UNWORTHY LOVE

CHAPTER 15:SHATTERED VOWS

A year later

The excitement of William and Sophia’s wedding day is electric, with the city buzzing with anticipation. Social media feeds overflow with posts, the media hyping it as the “Wedding of the Year,” and the venue is abuzz with guests arriving in luxury vehicles—Rolls-Royces, sleek sports cars, and a few futuristic electric models. The venue itself is a statement of opulence, with towering floral arrangements, chandeliers gleaming like stars, and every corner of the grand hall adorned with luxurious décor.

As the ceremony unfolds, all eyes are on the couple. William stands at the altar, looking dashing in his tailored black tuxedo, his posture perfect, and his expression one of deep affection. His best man, Gabriel, stands beside him, wearing a navy suit, looking every bit the part. William’s son, William Jr. (III), and his adopted daughter Chloe sit at the front, watching their father with admiration. The bridesmaids, stunning in champagne-colored gowns, stand proudly alongside Sophia, their soft curls bouncing as they smile.

Sophia walks down the aisle in a breathtaking gown. The dress is an exquisite creation, layered with lace, silk, and delicate embroidery that catches the light with every movement. She exudes elegance, her every step graceful as she glides toward William. The love and joy between them is evident as they exchange vows, their future brimming with hope and promise.

The reception is filled with laughter, music, and dancing. The ballroom glows with warmth, and guests raise their glasses to toast the couple. William and Sophia share their first dance, a moment of pure bliss, while their children, Chloe and William Jr. (III), watch on with wide eyes, taking in the beauty of the evening. The energy is infectious as the night progresses.

In a quiet moment, as the dancing continues, Sophia decides to step away to change into another dress for the night’s festivities. She heads to a side room, eager to join in the dancing with her husband and guests. William Jr. (III) and Chloe, now seated with William’s parents, are also preparing for the evening’s activities, but Sophia’s absence does not go unnoticed.

However, what was meant to be a brief wardrobe change quickly takes a darker turn. Jessica, having somehow snuck into the venue unnoticed, lurks in the side room, waiting for the moment to confront Sophia. When she sees Sophia adjusting her dress, Jessica’s anger flares, and she approaches her with quiet fury.

“This is your last chance to leave William and never come back,” Jessica’s voice is low but filled with malice.

Sophia, still reeling from the shock of seeing Jessica, stands her ground, facing the woman who has tried to destroy her life. “I love William. You abandoned him and betrayed him. You were never his wife. I won’t let you scare me away.”

The tension between them crackles, and without warning, Jessica grabs a heavy glass vase from a nearby table, hurling it toward Sophia. The vase crashes against Sophia’s forehead, and she stumbles back, her blood staining the floor. The guests, still dancing and celebrating, suddenly stop as the sound of the shattering glass reaches their ears. A wave of panic sweeps through the room as William looks around, realizing that Sophia has disappeared.

He rushes toward the source of the commotion, his heart racing. As he enters the side room, his eyes fall on Sophia, lying motionless on the floor, her blood a stark contrast to the beauty of her dress. Jessica, having caused the chaos, has vanished, leaving a trail of destruction behind her.

Guests gasp, and the panic grows as William lifts Sophia’s head into his lap, his voice shaking as he calls out to her. The room erupts into confusion as people try to help, but it’s clear the damage has been done. Sophia is rushed to the hospital in critical condition, the weight of the attack heavy on William’s heart.

At the hospital, William refuses to leave her side. He holds her hand, desperate for her to wake up. Chloe and William Jr. (III) stand nearby, their faces filled with worry, clinging to the hope that their mother will pull through.

Meanwhile, William’s parents, furious and determined, demand the security footage from the venue. The video clearly shows Jessica as the attacker, and the police launch a full-scale manhunt to find her. With the law now closing in on her, there is no escape.

As the hours tick by in the hospital, William’s mind races. He clings to the hope that justice will prevail, that Sophia will recover, and that the shadow of Jessica’s betrayal will finally be lifted. The wedding day that was meant to be the happiest of their lives has been marred by violence and fear, but despite it all, there is a flicker of hope.