90-Days Bride

“The bride may now come in,” the host announced with a wide smile. “The bride can step in now,” he said again after a while. Just then, someone rushed forward, whispering a few words in his ears, his pupils dilated in shock. Trying to maintain composure, the host gently announced. “I am so sorry, but this wedding will no longer be held as planned because the bride is unavailable.” “Get something to eat. Thank you so much for coming.” Murmurs and whispers could be heard from the guests. “I can't believe this!” “It seems the bride left him stranded. That's so mean.” “Why accept the marriage proposal only to call things off after so many efforts have been invested…” The groom's leg gave way, and a few people rushed to help him up. “What happened? How did you come to the conclusion that she won't be here?” An envelope was passed to him. With shaky hands, he accepted it. “Aiden, I think this is where our journey comes to an end. I never really loved you, I just needed someone to foot my bills and sponsor my dreams. I know this is mean, and I really thought I could bring myself to marry you as a payback. But, looking at the wedding dress today, I just didn't see myself walking down the aisle becoming yours forever. Moreover, I am at the peak of my career. I would not want to ruin it. Thank you for your support, I am forever grateful. Layla.” A tear escaped the groom’s eye. Soon, another followed, and in no time, he became a crying mess. ***** “Sir, there's an issue on the ground” a voice said in panic, cutting through his line of thoughts. “Luke, what's the issue again,” he said, still backing him, swirling the glass of wine he had in hand. “Sir Aiden, there is trouble. A scandal about you being gay just broke out” Luke said in one go. A scoff escaped Aiden's lip. Rotating the chair he was sitting on, he came face to face with his assistant, who looked like he would pass out soon. “Gay? Just great.” “When was the news released?” Aiden asked, sipping from his glass slowly. “Thirty minutes ago. Our media team has been trying to bring down the news to no avail.” Emptying the whole liquid in the glass down his throat, Aiden smashed the cup on the table, making Luke flinch. “Why can't it be brought down? What the hell is going on?” Luke swallowed hard in fear. “It was posted anonymously, the source could not be tracked. It seems it's not just a mere reporter who started the rumor, someone big is behind it.” “Whoever is behind this should pray I don’t find out their identity.” Aiden muttered, rage evident in his voice. “Tell the media team to keep trying, no one is getting off work if the news is not taken down.” Luke let out a loud sigh. “Boss, cut us some slack.” “Do I pay you to joke around?” Aiden said with a glare. “Stop trying to intimidate me, I have been your assistant for ten years now, it won't work on me.” “10% deducted from your pay.” Aiden declared, standing up to his feet. “Sorry boss!” Luke apologized, making his way out quickly. Aiden scoffed as he watched Luke make his way out. Just then, a call came in. “What is the rubbish I am hearing about you being gay?” a loud agitated voice came from the other side, making Aiden take his phone away from his ear. “Mama Gracie, you are not about to block my eardrum, are you?” “Little brat! Get your ass down here for dinner.” Mama Gracie screamed in annoyance. “The last time I checked, I am a grown-up man…” Aiden trailed off, unable to finish his words as she had already hung up. Aiden rubbed his forehead in frustration. “I can't believe she cut the call on me.” ***** “Woah! You look breathtaking” Millicent commented as she did a final touch on her friend's face. “Do you think he would like how I look?” Adeline asked, staring at her reflection in the mirror. A frown slowly formed on Millicent's face. “You are trying too hard, Adel. I don't think he is worth all this stress you go through to please him.” “Don't say that, Corey is more than worth it.” Millicent scoffs. “Then, can you explain why he has not even called you on your 10th year anniversary?” “It could have escaped his mind” Adeline said with a shrug. “Can you even hear yourself? You guys have been together for ten years.” Millicent replied, irritation evident in her voice. “Why on earth would something so crucial skip his mind? Only one thought crossed my mind. There is someone else.” Adeline raised her brows, confused. “Don't tell me you are insinuating Corey is cheating.” “How else can you explain this?” “Come on, Millicent, I know him too well, he won't hurt me. By the way, I have not heard from Linda in a while” Adeline said, trying to ease the tension by changing the topic. Millicent rolls her eyes. “I don’t even know if Linda is a friend or an enemy.” “Millicent!” “What? The truth they say is bitter. Something is off with that girl” Millicent said without caution. Adeline stared at her in disbelief. “We are a trio. It's not nice to say that about her.” “We are better off being just the two of us.” Adeline sighed. “Whatever. Are you done with my make-up?” “Yes! Make sure to pay me for my services.” Millicent said as she sprayed her face. “Now, run along.” “Thank you, girl!” Adeline said, blowing her kisses as she rushed out. Getting to Corey's apartment, she made to press the doorbell but decided against it. “It is meant to be a surprise, I would just use my spare key” Adeline muttered to herself. As she made her way in, she sighted two used plates on the dining table. “Did he have a guest?” Adeline thought as she made her way to his room. She heard strange sounds as she approached his room, and she hastened her steps, her curiousity piqued. Only to open the door to the shock of her life, a teardrop rolled down her eyes, another fell off, and soon, she was crying uncontrollably. Right before Adeline was her so-called best friend riding her man like her life depended on it.