chapter three
740 Words
The grand doors slowly opened.
A hush fell over the wedding hall.
Every guest stood.
The violinists began playing the wedding march.
Maya's heart pounded so hard she thought everyone could hear it.
One step.
Then another.
The heavy wedding dress suddenly felt impossible to carry.
She wanted to stop.
To turn around.
To tell everyone the truth.
But she couldn't.
Her father gently squeezed her arm.
"Keep walking."
She forced herself forward.
---
Standing at the altar, Ethan Carter watched the bride approach.
She looked breathtaking.
Yet...
Something felt different.
Very different.
He couldn't explain it.
Her smile wasn't as confident as he remembered.
Her eyes held sadness instead of excitement.
And the way she walked...
It wasn't Sophia.
He frowned slightly.
"Strange..."
Ryan leaned over and whispered, "Still think she's just late?"
Ethan didn't answer.
His sharp eyes never left the bride.
---
Maya finally reached the altar.
She slowly lifted her eyes.
For the first time...
She looked directly at Ethan.
He was even more handsome than she remembered.
Tall.
Confident.
His perfectly tailored black suit matched his cold expression.
His dark eyes searched hers, as if trying to solve a puzzle.
She quickly looked away.
"If he keeps staring at me..."
"He'll know."
---
The officiant smiled warmly.
"Dear family and friends..."
"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Ethan Carter and Sophia Bennett."
Maya's fingers tightened around her bouquet.
Every time she heard Sophia's name...
Her guilt grew heavier.
---
The ceremony continued.
But Ethan couldn't ignore the strange feeling growing inside him.
Sophia had always looked him directly in the eyes.
Today's bride avoided his gaze.
Sophia loved expensive perfume.
Today's bride smelled faintly of lavender.
Sophia usually wore bright red lipstick.
Today's makeup was softer.
Small details.
Almost impossible for anyone else to notice.
But Ethan noticed everything.
---
The officiant smiled.
"Do you, Ethan Carter, take Sophia Bennett to be your lawful wife?"
Ethan looked at the woman standing before him.
She looked nervous.
Almost frightened.
After a brief pause, he answered,
"I do."
---
The officiant turned toward Maya.
"And do you, Sophia Bennett, take Ethan Carter to be your lawful husband?"
Maya froze.
The words caught in her throat.
This wasn't her wedding.
These weren't her vows.
She felt as though she were stealing someone else's life.
The entire hall waited.
Mrs. Bennett silently prayed from the front row.
Mr. Bennett's hands trembled.
The guests exchanged curious glances.
The officiant smiled politely.
"Miss Bennett?"
Maya swallowed hard.
"...I..."
Her voice shook.
Ethan narrowed his eyes.
Something was definitely wrong.
"I..."
She closed her eyes.
Thinking of her family.
Thinking of the promise she had made.
Then she whispered,
"I do."
---
The officiant smiled.
"Then by the authority vested in me..."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife."
"You may kiss the bride."
Applause erupted throughout the hall.
Rose petals floated through the air.
Maya's heart nearly stopped.
The kiss.
She hadn't thought about the kiss.
Ethan stepped closer.
He noticed the panic in her eyes.
Instead of pulling her into a passionate kiss...
He gently lifted her veil.
His gaze lingered on her face.
"Who are you?" he wondered silently.
He leaned in slowly.
His lips brushed hers in a brief, gentle kiss.
The guests cheered loudly.
But Ethan felt no joy.
Only questions.
---
The reception began soon afterward.
Guests lined up to congratulate the newlyweds.
Maya smiled politely, trying to remember names and faces.
She was terrified of making a mistake.
An elderly woman approached and embraced her warmly.
"My dear Sophia, do you still have the bracelet I gave you on your eighteenth birthday?"
Maya's smile froze.
She had no idea what bracelet the woman was talking about.
Before she could answer, Ethan calmly stepped in.
"Grandmother."
"You've already made my wife blush enough today."
The old woman laughed.
"Oh, you're right."
"I'll ask another time."
She walked away.
Maya quietly exhaled.
"You... saved me."
Ethan looked at her without smiling.
"I know."
Her heart skipped a beat.
"You know... what?"
He leaned closer until only she could hear him.
"I know..."
"That you're hiding something."
Before Maya could respond, photographers called them over for more pictures.
Ethan offered his arm.
She took it with trembling fingers.
To everyone else...
They looked like the perfect newlyweds.
But behind Ethan's calm expression...
A single question echoed over and over.
Who exactly did I marry?
- Writer
