Chapter 4
820 Words
ON MY WEDDING DAY
LUCY
8 YEARS LATER...
I had waited for this moment for years. Erased myself, buried Lucy Williams six feet under. Fought, starved, planned and exercised a great deal of patience. I completely molded and reinvented myself into a woman who could stand here in white lace, sparkling in diamonds, smiling like a nervous bride, even though my veil hid my true intentions.
Every step I took down the aisle was calculated. My heart did not race with nerves or love. It beat steadily, fueled by purpose. The organ rang out and the guests turned in their seats, some raised their phones others had shining eyes. But all of it was blurred into the background, because my gaze was locked on the man at the alter.
Hunter Maddox. Billionaire, celebrated philanthropist. The bastard the world adored and the man I had rebuilt my entire life to destroy.
He stood at there waiting for me, tall and devastatingly handsome in his tuxedo. To everyone else, he was the perfect groom, overwhelmed with joy as his bride approached. To me, he was a target. The closer I came, the clearer I saw the power, arrogance amd obliviousness that had allowed him to live freely after taking everything from me.
The priest’s words barely touched me. “Who gives this woman…” “Do you take this man…”
I barely paid attention to the baseless formalities of our sham of a wedding. I played my part well, keeping my voice steady when I said, “I do.” My hand did not tremble when he slid the ring onto my finger. I lifted my veil, met his eyes, and smiled like a woman in love. But inside, all I wanted was to slit his throat.
When he kissed me, the entire church erupted in applause. I closed my eyes and let it happen, deeping it even, an attempt to keep my rage at bay.
At the reception hall, all glittery with lights and affluence, guests clinked their glasses and photographers darted between tables. A live band played soft music. Hunter held my hand the entire time, introducing me proudly to business associates, old friends and powerful families. I made sure to charm those old men with my smiles because everyone he'd introduced me too would be key in ensuring he's brought to his knees and anyone who would stand against me, I'll crush them mercilessly.
When it came time for the first dance, the floor cleared. The band struck a gentle tune, and he pulled me into his arms. My body moved with his automatically.
Occasionally wee would kiss as we danced and the crowd cheered behind us.
“You’re perfect,” he whispered against my earas he tightened his hold.
I smiled faintly. “So are you.”
Applause thundered when the song ended. Then came the toast.
Hunter lifted his glass first, he smiled widely. “To my beautiful wife,” he said as he looked down at me like I was his whole world. “The woman who made me believe in love again.”
Everyone cheered.
It was my turn. My gown swept the floor as I stepped forward, and took a second glass of champagne.
“To my husband,” I said clearly. “To the life ahead of us, and to the happiness we’ll share.”
Everyone echoed, “To Hunter and Emily!” and glasses clinked.
Hunter lifted his drink. So did I. Together, we drank.
At first, nothing seemed wrong. The laughter continued and the music continued. He leaned down to kiss me lightly. But then, he began to shift uncomfortably. He cleared his throat a couple of times and reached for his collar.
Soon he started to cough. His glass slipped from his hand and shattered across the floor. Guests gasped as the music stopped abruptly.
“Hunter?” I called out, inserting as much worry and panic I could into my voice.
His face twisted as he choked, struggling for breath. Hands of friends, family and security rushed to him. He collapsed onto his knees, and clasped at his chest, gasping for air. The orchestra stuttered to a stop and shouts erupted. Someone screamed to call an ambulance.
My scream was the loudest, as I tried to help him breathe by unbuttoning his shirt further.
Through it all, he looked at me. His eyes, once full of pride and love, were now wide with shock and hurt.
“Why?” he rasped desperately.
And that was when I smiled.
Because this was it. The moment I had bled and I had lived for.
“Mission accomplished,” I whispered, barely audible, but loud enough for him to hear.
And as his body hit the floor, while the hall spun into chaos.
I knelt there watching him fight for his life, with tears and a smile tangled in one expression.
- Writer
