CHAPTER FOUR :THE WEDDING DAY

The soft morning light filtered through the white curtains, painting golden lines across the room. Elena opened her eyes slowly. For a moment, she just lay there. Listening to the faint chatter of people outside, makeup artists, decorators, her stepmother’s commanding voice.

Today was her wedding day.

Her lips curved into a small, sad smile. In her past life, this had been the happiest day she had ever known ; the day she married the man she thought was her forever, George. But now. After everything she had discovered, his betrayal, his affair, the memory felt like poison.

“Miss Elena”, one of the makeup artists said softly, entering the room. “Its time to get ready”.

Elena nodded. “Alright, come in”.

The room buzzed with movement as the stylists got to work. They brushed her hair into soft curls that framed her delicate features, applied a touch of blush to her cheeks, and added a light pink gloss to her lips. Then came the gown, the same gown she had chosen just the day before.

It was breathtaking. 

The sleeveless satin dress hugged her figure perfectly, its sweetheart neckline embroidered with delicate beads that shimmered under the light. The long, flowing skirt trailed behind her like a river of silk, and the back of the gown dipped low, exposing the smooth curve of her shoulders.

Elena stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. She looked radiant; a picture of grace and beauty but inside, her heart was heavy.

“Beautiful,” one of the artists whispered.

“You look like a dream, Miss Elena”.

Elena forced a small smile. “Thank you”. But inside, she felt broken.

Her reflection smiled back, but she could see through it. In her past life, that same smile had been full of love and hope. Now it was just a mask; a calm disguise hiding the storm brewing inside her.

A mixture of happiness and sadness filled her. She whispered softly, “why does it still hurt?”

In her past life,this day had been a blessing. She had loved George more than anything. She had trusted him blindly. But now, it feels like a day of mourning; mourning the woman she used to be. Yet the memories still stung her heart.

She had already decided she wouldn't let things go the same way this time. She planned to delay walking down the aisle, to buy herself more time. But before she could think deeply, the door flew open.

Her stepmother, Mrs. Olivia, stormed inside.

“Elena! What are you still doing here?” her stepmother’s sharp voice filled the room. “Everyone’s waiting! You can't keep the guests sitting there forever!”

Elena turned slowly to face her. For a moment, she just looked at the woman who had never treated her like a daughter. Of course she was just pretending to be good to her when her father was nearby.

Her stepmother frowned. “Elena, what are you staring at? Hurry up and…”

“Get out”, Elena said coldly.

The older woman froze. “What did you just say?”

“I said, get out”, Elena repeated, her tone icy. “I need a moment to myself”.

Her stepmother blinked, clearly shocked. “Elena! That's no way to speak to me…”

Elena’s eyes hardened. “Leave. Now”.

For a long second, her stepmother stood speechless, caught off guard by Elena’s tone. This wasn't the timid girl she used to manipulate. Shock and confusion flashed across her face.

“Fine! Have it your way”, she muttered slamming the door behind her.

Elena inhaled deeply. This was her second life, a new chance. She wasn't going to be controlled anymore. Looking at herself in the mirror again. Her eyes were sharp, her lips firm. She barely recognized the woman staring back; but she liked this version of herself better.

**************************************************************

A few hours later, the wedding bells rang.

The grand doors of the church swung open as Elena linked arms with her father’s. Gasps filled the air as she stepped in, radiant in white, elegant and fierce all at once.

“Are you ready, Elena?” her father asked softly.

Elena nodded. “yes”.

Her gaze locked on him as she took slow, deliberate steps forward. Every inch of her screamed confidence, but deep inside, her eyes burned with resentment.

Was I really going to marry this man again? She thought bitterly. After everything he did to me.

George’s smile faltered slightly under her piercing stare. There was something different in her eyes, something that made him uneasy.

Her father gently squeezed her hand as they approached the altar.

When she finally reached the altar, George reached out to take her hand, he leaned slightly toward her. “You look stunning”, he whispered.

She didn't answer. She hesitated before placing her fingers lightly in his, her face emotionless.

The officiant began the ceremony, his voice echoing in the vast hall. “We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony…”

Elena barely heard. Her mind was a storm of memories, the poisoning, the lies, the heartbreak.

When it was George’s turn to say his vows, he smiled at her and spoke smoothly, his voice warm and practiced. “Elena, from the first day I met you, I knew you were the one. You've been my light, my strength, and I promise to cherish you, love you, protect…”

The crowd sighed softly at his words, moved by his sincerity.

Elena felt her stomach twist.

His words sounded so fake, too smooth, too perfect. Lies, she thought. Every word is a lie, she couldn't even hide the disgust on her face.

When it was her turn, she forced herself to speak, her voice calm and steady. “George, i…” she began, then paused. Her heart pounded as she stared at him, fighting the urge to scream. “I promise…” she continued quietly, “to always remember this day”.

Her tone was strange; almost mocking but no one seemed to notice except George, who frowned slightly.

Then came the final question.

“Do you, George, take Elena to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do”, George said confidently.

The officiant turned to her. “And do you, Elena, take George to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

Elena froze. The church went silent. All eyes were on her.

She looked at George. “No”, she whispered at first, then louder, “No… I can't do this”.

The guests gasped. George’s eyes widened in shock. “Elena, what are you doing?” he hissed under his breath.

Something in her snapped.

She couldn't do it. She couldn't say “I do”.

She couldn't marry him again. She had promised herself she would humiliate him today, and now the moment had come.

She inhaled sharply, her heart pounding.

Her eyes scanned the church desperately, searching for a way out… and then she saw him.

A man. Tall, calm, powerful. He stood near the back pews, dressed in a crisp black suit. He didn't look like a guest; he looked like someone who accidentally walked into the wrong event. Yet his presence drew her like gravity.

There was something different about him, an aura she couldn't explain.

Her breath hitched.

Before anyone could stop, Elena stepped away from George.

“Elena?” George whispered sharply. “What are you doing?!”

She ignored him completely. She walked down the aisle, fast. Determined. Her heels echoed loudly. Guests gasped as she passed them.

She stopped right in front of the mysterious man. He raised an eyebrow slightly, looking more amused than confused. She could tell he was intrigued.

Then, with a voice steady and bold, she said the words that would shock them all.

“WILL YOU MARRY ME?”

The entire hall erupted in gasps. People turned to one another in disbelief. George’s face went pale. Her stepmother nearly fainted, her step sister dropped her bouquet and her father just had an unreadable expression.

But Elena didn't flinch. 

The man blinked, clearly surprised, but he didn't look away.

Elena stood tall, her chin lifted, her expression calm yet fierce. For the first time in her life, she felt truly free.  

She had never acted out before. She had never gone against anyone’s wishes, but today was different. For the first time in her life, she had chosen herself and she didn't regret it. 

The man stared at her for a moment, his expression unreadable. And Elena stood brave, and unshaken. Today, she was not the same girl they once controlled. 

Today, she changed the story. Whatever came next, she was ready.