The Bride’s Secret

The Missing Earring

Goosebumps pricked my skin, even though the room was hot.

“ My earring …” I whispered.

Mrs Victoria, tilted her head slightly studying my face.

“ Yes.” Her voice remained calm.

“ The other one.”

Without thinking, my eyes dropped to the floor, looking for an earring that wasn't there. Mother frowned, shaking her head.

“ Did it fall somewhere in the house?” she asked.

“I… I don't know.”

“ You don't know?”

“I must have misplaced it.”I shook my head quickly.

I forced myself to meet Mrs.Victoria’s eyes, but only for a second.

They searched my face quietly and it felt worse than being accused.

I looked away first.

“ Lidia always said…” Her fingers brushed absentmindedly over the wrapping paper in her hands.

“ You were careful with the things people give you.”

Silence settled around the room like a heavy cloak.

“ I won’t stay here any longer.”

She placed the gift on the table beside the others and walked out.

The front door clicked shut.

The kitchen faucet dripped loudly into the sink.

I heard voices outside. Life moved on.

It was only then I realized I wasn't breathing.

At night, sleep never came. I lay on my side with eyes wide open, watching my shadows crawl across my bedroom ceiling.

My palms flew to my face.

The earring.

It had fallen in Lidia’s living room.

I threw the blankets aside so fast my feet almost touched the floor.

I'll go back.

I'll find it.

My car keys lay on the bedside table.

I stared at them. Then at the clock.

Two forty- five.

What excuse could I possibly give for sneaking into my best friend’s house in the middle of the night?

I never touched the keys; I just sat on the floor, hugging my knees.

When I opened my eyes again, the pale sunlight slipped through the curtains. It chased away the darkness but not the dread sitting inside my chest.

I hadn’t slept for more than a few minutes at a time.

Every time my eyes closed, Lidia’s face found me again.

I dragged myself into the bathroom and splashed cold water over my face.

I could barely recognize myself.

My face was drained of color, my lips ashy.

I reached for the small jewelry box on the counter and opened it.

Only one earring lay inside.

The space beside it seemed to mock me.

Lidia bought them for my birthday. She had spent an hour making me choose between silver and gold.

I slammed the box shut.

“ Stop thinking about it,” I whispered to myself.

What if someone found it?

What if the police were already inside Lidia’s apartment?

A knock sounded on my bedroom door making me jump.

“Elena,” Mother’s voice called softly.

“ Are you awake?”

I quickly wiped at my eyes before unlocking the door.

She stepped inside, carrying a hot cup of tea.

“ You’ll need your strength today.”

I accepted it with both hands, praying she wouldn’t notice how badly they were shaking.

“ You look exhausted,” she muttered.

“ I couldn’t sleep,” I said, rubbing my eyes.

The house buzzed with voices before I could even blink.

High heels clicked across the wooden floor while the smell of fresh coffee drifted upstairs.

It should have felt exciting.

But it made my stomach twist.

Aunt Katy hurried past my bedroom carrying two bouquets balanced awkwardly in her arms.

She peeked inside and laughed.

“ She's still here! Looks like we’re actually getting a wedding today.”

Aunt Jemima followed behind her carrying a box of decorations.

“Don’t celebrate yet.” She teased. “There’s still time for another disaster.”

They both laughed.

Mother shot them a warning look while pinning flowers onto the bridesmaid’s basket.

“You people never stop.”

“ What?” Aunt Jemima lifted both hands innocently.

“We’re traumatized.”

“ The fake k********g nearly sent me to an early grave,” Aunt Katy groaned.

Everyone laughed. Except me.

I lowered my eyes to my lap.

If only they knew this time…There wouldn't be another excuse.

While everyone rushed around the room, the makeup artist dusted another layer of powder across my cheeks.

She stepped back, with a gentle nod.

“ The most beautiful bride.”

I looked at the woman in the mirror.

She had perfect makeup.

Perfect hair.

Yet something was wrong.

It wasn't the swollen eyes.

Or the way her smile kept disappearing.

It was the fear.

It sat behind her eyes like a shadow no amount of foundation could cover.

“ Hold still,” the makeup artist laughed, gently turning my chin back toward the light.

I obeyed. Because looking away didn't change what I saw.

Mother spread the wedding dress carefully across the bed.

She smoothed the fabric with both palms for the hundredth time.

“ You’ve made me proud,” she murmured.

I swallowed though my throat burned.

“ You still look pale.”

“ No… I’m—”

“ I didn't ask if you were fine.”

She faced me this time.

“ What’s the matter?”

I looked at my hands. They wouldn't stop shaking. I tucked them behind my back.

“ Mum…”

The word barely came out.

“ What if…”

My voice caught.

“ What if it's too soon?”

Mother’s expression hardened. She let out a sharp breath before folding her arms.

“ Don’t start.”

She took a step closer.

“ Your wedding has already been postponed twice because of that jealous friend. I will not be humiliated a third time.”

I lowered my head.

“ I’m sorry, Mother.”

She adjusted the veil on my hair, acting as if the conversation had never happened.

“ Good.”

“ Now put on a bright face.

She brushed an invisible dust from my shoulder.

“Your husband is waiting.”