Chapter 1: The Wedding Day

Ariana's POV

To the north side of the world lies a beautiful country called Sivlithar. It is divided into six cities: Pearl City, Royal City, Estopia City, Emerald City, Gold City, and Green City. The Royal City is the capital of Sivlithar, and the president of this noble country is Alpha Damien Dakota. Each City has a werewolf leader, an Alpha wolf, and they all report to Alpha Damien. Both humans and the werewolves seem to be living in harmony, or so we think.

The sun's rays fell on my face as I lay in bed, partially awake. It was a beautiful Saturday morning in Pearl City, ruled by Alpha Roland of the Silverclaws Pack. 

This Saturday, unlike any other Saturday I have experienced for the past 21 years, is an important day in my life. I have waited long enough for this day, and it's finally here. I just can't believe it was finally happening. All the sacrifice and hard work paid off. It is my wedding day. I was getting married to my childhood sweetheart, Jeremy Wilson.

"Wake up, Ariana, you are going to be late for your wedding," I heard the voice of my best friend while I lay on my bed, thinking I was deeply asleep. 

My lip curled up into a smile, hearing Melody remind me of what day it is. I remained on the bed with my eyes still closed. The excitement of this day kept me awake from the previous night till this morning. I think I slept briefly after staying on my phone, trying to engage myself with a game, just to stop myself from constantly checking the time, which appeared to be moving very slowly. 

"It's a good thing I came over last night," Melody said, pulling the blanket off me.

I was quickly hit by the cold wind from the open window, and the light from the drawn curtains played on my face as Melody further drew them apart, allowing in more light. I smiled and sat up on the bed, stretching and yawning. My fully open, bright eyes fell on Melody's tall suitcase-looking bag, which she found a place to put. My smile broadened, knowing that was Melody's makeup bag. I pulled myself to the edge of the bed.

"A bride is never late for a wedding. I am the focus of the day," I said confidently and slipped my feet into my slippers, feeling all excited inside. 

After today, I was going to be Jeremy's wife. We have been together since we met at the orphanage home. I was just 12 years old by then. I love him very much and was happy to sacrifice my life and my education to aid him achieve his dream. My hard work did not go to waste. Jeremy landed his dream job and asked me to marry him.

"Hmm," I heard Melody sigh, and she pulled the mannequin standing by my wardrobe forward.

She removed the coat around it, revealing a beautiful gown, and I smiled from ear to ear. My first expensive gift from Jeremy, aside from the toy ring he gave me when I was 15 years old. He got the ring from a candy box, and he proposed to me with it. I was all grown now and couldn't wear it any more, but I still kept it.

"Are you sure Jeremy loves you the same way you do?" I heard Melody ask as her gaze lingered on the gown with a stare of admiration. 

I frowned at her question because I knew she never liked Jeremy. Melody was from a well-to-do family. We met in school and became friends before I dropped out of school to take on multiple jobs so I could support Jeremy's education.  She had never liked Jeremy because she felt Jeremy was living off me, and would one day dump me. Jeremy and I loved each other very much, and I decided to help him achieve his dream because I would be happier when he is. I love him that much, and I know he loves me too. I sighed at Melody's comment and decided to defend Jeremy.

"Melody, I know you don't trust Jeremy, but believe me when I say he loves me. This gown is his first gift to me after landing the job at Dakota Jewelries as a mineral miner," I said to her, and Melody slowly turned to stare at me with eyes widened like she was hearing the shocking news ever. "Yes, he got the job," I confirmed, feeling all happy within.

"So you two will be leaving for the country's capital city after your wedding?" Melody asked and shifted her gaze back to the gown on the mannequin. Her hands gently touch the detailed designs on it.

"Yes," I replied."I will be putting in my resignation from the restaurant on Monday. Jeremy will leave tomorrow, and I will leave on Tuesday," I added and walked towards the shower room.

"Hmmm," I heard Melody say, and she sat on my bed before I closed the door to my shower room.

I turned on the shower and allowed the water to flow down my body. I knew Melody had her reservations about Jeremy. She didn't like Jeremy depending on me so much. Left to her, Jeremy should do something for himself rather than live off me. I can understand her point, but I love Jeremy and  I understand him. I went that extra mile for him. His success is our success. His joy is our joy, so why not help?? I still appreciate Melody for looking out for me. She is a great friend and I am glad to have her. I smiled thinking about it. 

I finished bathing and returned to the bedroom. Melody had already done her setup. I couldn't be any happier and thankful for the good supporting friends I have.

"Melody, thank you so much," I said, and quickly applied some lotion, after which I sat down so Melody could help with my makeup and hair.

"No problem. Anything for my good friend," Melody said, and I smiled. "I will give you something nice and simple," she added and quickly got to work. 

In a few minutes, my face looked perfect, even though she applied little to no makeup at all. She focused on my hair next. She did a simple hair wrap with my waist-length brunette hair. Once she was done, she helped me slip into my beautiful wedding gown and helped me lace the back.

"Melody, thank you so much. You are a friend like no other. I will never forget you. As soon as we settle in at the Royal City, I will call you. You can come visit any time you want," I said and hugged Melody.

"I would visit. Now, hurry and go, your guest awaits," Melody said, and I nodded, wiping the tears that had formed in my eyes. "You go ahead. I will come over soon. Let me dress up," she said, and I smiled.

"I am sorry about that, my dear friend," I apologise, knowing Melody wasn't dressed because she was helping me get ready.

"Don't worry, it's your day. The focus is on you. You go now, your ride awaits," Melody said, smiling, and I left.

Outside, I got into the nicely decorated Range Rover, and it soon left for the venue of the wedding. Melody's car was still parked in front of my apartment when I left in the rented Range Rover. 

I arrived at the venue for the wedding and was filled with so much joy. It was a small garden called Lily of the Valley. It was used for outdoor weddings. The number of people at the wedding totals 20. The chairs were neatly arranged on two sides with a red carpet laid out in the middle. The guests were already seated.

The car was parked, and the driver opened the door for me. I got down, stepping onto the red carpet. I was alone. Being a poor orphan, I had no one to walk me down the aisle. I had no maid of honour, but I was filled with joy when my gaze fell on the beautifully decorated altar, which had a flower arch and also saw Jeremy, finely dressed in a blue-black tuxedo, standing there with the priest, waiting for me. 

I held my bouquet of pink and white roses and began to walk towards the altar where Jeremy stood waiting for me. 

I met Jeremy at the orphanage home. He was the only guy who chose to sit by me at the dining area. Before then, I always sat alone and had no friends. Jeremy and I became friends, and in high school, he proposed to me with a plastic ring from a candy box. I already liked him before then. So it was easy for me to say yes. He was the only male friend I had. No one wanted to be friends with me because I was a poor orphan. Melody was the next person to become friends with me at the same school. These two were the only family and friends I had.

Jeremy was from a different orphanage home and was moved to where I was. We became so close. After graduating from high school, the orphanage home got us jobs so we could take care of ourselves. Jeremy and I saved some money and decided to further our education by going to college. Jeremy told me about his dream job. I realised how he was struggling with his grades because he had to combine work and studies. He needed the good grades to help him get his dream job. I was greatly concerned and offered to drop out of college and support him financially. He will stop working and focus on his studies. We both knew per the orphanage policy, once they get you a job, they will not support you again. The chosen college was one of the good schools in the city, but it was very expensive. I was determined, so I worked hard and sometimes sold my blood to get some more money. We only have each other, that is what I know.

I smiled, having no regret as I walked towards the altar. Today, Jeremy and I are getting married, and with Jeremy's current position, I would not have financial problems any more. I could even go back to school.

I finally made it to the altar and stood next to Jeremy. The priest began the ceremony. It was time for us to exchange our vows and put the rings on each other's fingers.

"Wait!" Melody screamed from behind, drawing everyone's attention to herself as she walked towards the altar dressed in a white dress, which almost looked like a gown.

My smiling face was quickly drawn into a frown. I wondered what was happening and why she was dressed like a bride walking hurriedly towards the altar. Jeremy stared at me, and I shrugged my shoulders, having no idea what was happening. 

"Ariana is my friend, and Jeremy and I may not be close, but I would not sit and allow a wrong thing to be done," Melody said and stood facing Jeremy and me.

"Melody, what are you doing?" I asked, my voice almost a whisper, and Jeremy had a frown on his face.

"Melody, I know you don't trust me, but I love Ariana, and I.....," Jeremy defended, but he didn't complete his statement, and Melody spoke again.

"Mr Wilson, Ariana is pregnant with another man's child," Melody announced, and the people gasped.

My face quickly contorted into confusion.