1: Reality
1076 Words
CHAPTER 1 Reality
*Aria’s POV *
“it’s finally here, the day I tie the knot with Victor Darnell.” The sun was shining, casting a golden glow over the manicured gardens of the estate. My venue looked just like I always imagined it would, and no expense was spared in the preparation. I stood in front of a mirror, my heart fluttering with excitement.
My dress was a masterpiece of lace and silk, it was a ball gown, and I felt like a princess about to be joined together with her Prince Charming. My blonde hair was styled in soft waves, adorned with delicate flowers that matched my bouquet and green-colored eyes.
My best friend, Jade, was by my side, fussing over the final details of my appearance.“Omg, Aria, you look gorgeous in that gown” Jade said with sparkles in her eyes.
“I’m so happy for you, you got the rich, tall, and handsome billionaire”
Everything is perfect ‘If only my parents could see me’ sighs
“It’s time to walk down the aisle, Victor is waiting for you at the altar,” she said while hugging me.
My heart raced as I laid my eyes on Victor, strands of his ginger hair flowed on his light-skinned face. He hadn’t noticed me yet. His hazel eyes widened as our eyes met, and he smiled at me as I walked closer to him. His suit looked good on him, hugging his perfect body in all the right places.
The priest began the ceremony.
"Dearly beloved," he intoned, "we are gathered here today to witness the union of Victor Darnell and Aria Nelson in holy matrimony”.
Victor reached out to take my hand, his touch warm and reassuring.
“Victor, do you take Aria to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?”
“I do,” Victor said looking at me with love.
"Aria," the priest said, turning to me, "do you take Victor to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?"
“I DO,” I said lightly squeezing Victor’s hand.
The priest smiled warmly. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Victor’s lips meeting mine, we shared a tender kiss sealing our marriage vows. At that moment I was overflowing with joy. Conquering the world felt possible as long as Victor was by my side.
The reception that followed was full of dancing, laughter, and celebration. Victor and I were glued to each other throughout the party, he made sure to ring words of love and admiration in my ears.
“My wife is beautiful, I’m the world’s luckiest man”, he said.
I couldn’t be more sure of anyone in my life, as I was sure of Victor.
But reality had other plans, crashing this fairytale I built in my head to pieces. The man I once loved dearly was no more, he had turned into a venomous monster, unrecognizable even. I was trapped in a nightmare I couldn’t escape.
I gave my all to Victor, my heart, soul, mind, and body.
***
*Two-plus years Later*
Now I was stuck in this rundown apartment which was a far cry from the opulence I once knew. The paints on the cracked walls were peeled, the ceiling had water stains from leaks that were never fixed, and the single window, covered in grime, let in a sliver of light, casting a dreary glow over the small space. The stench from the apartment was abhorring. It was a dreaded sight, but that was what my reality became.
The pain I felt today was unbearable, each breath felt like a battle and every movement sent waves of agony through my body. It was a struggle getting out of bed, my legs trembling beneath me as I prepared to face another grueling day. I had an appointment later today at the hospital, a place that had become all too familiar.
Walking to the hospital took all the strength in me. The street I lived on wasn’t great, to say the least, it was creepy and lonely. I had to muster courage each time I stepped out. The place was unsafe but It was the best I could afford after being kicked out by Victor. I finally arrived at the hospital. I reached out for the closest chair in the waiting room. I tried calming my nerves as I awaited the doctor’s call.
The doctor called me in, his expression somber as he glanced at my chart. “Aria” He hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
"We need to discuss your latest test results." He said gently.
I nodded, my throat too tight to speak. I knew my condition had gotten worse.
"The complications from your kidney donation have severely impacted your remaining kidney's function and have led to severe infections and organ failure, without another surgery and immediate treatment, you have at most two months left to live. If you're lucky, you might have four."
The words hit me like a blow to my skull. I felt the room spinning around me. I knew things were bad but hearing I’ve got limited time to live was devastating. I had given everything—my health, my dreams, my freedom—for a family that now treated me like a disposable object.
‘Is this what I gain from choosing to love a man?’ I thought to myself.
"Is there anything else we can do?" I whispered, tears brimming in my eyes.
"I'm afraid not," the doctor said gently. "The surgery is your best chance, but it's risky. Given your current condition, it's a 50/50 chance at best."
I had no money for drugs and the surgery, I could barely afford to survive. I left the hospital in a daze, the world around me blurring into a fog of despair. I stumbled through the crowded streets, my mind racing. I was tired of it all.
“Is this how I end? The gods must truly be cruel.”
- Writer
