Episode2
1106 Words
Have you ever wanted something so badly and still not wanted it?
The quiet murmur in the chapel buzzed like static.
Lena stood at the church doors, gripping the delicate lace of her gown.
The dress was everything she had imagined as a child, yet she felt nothing but fear.
Her heart pounded, torn between the urge to run and the hope that today might change everything.
Her brother James nudged her gently.
"It's time, Lena," he whispered, his voice thick with concern.
His eyes searched hers, silently asking if she was sure.
Lena forced a small smile and nodded.
There was too much at stake to back out now.
She couldn't risk James's future—or her own.
More than anything, she clung to the hope that Adrian might still care.
She took a deep breath and stepped forward.
Her eyes darted across the room, searching for him.
Adrian Calloway stood at the altar, waiting like a king.
His dark hair was pulled back, his suit tailored to perfection.
Power radiated from him, cold and unyielding.
Their eyes met, and Lena's heart clenched.
There was no warmth in his gaze.
Only a sharp, burning resentment.
She had hoped seeing her in a wedding dress would remind him of their love.
The guests rose, whispering and admiring her.
She barely noticed them.
Her focus was on Adrian, his expression unreadable.
He was just as powerful as she remembered, but the kindness in his eyes was gone.
Now, they were cold, like shards of ice that could cut her.
James sighed beside her.
"I'm sorry, Lena. I wish there was another way."
She gave him a sad smile.
"Me too."
The wedding march began.
Lena took a step, her gown feeling heavier with every move.
The lace, once beautiful, now felt like chains.
Yet a small part of her believed this marriage could be a new beginning.
When she reached Adrian, his grip was firm—almost punishing.
The priest's voice was a distant hum in her ears.
Memories of Adrian flooded her mind.
The way he used to look at her.
The nights they spent talking until dawn.
The way he held her when she cried.
That was before Victoria died.
Before everything fell apart.
"Do you, Adrian Calloway, take Lena Prescott as your wife?"
His voice was emotionless.
"I do."
Lena flinched.
His words felt like a knife.
But she still held on to the hope that things could change.
"And do you, Lena Prescott, take Adrian Calloway as your husband?"
Her breath caught.
She felt like she was standing at the edge of a cliff.
One wrong step, and she would be lost forever.
But there was no turning back.
She had to do this.
For James.
For her parents.
For everything they had built.
For the chance that Adrian might love her again.
"I do," she whispered.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
A cheer rose from the crowd.
"You may now kiss the bride."
Lena's heart pounded.
Adrian's eyes were calculating, unreadable.
He leaned in.
His lips barely brushed hers.
It was quick, cold—a formality.
Yet for a second, Lena felt something beneath the ice.
She prayed that, one day, his kisses would mean more.
The reception was a blur of fake smiles and empty congratulations.
Lena moved through the crowd like a ghost.
She felt disconnected from her own life.
She stole glances at Adrian.
He was always by her side, yet so distant.
His words were short.
His touch lacked warmth.
He was only doing what was required of him.
As the night dragged on, Lena slipped onto the balcony.
The stars shone like distant memories.
She wished she could hold onto them—like she wished she could hold onto the past.
A shiver ran down her spine.
She turned.
Adrian stood in the doorway.
"You should come back inside," he said.
His voice was as cold as the night air.
"The guests are waiting."
Lena nodded but didn't move.
She had to say something.
She had to reach him.
"Adrian, I—"
"Don't."
His tone was sharp.
"Don't make this something it's not."
"We're married, yes. But this is business. Nothing more."
Lena's heart sank.
"I know," she whispered.
"I just... I just wanted to say that I'm sorry."
Adrian's eyes darkened.
"Sorry?"
"For ruining my life?"
"For my sister's death?"
Lena flinched.
Tears welled in her eyes.
"I didn't mean for any of that to happen."
"I don’t even remember what happened that night."
Adrian stepped closer.
"You don’t remember?"
"Or you just don’t want to admit what you did?"
Lena shook her head.
"I swear, Adrian, I’ve tried. It’s like a blank spot in my memory."
His lips curled into a sneer.
"Convenient, isn’t it?"
"But it doesn’t matter."
"You’ll pay for it, Lena."
"One way or another, you’ll pay."
Lena blinked back her tears.
"I would never hurt you or your sister."
"Please, you have to believe me."
"Believe you?"
Adrian scoffed.
"You think that’s enough?"
"You think an apology will bring her back?"
"You think it will erase the fact that you took her from me?"
Lena’s chest tightened.
"I didn’t—"
"Save it."
Adrian’s voice was ice.
"You’ve already done enough damage."
He turned and walked away, leaving her alone on the balcony.
Lena clenched her fists.
She wanted to defend herself.
She wanted him to see the truth.
But nothing she said would change his mind.
The door opened behind her.
Lena turned.
It wasn't Adrian.
It was James.
Concern shadowed his face.
"Lena," he said gently.
"I saw Adrian leaving. I figured you'd be here."
"Are you okay?"
Lena forced a smile.
"I’m fine, James. Just… thinking."
James frowned.
"You don’t have to lie to me."
"I know this is hard for you."
Lena's heart ached.
"
I know, James."
"But I can’t just give up."
"And I love him."
Admitting it hurt.
James sighed.
"Love isn’t always enough, Lena."
She knew he meant well.
But he didn’t understand.
He didn’t know what it was like to love someone until it consumed you.
She couldn’t just walk away.
Not yet.
Not until she had used up every last bit of hope.
If there was even a small chance Adrian could love her again, she had to take it.
She had to try.
Lena turned and walked back inside.
She would fight for him.
No matter the cost.
But deep down, a question lingered.
What really happened that night?
And why was she being punished for something she couldn’t even remember?
- Writer
