Chapter 4: Riona's Ruin
1094 Words
It's finally my wedding day!
I stood before a full-body mirror, admiring my shimmering white mermaid gown in the soft morning light.
My heart is pounding with excitement as soon as I find myself in front of the wedding hall doors.
This is it! I had dreamed of this moment my whole life.
It took Pavlo seven years to pop the question, and I always knew he would.
We have been together since my last year in high school up till now.
The rows of seats are lined with white peony flowers and soft ribbons, creating an inviting atmosphere. The hall is adorned with delicate floral arrangements.
The gentle hum of organ music fills the air as the grand doors of the hall slowly open.
As the bride, I step forward, my gown flowing gracefully behind me.
Sunlight pours through the stained-glass of the hall, showering my face in a warm, joyful glow. It feels like the world is celebrating with me.
Soft murmurs of the guests fade into silence as I begin my walk down the aisle, heart full of love, eyes fixed on my future.
As I strut down the aisle, I look majestic as my face melts into a smile.
Pavlo looks nervous, marriage anxiety I guess.
He glanced to his right, at the front pew where Livia sat.
Why is he looking at Livia and not me?
Why is she wearing a white dress that so closely resembles mine?
She’s always been a copycat, no doubt about it!
I reached Pavlo and took my place beside him.
The officiant smiled warmly as he looked at both of us.
Then he asks, "Do you, Riona Ashford and Pavlo Redmond, freely and without reservation, promise to love, honor, and cherish each other?
Do you vow to remain faithful in all circumstances, and commit to this union for life?”
Bouncing my head up and down, I beamed as I said “I do, with my full heart”.
Gazing at Pavlo expectantly, he shook his head slowly; he replied, “I do…not.”
Murmurs and gasps explode in the event hall. Everyone is stunned.
My face had gone pale and tight with worry.
The officiator spoke in a shaky voice, “I didn't quite hear you, Mr Redmond. Could you repeat that?"
Pavlo, with a firmer voice, boomed, “I do not; I wish to marry Livia instead!”
I froze, my face resembling a crushed tomato.
“What do you mean, Pavlo? It's no time to joke, you know.”
He crossed his arms, a frown on his face,“I can’t do this,” he said flatly.
“I’m not marrying you.”
“What’s going on?” I asked, my voice trembling.
“You foolish dreamer, you didn't even realize I was cheating on you with Livia,” he admitted, his voice sharp.
“For five years! Honestly, I don’t even know why I let it get this far.”
How can it be, my cousin and my husband are...
Tears slipped past my cheeks, as I pressed my hand to my mouth, stifling a sob.
My breath caught in my throat, "What do you mean? Why didn’t you—”
“Because I didn’t care enough to stop it. I don’t want you anymore. But you were so obsessed with this wedding, I can’t tell you. You wouldn’t listen.”
Angry tears rained down my cheeks, “You lied to me! Why did you string me along?
Why make me believe all of this?”
Palvo shrugged, looking smug, as if my pain satisfied him. “I didn’t think it mattered. You were always too emotional. Honestly, I’m doing us both a favor.”
My tears turned to anger, my heart breaking under the weight of his cruel words. “For 7 years, I have loved you completely Pavlo... yet you spit on me with this betrayal!
“Why? Just why?” I cried, my heart feeling scorched.
If he grew tired of me, why didn't he just say it sooner?
He sighed, clearly bored with my reaction, “Look, this was never going to work. You’re way too needy, too intense.
And frankly, Livia’s not overbearing like you are. Sweet spot is she gives me crazy pleasure!”
The room seemed to spin, my dreams crumbling at my feet. I wanted to scream, hit him, make him feel even a fraction of the agony he’d just caused.
But all I could do was stare, as my chest heaved up and down. “I thought you loved me as much as I did you,” I whispered.
He gave a dismissive laugh, “Yeah, well, I didn’t. I love Livia, not you. You’ll get over it.”
And with that, he turned and walked towards Livia.
Leading her to the altar, I was still disoriented and lost, until a shove pushed me down.
Looking up to see Livia's eyes glinting with malicious intent.
“You're just wasting space here, so get going” Livia said spitefully.
My legs felt wobbly as I rose, shuffling my feet backwards.
Her lips rose in a mocking smile, “But you must admit your naivety has been legendary.
It did favor me well. Fooling you was no challenge at all,” she said while smirking in amusement.
“It's my wedding now. Why don't you go crying for your daddy?
Besides, you’ve overstayed your non-existent welcome.
So get out before I make someone throw you out!” she yelled while yanking off my veil.
Swelling with anger, I swore, “I'll make you pay for this, and it won't be pretty!”
“Yeah, yeah, take your revenge and your scummy self out the door and leave!” she demanded with her finger pointing to the door.
With the last shred of my dignity, I walked away looking shattered. I felt the guests pitying stares.
Who wouldn't feel sorry for me? I was betrayed on the day that should have been my happiest.
I looked back only to see Livia's gloating grin, as she held Pavlo's hand.
I wished I hadn't overlooked the unease I felt when I saw Livia, in a white gown similar to mine.
I should have reasoned that she was trying to ruin my wedding.
But it was too late now… I ran out of the hall as I heard the officiant announce that they may kiss.
I declared in my heart that their deceit would be their downfall, and I'd be the one to bring it!
- Writer
