," I chimed, bubbling with happiness as she helped me lace my dress.

Sounds of approaching heels on the polished floors made me spin around knowing who it was.

“Oh my God!" Sara mouthed, tearing up when she saw me in my dress. I tried not to cry to prevent ruining my makeup. Seeing her made me feel emotional. 

Sara was my best friend, we have been besties since we were in nappies. A true sister from another mother.

“Ooh, I don't think the sun will be able to compete with you today. You look stunning. Williams is a lucky man." She tabbed her fingers on her lashes, blinking away the tears that threatened to fall out.

My heart expanded with joy, if I don't make it down to the altar soon, I might end up exploding from happiness. 

“I will be at the church," Janet muttered and then left.

Sara helped me with the finishing touches and we went down to the church together. 

“You look wonderful, Miriam. Don't disgrace me today," my father said dryly. 

“Disgrace?" I questioned, wondering why he would say such a thing. 

He remained silent and led me down to the altar as the song, _here comes the bride_ began to play. I looked at the altar and Williams wasn't there.

At the same time, another bride strode down to the altar. 

“There was another wedding?" I mumbled to myself as I remembered clearly that no other couple had booked the venue with me.

That wasn't all, the man walking the bride to the altar was my uncle.

“Dad, why is Uncle Joe walking another bride to the altar?" I asked with a confused tone.

“Dad, where is Williams? Why isn't he here yet? What is going on?" Anxiety crept into my skin, making it difficult for me to breathe. 

My Dad let go of my arm and walked over to the place the other wedding was holding. 

“Janet, do you take Williams to be your loving husband..."

“Yes." I heard my sister's voice and felt my heart sink the moment both of them looked at me.

“What do you think you are doing, Janet?!" I flared up in anger.

Everyone at the venue turned their attention to me. 

“Williams, what is going on?" I grabbed my wedding dress and trudged over to them.

Janet rolled her eyes and stepped in front of Williams protectively.

“Isn't it obvious. I am the one Williams wants and not you," she said with a condescending tone.

“What? Tell me that's not true Williams. Please explain to me what is going on here!" I screamed, placing my hand on my chest as their betrayal stung my heart like a needle. 

“Look Miriam, I never said I would marry you," Williams spoke up and I was taken aback by his words.

“What do you mean? Williams, we planned this whole wedding together, I...I...picked this dress and your suit. I...I selected the venue, paid for the space and planned the reception. Please, Williams don't do this to me after all the things I have been through," I muttered with a low voice my eyes stung with hot tears threatening to fall.

“That's enough Miriam. What if you planned the whole wedding? What really matters is Williams love for me. You should be happy that we found love and..."

“Shut up!" I screamed at Janet, cutting her off. She flinched back and held onto Williams.

I tried to stabilize my breathing, control the overwhelming emotion that brewed within me. Sara rushed up to me and held my arm preventing me from falling.

“Miri, let's leave. You don't have to marry a bastard like him," Sara muttered, glaring at Williams and Janet. 

“Don't talk to my husband like that. It's not his fault that he doesn't love her. I am the one he wants. Plus, Mom and Dad already got you an old man to marry. I am pretty sure he will take good care of you since you are so desperate to get married," Janet scoffed.

I looked at my Dad and he couldn't even look at me. My step-mother just stared at her nails with a nasty grin like none of this was her concern.

Closing my eyes briefly, I laughed sardonically. 

“Fine, if you two want to get married then you have to pay me back for everything, all the damn money I spent preparing for this wedding," I declared, glaring at Williams for his chastity.

He panicked knowing what I fully meant. A cheap shit like him living off my money and hard work. There was no way in hell I would let him use me and get away with it. 

“What do you mean? Williams is rich enough to pay whatever money you spent on this wedding. After he got a contract with La amore company." Janet boasted and everyone began to mumble.

I smirked knowing that La amore belonged to me. Yes, I own the company she mentioned, granted Williams a sales contract because I thought he was worth it. But nobody knows the CEO because I wanted my identity anonymous.

“La amore is a renowned perfume company. Only a few people can work there and those are people with exceptional potentials." Some guests muttered and Janet flaunted like an award winning peacock.

“You heard your sister, Miriam. There is no use of you making a fuss about this marriage. Williams will pay you back your money and you can go your way," Dad shamelessly said. I couldn't believe he was siding Janet in this. 

“Miriam, I know it is hard not to be envious of your sister. But right now is her moment and you are stealing her spotlight. Go over to your wedding altar and wait for your husband," my stepmom snickered hit the last nail on my chest.

Williams tried to drag me away but a deep voice stopped him.

“Get your fifthly hands off my bride." A man thundered walking straight to us with a terrifying glare.