Chapter 3 : What’s going on ?

It was Henry- my boyfriend. I froze, unsure of what brought him to my house without informing me. I looked at Veronica and saw her expression. It was obvious- it was her. She gave an evil grin and waved at Henry.

“What’s going on here? …you’re getting married Olivia ? So you were cheating on me all these years?” Henry asked. He didn’t get any response from me. I was too stunned to speak.

“I heard it and I came to verify myself…I thought you loved me..but I guess I was wrong”

I bowed my head in Shame while looking at the floor like there were answers written on the floor. Henry left- for good. Two months passed and the wedding was fast approaching. My father got busy with sharing invites while I was left to keep bonding with Eric.

On the eve of my wedding day, I had mixed feelings- at last, I’d be leaving my family’s house. I’d be leaving Veronica and her problems. I managed to shut my eyes to sleep because I had a long day ahead of me the next day- my wedding. The next morning, I slowly open my eyes to the soft sunlight filtering through the curtains, realizing it's the morning of my wedding day. Suddenly, my bedroom door creaks open, and there's my mother, a mix of excitement and tenderness in her eyes, gently waking me with whispered words of love and anticipation for the day ahead. At the corner of the room stood Veronica. I caught a glimpse of her standing in the doorway. Her smile seemed forced, concealing a storm of conflicting emotions. Despite her congratulations, her eyes betrayed a hint of resentment, a complex blend of happiness and bitterness as she witnessed me stepping into a new chapter of life.

“Hurry up, your father wants you prepared before the guests that coming…Veronica , help your sister”.

As my mother left , Veronica sighed and gave a huge laughter. She scoffed while looking around my room and then finally at me. “I see you’re happy leaving”. She paused , looking at me with hatred in her eyes. My only crime was coming to this world looking like her. But why does she hate me this much , I wondered.

“Well , happy marriage life…” Veronica blurted out, bringing me back to reality. I smiled at her, searching for the right words to say to her. But before I could say anything , she walked out. After a long preparation, I heard my dad finally say, “it is time”.

My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs as Dad took my arm, I noticed his shaking hands. Today was the day. Today, I walked down the aisle to marry Eric,the man who my parents arranged for me.

A glance to my side revealed veronica and her expression, a mask of forced cheer. Then, the music swelled, and the arched doorway at the end of the aisle came into view. There stood Eric bathed in the soft glow of sunlight streaming through stained glass. His eyes met mine, a dazzling smile breaking across his face. He whispered , "You're beautiful," and a warmth spread through me.

The walk down the aisle felt like a blur. Dad squeezed my hand, his silent support a comfort, and then I was standing next to Eric. The ceremony flowed by in a dreamlike haze – vows exchanged, rings placed, a kiss that sparked electricity through me. When the priest declared us husband and wife, a roar of applause erupted, pulling me back to reality.

The reception was a whirlwind of laughter, music, and dancing. I excused myself to the balcony to take fresh air, closing my eyes to feel the environment. I was supposed to be happy , it’s my wedding. I felt empty inside. Suddenly, I got a text from Henry- he texted on the night of my wedding? As I read through his messages, several thoughts filled my head. Why was he asking to meet up ? I know I shouldn’t be seen with him but then again, I needed to make things right. I walked to the hallway , thinking if it was the right thing to do. I just got married and I shouldn’t be seen with another man aside from my husband today of all days. Getting to the entrance of my room, I paused , should I be meeting him here? In my room ?what if Eric walks in ? What would they say of me ? I stood there, lost in my thoughts until Henry’s voice brought me back to reality.

“I didn’t think you would meet up” He said with a large grin. “Happy married life, I can’t say I’m happy for you anyways. It was supposed to be me. But you had to spoil everything …”

Looking at Henry , I contemplated if I should tell him it wasn’t me that day. It was Olivia. But then again, it wouldn’t make any change - the deed had already been done. I let a deep sigh ,bowing down my head. “I’m sorry but…”

I tried to protest, but my words were cut short as Henry's strong arms lifted me off the ground and tossed me onto the bed. I landed with a soft thud, my heart racing in shock.

As I opened my eyes, I saw Henry's determined gaze locked on mine. He was already removing his clothes, his movements swift and urgent. I tried to scramble away, but he was too quick.

"Henry, no! We can't do this!" I struggled to say, my voice shaking with fear and uncertainty. "I'm a married woman now. This is wrong."

But my pleas fell on deaf ears. Henry's face was set in a fierce determination, his eyes burning with a desire that would not be denied. He pinned me down, his body pressing mine into the mattress.

I tried to push him away, but he was too strong. His hands roamed my body, ignoring my struggles and protests. I felt a wave of panic wash over me as I realized I was trapped, unable to escape the consequences of my own weakness. Just then , the door opened widely. “What’s going on here!!”