1. The Wedding

KAYLA

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

A delicate violin rendition of ‘A Thousand Years’ started playing, its melody making some teary-eyed. I lifted my gaze, taking in the beautifully decorated space. The aisle this time is white, unlike the usual red I usually walk 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 I imagine my dream wedding to be.

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

Cameras were pointed toward me, capturing every step, but this time, I know they’re not here for scandals or rumors. They were simply here to film this supposed romantic moment.

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

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

“Hi,” the groom greeted softly as we approached. I returned the smile.

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

As the priest began delivering his lines, my mind also started wandering somewhere else. I memorized my lines well and had done several rehearsals prior to this scene, but my mind decided to take me 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.

I winced. I didn’t mean to look detached. It was just hard to keep my mind from wandering today.

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

“No worries,” he replied with a smile.

The director had us go back to the part where we met at the altar. I took another breath, trying to pull myself altogether. I need to get this done as quickly as possible, because time is definitely not on my side today. I have little to no time left to prepare once the shoot wrapped.

My sister will definitely kill me if I don't make it on time.

–

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

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

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

“Thank you!”

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

We hurried through the hallway. I offered polite smiles and small waves to the people we passed. Some wanted photos, but I have 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. I have to. Otherwise, those articles claiming that I have ‘attitude problems’ would start surfacing again. I hate the pressure, but do I have a choice? This is the life I chose.

“Can we still make it on time?” I asked the moment I climbed into the van. Maddie followed, and I gave my bodyguard a small thumbs-up to signal we're 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 I could start changing into my Maid of Honor dress. My makeup was still holding up, so I 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," I replied with a shrug. Casey meant well. She just wanted everything perfect on her wedding day.

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

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

“Thanks.” I stepped into it, only to realize I haven't removed my sandals from earlier. I quickly undid them before I tore anything.

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

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

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

I adjusted the dress as best as I could, letting Maddie handle the zipper. I'm used to this chaos–applying makeup in moving vehicles, changing outfits in tight spaces. It was practically part of my job.

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

I noticed the hopeful look in Maddie's eyes. I could tell just how distressed she was by the absence of my supposed shoes. I don't want to trouble her any further, so I just smiled at her.

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

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

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

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

Maddie made a face but began digging through her bag.

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

Today is my 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.

I'm genuinely happy for my sister. Casey deserved a love that made her feel safe, cherished, and chosen. Jordan gave her exactly that.

But I couldn’t ignore the quiet ache in my own chest.

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

My boyfriend (now ex) wouldn’t be coming. No one knew we broke up. I refused to steal even a single moment of the spotlight from my sister, so I’d rather swallow the pain and smile through the questions I know were coming: ‘When’s your turn?’, ‘Where’s your boyfriend?’

Well, I'm an actress.

I'm used to pretending.