Not My Wish

Episode Five

Lizbeth paced slowly across the room. Her heart raced faster, and guilt gnawed inside her. She stood in front of the mirror to look at herself, but all she could see was a worried and miserable bride.

"I am supposed to be happy today," she told herself. She closed her eyes to take a long breath, attempting to quiet the tempest within her, but the buzzing sound of her phone interrupted her thoughts, prompting her to pick it up.

“Hey Emy, any updates?” She asked with curiosity.

"Yes, I've got the result with me." I will be with you shortly.” Emerald responded and ended the call.

Taking a deep breath, Lizbeth walked back to the chair in which she was sitting and apologized to the make-up artist for the break.

All through the makeup session, her mind raced. The thought of Maxy being the father is something she can't face at the moment.

There was a sudden knock on the door. When she saw it was Emerald, she immediately dismissed the makeup artist.

As Emerald entered, she noticed the tension in her sister's demeanor.

"You're such a gorgeous bride," Emerald complimented her, just to ease the tension in Lizbeth's body.

Emerald handed over the envelope containing the results to Lizbeth. “Whatever the result says, I want you to know I am with you one hundred percent and I love you,” Emerald said as she wrapped her hands around Lizbeth in a comforting hug.

Lizbeth's eyes welled up with tears as they both drew apart. She took a deep breath before opening the envelope to read the report.

She attentively absorbed the words written on the paper in her hands. A smile spread around her lips. “Thank you, Lord,” she muttered under her breath.

When Emerald heard Mike was the father, they both jumped on each other. "Liz, you still have to explain to me how Maxy got involved in this pregnancy saga? I thought we were done with his madness.

Lizbeth promised to tell Emerald everything that happened after the wedding, but Emerald wasn't taking it in at all.

"Are you willing to subject yourself to this? Giving another man's child to a different man. Come on, Liz, you can do better than this." Emerald stormed out of the room, leaving Lizbeth perplexed.

Shortly after, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Sam: “Can’t wait to be your husband; you're the best.” She smiled at his words, but the smile faded quickly as she recalled Emerald's comments. The words pierced through her soul to her spirit, but she had to be her best self today to avoid any suspicion.

She hurriedly slipped into her wedding gown, pushing her anxiety away; she was ready to go on this love journey with Sam. She was glad their paths crossed at the park a couple of months ago.

Lizbeth stood in front of the mirror mesmerized by how gorgeous the gown looked on her. “Wow!” she exclaimed.

“Lizbeth, we're running late; everyone is in the church waiting for you," the makeup artist said, rushing into the room with a worried expression. The driver is hooting, and you still have to put on your shoes.

“I am ready! ready!" Lizbeth responded, hurriedly slipping her feet into the heels. Her gown was too tight; she struggled to buckle her heels but eventually gave up and called out for help.

The makeup artist rushed to Lizbeth and helped her with the buckle.

“Everything is going to be fine," Lizbeth muttered under her breath. "Today is supposed to be one of your happiest days” she reminded herself, trying to calm her nervousness.

Her phone buzzed again—it was a message from Sam. "Where are you, sweetheart? Everyone is starting to become worried."

“I am on my way already, love; I will be with you shortly,” she typed quickly.

As the driver drove inside the church compound, the sound of music and chatter grew louder. Lizbeth could hear the pondering sound in her heart as she stepped out of the car.

Her heels clicked against the floor as she made her way to the entrance. The door swung open when she got to the entrance; the sight of everyone and her groom overwhelmed her heart.

Each step she took down the aisle reminded her of her infidelity. She could envision how heartbroken Sam would be if he discovered she was carrying another man's child.

Her gown, which expertly concealed her baby bump, hugged her in all the appropriate places, but it cascaded from her belly button.

As she approached Sam at the altar, she wore a bright smile, and they both held hands.

It was time for their vows. Sam said his vows first, but Lizbeth's mind was somewhere else.

The priest's voice brought back her attention: “Your vows, Lizbeth.”

She looked into Sam’s eyes; her mind was full of uncertainty. But just as she opened her mouth to say her vows, Emerald's last words echoed loudly in her ear: "Do you really want to do this to yourself? It's not worth the stress."

Lizbeth felt her throat tighten; the weight of the truth suffocated her as she tried to gasp for air.

Lizbeth?" Sam's voice broke through her thought.

"Are you okay?” he asked with a hint of concern in his voice.

“I--" she stammered, trying to compose her speech. She glanced around at the guest, the joy on her mom's face, but her infidelity kept echoing in her mind.

"Take your time," Sam said gently.