1. The Wedding

Everybody looked Kayla’s way the moment the church doors opened. A soft hush fell over the room, followed by warm smiles that bloomed across their faces. Kayla stepped forward slowly, her movements graceful and careful at the same time.

A delicate violin rendition of ‘A Thousand Years’ started playing, its melody making some teary-eyed. Kayla lifted her gaze, taking in the beautifully decorated space. The aisle this time is white, unlike the usual red she usually walks on. It was filled generously with white rose petals, with rows of fresh white roses and baby’s breath on each side. Everything looked clean, simple, and elegant–just exactly how Kayla imagines her dream wedding to be.

She was impressed. The production team truly went all out. 

Cameras were pointed toward her, capturing every step, but this time, she knew they’re not there for scandals or rumors. They were simply there to film this supposed romantic moment.

She smiled gently as she looked ahead. There stood the groom, waiting with a smile that mirrored hers. Even from afar, she could see the spark of excitement in his eyes. Alvin sure is a great actor.

Kayla reached the middle of the aisle and paused to exchange warm hugs and quick kisses with the actors playing her parents. They then walked with her the rest of the way, their hands steady on her arms, guiding her toward the altar and the groom waiting there.

“Hi,” the groom greeted softly as they approached. Kayla returned the smile.

Another round of staged hugs and kisses followed before he gently took her hand. He gave it a gentle squeeze, before facing the priest who would be “marrying” them for the camera.

As the priest began delivering his lines, Kayla’s mind also started wandering somewhere else. She memorized her lines well and had done several rehearsals prior to this scene, but her mind decided to take her to the thought of life outside this fictional ceremony instead. 

“Cut!” the director shouted. “Try to look more in love, Kayla. You look like you’re just spacing out,” he added, his voice laced with authority.

Kayla winced. She didn’t mean to look detached. It was just hard to keep her mind from wandering today.

“Sorry,” she murmured, feeling guilty. She took a deep breath, then glanced at her co-actor Alvin, and mouthed another quiet, “sorry.”

“No worries,” he replied, with a smile.

The director had them go back to the part where they met at the altar. Kayla took another breath, trying to pull herself altogether. She needs to get this done as quickly as possible, because time is definitely not on her side today. She had little to no time left to prepare once the shoot wrapped.

Her sister will definitely kill her if she doesn't make it on time.

–

“And that’s a wrap! Thanks, everyone, for today!” the director finally announced.

This time, Kayla was able to breathe freely, relief washing over her system. She then proceeded to thank everyone she passed, and bade goodbye to the staff and crew. While removing the veil from her hair, her eyes immediately searched for her PA.

"Kayla! Over here!" Maddie, her PA, called out. She was already walking towards her, so she met her halfway. "We already have the van parked just outside."

“Thank you!”

Kayla handed her the veil and gathered the heavy fabric of the wedding gown she’s wearing. It was a ball gown, so moving around in it was really a struggle for her. Maddie quickly stepped in and took charge of the back of the dress.

They hurried through the hallway. Kayla offered polite smiles and small waves to the people they passed. Some wanted photos, but she had no choice but to decline.

“I’m really sorry! I’m late for my sister’s event! Next time, I promise!” I said, reassuring them. She had to. Otherwise, those articles claiming that she has ‘attitude problems’ would start surfacing again. She hates the pressure, but does she have a choice? This is the life she chose.

“Can we still make it on time?” Kayla asked the moment she climbed into the van. Maddie followed, and Kayla gave her bodyguard a small thumbs-up to signal they were good to go. He shut the door securely before taking his seat in the front.

“I’ll try my best, Ma’am,” the driver answered.

Maddie closed the window separating the driver’s seat from the back of the van so she could start changing into her Maid of Honor dress. Her makeup was still holding up, so she only needed a retouch.

“Casey’s been texting and calling you,” Maddie said as she helped unzip the gown.

"I figured. I already told her I might be running late, but you know her," she replied with a shrug. Casey meant well. She just wanted everything perfect on her wedding day.

Finally free from the heavy gown, Kayla exhaled in relief. Dresses like these aren’t really her thing. They’re beautiful, but wearing them is a different story.

“Here,” Maddie said, handing her the dress for the real wedding. It was a satin champagne cowl-neck dress that embraced Kayla’s figure.

“Thanks.” Kayla stepped into it, only to realize she hadn’t removed her sandals from earlier. She quickly undid them before she tore anything.

“Shoot… I think we don’t have your shoes,” Maddie whispered.

“What?” She started panicking. She couldn’t show up to her sister’s wedding in the wrong shoes! With the slit on her dress, everyone would see. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn’t have cared. But she’s an actress. People always pay attention to her every move, every word that comes out of her mouth, every piece she wears–basically everything.

“Hold on, hold on,” Maddie said, as she began rummaging through the bags.

Kayla adjusted the dress as best as she could, letting Maddie handle the zipper. She was used to this chaos—applying makeup in moving vehicles, changing outfits in tight spaces. It was practically part of her job.

“Do you think brown sandals will work?” Maddie asked, holding up a chocolate-brown pair that looked oddly comforting, and suddenly delicious.

Kayla noticed the hopeful look in her PA’s eyes. She could tell just how distressed she was by the absence of her supposed shoes. She didn't want to trouble her any further, so she just smiled at her.

“That’ll do,” Kayla said gently. At least this one’s not a flashy white.

Once she was dressed, Kayla focused on her makeup while Maddie fixed her bun and tamed the flyaways. A few minutes later, she finally felt like she could breathe again.

“Perfect! As always, you look like a goddess,” Maddie commented, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Kayla. There was a huge smile on her face, the one she always had when she accomplished something. 

“Thanks. Now it’s your turn,” Kayla replied. Maddie was invited too, and she deserved to look her best.

Maddie made a face but began digging through her bag.

Kayla turned toward the window, gazing at the street outside.

Today is her younger sister’s wedding day. Casey and Jordan had been together for seven years. Casey used to worry about the ‘seven-year itch,’ but instead of going through a rough patch, they’d gotten engaged. Now they’re finally tying the knot.

Kayla was genuinely happy for her sister. Casey deserved a love that made her feel safe, cherished, and chosen. Jordan gave her exactly that.

But Kayla couldn’t ignore the quiet ache in her own chest.

She should have been full of nothing but joy today. Instead, part of her couldn’t help but feel hollow. While Casey was walking toward her ‘happily ever after,’ Kayla was quietly grieving the end of her own love story.

Her boyfriend (now ex) wouldn’t be coming. No one knew they’d broken up. She refused to steal even a single moment of the spotlight from her sister, so she’d rather swallow the pain and smile through the questions she knew were coming: ‘When’s your turn?’, ‘Where’s your boyfriend?’

Kayla’s an actress.

She’s used to pretending.