A Lie that Bounds Us

Episode4:The lie in Church

The wedding had devolved into a chaotic mess. As the echoes of gasps and whispers filled the church, I felt as if the walls were closing in on me. Adrian’s shocking declaration that I was carrying his child, which was a complete and utter lie, had turned what should have been a celebration into a disaster.

I stood there, paralyzed, as the scene unfolded around me. My mother’s face had gone pale, a mixture of anger and betrayal etched deeply into her features. Lydia, Johanne’s sister, was practically livid, her face twisted in fury. Johanne, the bride, was sobbing uncontrollably, her white gown now marred by tears and smudged makeup.

“Mom, I swear, I don't know him! I don't even know why he’s doing this!” I tried to plead with my mother, but my voice cracked under the weight of the situation. My eyes darted around the room, searching for any sign of understanding, but everyone seemed to be in shock or simply outraged.

Adrian, standing proudly with his smug grin, seemed to relish the chaos he had caused. His eyes never left mine, as if daring me to refute his

claims.

“ Babe.. You're not to stress yourself. Remember what the doctor said.” He slowly walked to my said and held my hand.

What the hell is wrong with this man?!

“Don’t listen to him!” I shouted, snatching my hand from his grip and taking two steps away from him. “I’m not pregnant, I don’t even know this man!”

But my mother, her eyes now cold and red silenced me with a harsh,stern glare. “Don’t you dare speak to me like that. This is disgraceful, Alyssa. You’ve brought nothing but shame upon this family.”

“Mom, please!” I reached out to her, but she drew back as if my touch was burning. “I’m telling the truth. I don’t know what’s happening, but I’m not involved in this!”

The priest’s attempts to calm the congregation were unsuccessful. The church was now a battleground of loud and angry whispers and bitter glances. My heart pounded in my chest, the realization dawning that my family’s judgment might have forever changed my life.

A hand gripped my shoulder, and I turned to see Michael’s expression—a mix of confusion and helplessness. He had been my rock, but now even he seemed unsure of how to handle the situation.

“Michael, tell them I’m innocent!” I implored, hoping he would stand by me. But he looked away, his face conflicted.

Why can't anyone trust me? Even Micheal.

“I don’t know what’s going on, Alyssa. I’m sorry, but I can’t just take your word against… all this.” He gestured open to the problem around us and walked out of the church, leaving me even more confused.

“Michael, wait!” I cried, but it was too late. The doors had already swung shut behind him. I felt lost and abandoned.

Lydia was now making her way toward me, her face twisted into rage and hatred. “You filthy liar,” she spat,. “You’re a disgrace. I should have known better than to let you come here.”

Before I could react, Lydia’s hand lashed out, grabbing a fistful of my hair and yanking me toward her. I yelped in pain, stumbling forward as tears streamed down my face.

“Stop it!” I cried, trying to free myself. “Please, stop!”

But Lydia’s grip was strong. I could hear Johanne sobbing louder now, her cries loud with the shouts and whispers of the crowd. The entire church seemed to be against me.

“Mom, please help!” I begged, my voice breaking.

My mother stepped forward, Without warning, she raised her hand and struck me across the face with a resounding slap. The impact was sharp, sending a stinging pain through my cheek. I staggered back, my vision blurring with tears.

“Don’t you ever think you can come back here!” my mother’s voice unforgiving. “You’re no longer welcome in this family.”

I could barely process her words. The sting of the slap was nothing compared to the emotional pain that followed. My sister, who had once been my ally, stood beside my mother, her face full of disappointment and anger.

“Alyssa,” Marina said, her voice shaking with emotion. “I’m sorry. I wanted things to be different, but you’ve made your choices. You’re no longer a part of this family.”

I stared at her, I felt an ache in my heart. “Marina, please—”

But her eyes were empty of emotions. “No. Leave now, before you cause any more damage.”

I wanted to protest, to scream out my innocence, but the words caught in my throat. The church was a whirlwind , and I was left standing in the center of it all, All alone with no one as my back bone.

As my mother, sister, and Lydia turned their backs on me, I felt completely alone for the first time in my life. The entire world seemed to be collapsing around me. I took a shaky step back, my legs trembling beneath me.

My eyes found Adrian once more, and his smug smile seemed to mock me even more. I could see the satisfaction in his eyes, knowing that he had successfully turned my world upside down. I wanted to confront him, to demand answers, but the weight of my family’s betrayal kept me rooted to the spot.

“Do you enjoy recking people's family?” I said after a long silence between us.

It was now the two of us left in the church. He didn't bother to draw closer after I took a step away from me.

The stupid smile was completely wiped and his face now blank of emotions.

“Have a seat or you might faint.” He answered instead.

I whipped my head. What the f**k did he just say?

My next move shocked the both of us.

I slapped across the cheek. The sound echoed for at least thirty seconds before the silence and my fast beating heart.

He chuckled and touched his face. “Well, I didn't see that coming but I definitely deserve it."