The Bride’s Secret

The Box

The box slipped from my hands.

It struck the edge of the table before landing between two unopened gifts.

“Careful.”

Aunt Jemima reached for it.

“No.”

The word came out before I could stop it.

My hand caught the box first.

Aunt Jemima blinked.

“I was only trying to help.”

“I know.”

I bent, picked it up, and held it against my chest.

“What is it?” Aunt Katy asked, craning her neck.

Mother appeared beside me, excusing herself from the women she’d been speaking with.

“What happened?”

“Nothing,” I uttered, avoiding her eyes.

She looked at the box.

“Then why are you holding it like that?”

I glanced down. My fingers had tightened around the velvet without me noticing. I eased my grip.

“It just caught me by surprise.”

My gaze drifted across the reception hall.

People moved between tables as if nothing had happened.

How could the world keep moving when mine had stopped?

The photographer called everyone back for another photo, but I barely heard him.

Someone had been inside Lidia’s apartment.

They had found the earring.

They knew.

Anytime the camera flashed, it felt like lightning striking close.

By the time we returned home, my cheeks hurt from pretending nothing had happened.

The bedroom felt like a stranger’s room as though I didn't get to sleep here most weekends.

The room was dim except for the warm light beside the bed, casting shadows across the walls.

I stood near the dresser, slowly pulling out the pins from my hair one after another.

Neither of us had spoken much since we returned from the reception.

My fingers paused against my hair when Javier stopped behind me. His hands ran through my neck, then they rested on my waist. I swallowed hard.

“ I can't take my eyes off you,” he whispered, kissing my neck. His breath sent chills under my skin, and I didn't know when I touched his chest.

“ I… I need to shower.”

His lips brushed the side of my neck. I forced my eyes shut.

This was my husband. I shouldn't have felt afraid.

His fingers found the zip at the back of my dress.

The sound seemed louder or maybe because I was holding my breath. The fabric slipped over my shoulders, I caught it before it pooled around my feet.

“ Javier…”

My voice barely reached him.

He looked at me like he wanted to say something. Instead, he kissed me.

His fingers slipped beneath the string of my underwear.

Then they stopped.

His eyes weren't on me anymore. They drifted over my shoulder as though he’d forgotten where he was.

“ Javier.”

He dragged both hands down his face before turning away from me.

Silence stood between us. The only sound heard was the ticking clock.

I pulled the duvet over my body, suddenly aware of how exposed I was.

“ What’s wrong?” I finally asked.

He rubbed the back of his neck.

“ Business has been a mess this week. I can't seem to switch my head off.”

“ Ohh… I understand how you feel. I’m sorry, okay.”

“I appreciate that, you can go take a shower now.

I got up from the bed and dragged myself to the bathroom.

I pushed the door without force, making sure there was no sound. Javier never liked doors locked.

He would want it open so he could watch while I bathed.

All that didn't matter now because I was seconds away from going to jail.

Who knows what would even happen the next minute?

The police might just storm in and say; Hey, you’re under arrest for the murder of your best friend Lydia.

What would I say? Who would even believe me?

Could that gentleman be watching me now?

How did he find me?

I removed the phone from the place where I had hidden it in the bathroom.

I couldn't think of any place else to keep it when I got in today.

My fingers trembled as I switched it on. Almost immediately, a message came through from Javier.

I thought you would come to the wedding.

I've been trying to reach you… Pick up.

The phone slipped from me onto the floor.

No… This couldn’t be.

I peeped through the screen again to see if I was seeing right.

It can't be. My Javier can't do this.

Stop it, Elena.

You're imagining things.

He's only checking on her.

That's all.

Javier worries about people.

As I was about to put the phone off, another notification appeared.

Unknown Number.

I hope you liked my wedding gift.

My stomach tightened.

Another message arrived before I could breathe.

Don’t worry, Elena.

Your secret is safe… for now.