The Billionaire Broken Bride

The Night Before The Wedding

There was a large bright chandelier above Adian shining like a fragile thousand stars. Its golden light radiated across the room and everywhere was so perfect. The scents of expensive perfume and fresh flowers filled the air. The crystal glasses lined every table were sparkling.

Tomorrow this place will be filled with laughter , music and celebration. Tomorrow, she will become Mrs David Carter.

Adian stood at the center of all, her fingers lightly brushing against the smith fabric of her engagement ring. It gleams under the light, a symbol of promise for ever or so she thought.

“ Miss Victory, do you like the arrangements?” The wedding planner asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

Adian forced a soft smile.

“yes…. it's beautiful … I like it all.

Beautiful was the word everyone kept using. Beautiful dress, beautiful venue, beautiful decorations, beautiful couple.

But as she looked around, strange unease settled in her chest and it has been there for days now quiet but persistent. She couldn't understand.

“ Are you alright?”. The planner asked gently, looking worried.

Adian nodded quickly.

“I'm just a little tired”. That was the truth but not the whole truth.

She has not been sleeping properly for the past few weeks. Something felt… off.

David has been distant lately and he always comes up with the excuse of work.

She believed him. Because she loved him. She doesn't have any choice not to but she has also learned that love makes people blind.

“I'm going home”. Adian said, her voice soft. Everything looks perfect… thank you”.

The planner was happy.

“ Tomorrow will be unforgettable.” The planner said.

Adian nodded

“Yes.

The victory’s mansion was quiet when she arrived home. The staff had already retired for the day and the long hallways were echoing faintly as she walked. She slipped off her heels carrying them in one hand as she walked towards her room.

Her younger sister Molly was supposed to be home. A faint sound was coming through the hallway. A soft laugh. Intimate familiarity.

Adian paused.

Molly may have a guest. She thought. Molly was vibrant and social and always surrounded by friends. But something about the laughs make Adian curious.

She followed the sound down to Molly's room and her door was not properly closed. She could peep through the door.

“Adian don't be silly”. She thought to herself, forcing a nervous smile… you're imagining things”. She opened the door slowly. What she saw left her speechless.

David Carter stood inside,not fully dressed and not alone.

Molly's arms were wrapped around his neck, their lips pressed against each other.Their bodies were too close… too close moving in a way that left no room for misunderstanding.

For a moment, Adian's body was stiff. She couldn't breathe. Her vision was blurred.

“No.” She whispered.

Her words were inaudible but it was enough.

David froze.

Molly turned and just like that she saw her.

Adian was standing at the doorway. Broken.

Silence filled the room. Heavy and suffocating.

David was the first to move, stepping back quickly. His expression shifted to something else. Something colder.

“Adian!?

“How long?”. She asked, her voice shaking.

Molly hesitated, her fingers trembling slightly as she pulled the blanket around herself.

“ Sister I….

“How long?!”. Adian repeated raising her voice.

Her hands were shaking now, her heart was pounding loudly in her chest as if trying to escape.

The room was quiet. Too quiet.

David ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.

“It's not what you think”?

Adian let out a dry laugh.

“Not what I think”?. She echoed.

“Then what is it David”? Explain to me.. please”. Her voice breaks on the last word.

For a brief moment, something flickered through David's eyes “Guilt”. But it disappears really quick.

“It's just happened”. You have been distant and Molly understands me.”He said flatly.

Adian stared at him.

“Distant”?. She repeated those words.

She had spent months planning their wedding, she had trusted him completely, loved him without hesitation and this was his explanation.

Molly stepped closer. Her expression is soft.

“Sister. I didn't mean this to happen.”

“Don't call me that”. Adian snapped.

Molly flinched but Adian didn't stop.

“ Don't stand there and pretend you care”. She continued. Tears streamed down her face."You're my sister. My blood. How could you do this to me?.”

Molly's silence was an answer enough.

Adian faces David, her eyes filled with pain.

“And you”. Her voice was shaky. “Tomorrow is our wedding…. Your wedding”.

David didn't respond, he didn't apologize nor deny it. At that moment Adian realizes the truth she has been alone in the relationship.

Adian didn't remember leaving the room or the house. All she knew was that she couldn't withstand the suffocation. She has to leave immediately.

Her chest felt tight, her breathing was heavy as she walked aimlessly down the street.

The world around her felt distant and blurring; it was as if her life was in a movie. Her wedding was tomorrow…tomorrow.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips.

Her phone rings. She stared at the screen.

It was David. Then she switched it off.

The bar was filled with people having low conversation. The light was dim and the music was quiet. It wasn't a place Adian would think of going but tonight she wasn't herself.

She sat at the counter, staring at the glass in front of her.

“Another”? The bartender asked.

Adian nodded.

She didn't even remember what she was drinking or how many glasses she had.

Nothing matters to her anymore.

She drank the alcohol as it burns her throat because that is the only thing that can keep her fir falling apart.

“Rough night”?. Someone asked behind her. The voice was deep, calm and controlled.

Adian turned to his side and saw him.

He sat a few seats away, his posture relaxed and yet commanding. His suit was perfect and his presence was impossible to ignore. There was something about him. Something powerful and dangerous