Chapter 3

Flashback ***

Olivia turned slowly before the mirror, the soft fabric of her wedding gown catching the light as it shimmered around her. A bright smile spread across her face. “Maddie,” she said excitedly, “how do I look?”

Maddie’s smile widened, her eyes glowing with joy. “You look absolutely gorgeous, my love. Truly a beautiful bride.”

Olivia admired her reflection, her eyes sparkling, until her smile faltered. She reached up to her ear and gasped. “Wait… oh my God. One of my earrings is missing.” Her voice tightened with sudden worry.

Maddie frowned slightly. “It probably slipped off somewhere. You should check before they call you in.”

Nodding, Olivia gathered the hem of her gown and stepped outside. She retraced her steps carefully, scanning the ground as her heart raced. Then she spotted a glint in the grass.

“There it is,” she breathed in relief, bending down to pick up the earring.

Just as she was about to stand up, she heard a voice behind her. "Don't marry him." Olivia turned to see an old man standing behind her. He looked ancient, with deep lines etched into his face, and his eyes seemed to bore into her soul. She felt a shiver run down her spine.

"Sorry?" she asked, wanting him to repeat himself.

The old man's eyes locked onto hers. "I said, don't marry the man you're planning to marry," he replied, his voice low and urgent.

Olivia's curiosity was piqued. "Who are you, and why are you saying this?" she asked, her voice firm.

The old man's expression was serious. "I'm a foreseer, and it will be dangerous for you if you marry him."

Olivia's brow furrowed in confusion. "Um, can you explain? I don't understand," she said, her eyes searching for answers.

But before the old man could respond, Maddie appeared beside her. "Olivia, it's time. What are you still doing here?"

Olivia was caught off guard. The man had disappeared. She turned to ask Maddie if she'd seen the old man, but he was nowhere to be found. "Did you see that man?" she asked Maddie, her voice uncertain.

Maddie looked at her quizzically. "Which man is that?"

Olivia hesitated, wondering if she'd just imagined the whole encounter. "Um... well, it's nothing. Let's go now," she said, pushing the strange encounter to the back of her mind.

As they walked to the hall, Olivia couldn't shake off the feeling that the old man's words had left her with. She pushed the thought aside and focused on the ceremony ahead. Maybe she had just been imagining things, she thought.

As she walked down the aisle with her dad, she felt a sense of joy and anticipation. A few minutes later, they exchanged vows, and the pastor asked her the final question. "Will you take this man as your lovely wedded husband?"

Olivia's voice was clear and firm. "Yes, I do."

Flashback ends ***

Olivia's body wracked with sobs as she relived the memories of her wedding day with Lucas. She couldn't believe how blind she had been, how naive. The old man's words echoed in her mind.

She realized now that he must have been a messenger from God, sent to warn her about the dangers of marrying Lucas. But now, it was too late.

If only she had listened, she thought, tears streaming down her face. If only she had paid attention to the warning signs, she might have avoided the pain and suffering that followed. But she had been blinded by love, convinced that Lucas was the one.

As she wept, Olivia cursed the day she met Lucas. She cursed the moment she said "I do" to a man who would turn out to be her worst nightmare. She felt a deep regret, a sense of "what if?" What if she had listened to the old man? What if she had followed her intuition?

At some point, she wondered how she had fallen in love with a man like this in the first place. He wasn't so cold to her, but all of a sudden, he turned into a devil.

Lucas Garrison has always been a handsome young man with chiseled features and piercing eyes, his demeanor is cold and calculating. As an orphan, he has learned to rely only on himself. His sharp jawline and chiseled lips give him a strong, confident presence. And he would do anything to get what he wants.

Olivia Smith, on the other hand, is a beautiful young woman with striking features and a warm smile, who was always optimistic and friendly. Her parents treated her like a princess.

Her friendly nature and kind heart make her a beloved figure to those around her, but she is also strong-willed and determined.

Her eyes are now filled with sadness and vulnerability after the loss of her parents. Now, she is facing challenges with her husband, Lucas.

The weight of her regret was crushing, and Olivia felt like she was drowning in her tears. She cried until she was exhausted, until her body couldn't take it anymore. And then, finally, she fell asleep, her tears still wet on her cheeks.

..........................................................................

The next day, Olivia resigned herself to her fate, determined to endure the situation until she could find a way to delete the incriminating video from Lucas's phone.

She got ready for work, her mind focused on avoiding Lucas and his manipulative games. As she drove to work, she felt a sense of calm wash over her, and her determination to keep her emotions in check.

Upon arriving at the office, Olivia settled into her workspace, trying to blend into the background. However, her colleagues seemed more interested in discussing the unexpected arrival of Maddie Jekins, the famous social media influencer. Whispers and murmurs filled the air as employees marveled at Maddie's stunning beauty.

"Is that not Maddie Jekins?" someone asked, eyes wide with excitement.

"What is she doing here?" another colleague wondered.

"She looks more beautiful in person," a third person chimed in.

One enthusiastic admirer even went so far as to say, "If I could marry her, and I had to go to jail for a year as a condition, I would for her sake." The comments were coming from both male and female employees, all of whom seemed captivated by Maddie's presence.

Maddie Jekins was indeed a stunningly beautiful young woman, with a radiant smile and sparkling eyes. Her skin was adorned with a smattering of freckles across her cheeks and nose, adding a touch of whimsy to her features. Her rich, dark brown hair cascaded down her back, and her bright smile could light up a room. Maddie exuded a warm and friendly energy, making her a joy to be around.

But what really caught Olivia's attention was the fact that Maddie was her close friend, a bond that had been forged over years of friendship since elementary school. But she never made mention of her coming to the office today.

As Olivia pondered the unexpected arrival of her friend, she couldn't help but wonder, "What could Maddie be doing here?"

Just then, Lucas emerged from his office, a confident smile spreading across his face. "This is the new Assistant Manager," he announced, his voice authoritative and commanding.

“What?” Olivia asked, shocked at the news.