The Lie Hidden In White

Chapter 1

BRUNCH

~One month before the wedding~

Every woman dreams of marrying the man she loves… to live under one roof, build a family, and become one for the rest of their lives.

And now, I was one of the lucky ones living that dream. Just a few more weeks and I’d be walking down the aisle, wearing the wedding dress I used to only sketch when I was a little girl. Even the thought of it made me giddy.

“Hahaha! I must be the luckiest woman alive,” I said to myself, laughing as I twirled around the room, holding the list of last-minute details to finalize for the wedding.

“I’m really getting married next month. I’m finally saying ‘I do’ to the man I prayed for. Haaay!” I added, hugging my wedding binder tight against my chest.

Everything felt surreal. The color swatches. The guest list. The invitations stacked neatly on my desk… it was all coming together like the perfect fairytale.

But just as I was admiring the small details and picturing myself walking towards him at the altar, my thoughts were abruptly interrupted.

I flinched and glanced at my phone on the table. Its sudden ringing pulled me out of my daydream.

I walked over, my heartbeat quickening for reasons I couldn’t explain. The screen flashed with a familiar name, and I couldn’t help but smile when I saw who it was.

“What’s up, cous?” I answered right away.

She’s my first cousin, Katrina Contreras-Sy. We’re the same age, 26, and she’s currently living in the U.S.

“Hey, my favorite cousin. Wanna grab some drinks?” she said. I frowned when I heard that.

“You’re in the Philippines? Since when did you come home?” I asked, confused, dropping myself onto the sofa.

Why didn’t she tell me?

“Not yet, but my flight is today. Pick me up at NAIA Terminal 3.” She ordered. I rolled my eyes into the air.

“You want me to pick you up at the airport?” I repeated, narrowing my eyes. “What am I, your servant?”

“Aha!” she replied cheerfully.

“Haha. f**k you,” I said wryly, making her chuckle.

“Come on, please.”

“Sorry, cous. I’m currently busy,” I declined, already imagining her rolling her eyes at my excuse.

“Busy with what?” she snapped, irritation in her voice now crystal clear.

Calling from abroad wasn’t cheap, but did she care? Of course not. This woman was a total brat.

“Busy with all the wedding preparations lately. I’m getting married next month,” I answered casually, fiddling with my nails as if it were nothing.

There was a beat of silence on the other line before her deafening voice finally burst through.

“Hey, you b***h!” she shouted, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re getting married and you still haven’t invited me? I swear! I’ll rip your hair out when I see you!” she threatened, practically seething.

Actually, my plan was to surprise them. None of them knew how hard I fought the urge not to spill the news about this big day of mine. But hearing Katrina’s reaction? It made everything worth it. Well, except for one person because with him, I could never hide a secret.

“Ah, now I’m even more convinced not to pick you up at the airport,” I teased, still laughing.

“Damn you, b***h! Why didn’t you tell us… tell me sooner?” she pressed. I could already picture her arched brows and that sharp, dramatic glare on her face.

“I planned to surprise you,” I said calmly.

“I’m going to tell the girls,” she threatened, referring to our high school friends. I only laughed.

“Hey! Pick me up at 2:30 PM, okay? See you later, my b***h cous. Love you! Mwa!” she ordered. In the end, there was really no way I could not fetch her.

“Okay. Take care. Mwa!” I replied before ending the call.

A smile tugged at my lips, and I shook my head after that conversation. After all these years, she still hadn’t changed.

“Who’s that?” A hoarse voice, curious and low, came from behind me. I turned, smiling with my phone still in hand.

Yeah. That’s my fiancé, Dexter Shaun Wisken.

He had just come from our room, and I caught him fixing the collar of his black polo. His hair was slightly tousled, his fingers busy fastening the buttons as he walked toward me.

We’d been living together in his condo for a while now, and moments like this—quiet, almost domestic—still made something warm stir inside me.

“My cousin,” I replied with a grin. I leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the lips as he reached me.

He tilted his head slightly.

“Really? What did she say?”

“Nothing much,” I said with a soft chuckle. “Just scolding me for not telling her right away that we’re getting married. Want to meet her?”

His brows pulled together for a second, but he didn’t protest.

“Sure. If I have some time,” he said.

“Okay.” I decided not to push further and instead shifted the topic. “So, where are you off to?” I asked, noticing him slipping on the watch I’d given him last Christmas.

He paused, then looked at me longer than usual. The weight in his eyes made my stomach twist. My brows furrowed.

Okay? Was there something wrong with my question?

“Family house,” he said at last.

Ah. So that was it.

“Oh, okay… hmm.” I tried to sound casual, but the drop in my tone was impossible to hide.

And Dexter must’ve noticed.

"What is it? Do you have a problem, honey?" he asked, his voice soft and concerned.

I hesitated before finally letting it out.

"When are you taking me there to meet them? We're getting married next month but you still haven’t formally introduced me." My voice wavered slightly.

Not once in all our years together had I been invited back to their home, or properly introduced. Even when he came to formally ask for my hand, his family wasn’t with him because he said they were busy. I tried not to dwell on it, but I couldn’t help being worried. What if his family didn’t like me?

He reached for my hand. "Sooner or later, hon. Trust me, okay?"

I searched his face. "Are you sure they’re okay with you marrying someone they’ve never even seen?"

Dexter gave a confident smile. "I know they’ll support me no matter what happens."

I nodded slowly, forcing a small smile. "Okay. I trust you."

"Come on, hon. Don’t sulk now," he coaxed, pulling me into a hug and pressing a kiss to my forehead.

"I’m not sulking," I said, half-teasing. "But this Saturday, alright? Dad and Mom are asking you to come over. My brothers will also be there, so we need to be present."

"Of course. I’ll cancel all my appointments for Saturday," he promised.

My face lit up. I was so happy I couldn’t stop myself from kissing him on the lips. He chuckled against my smile.

"Ah! By the way," I added, stepping back a little. "I’ll be picking up my cousin from the airport later and maybe grab a couple of drinks with her, so I’ll be home late."

"Funny timing," Dexter replied. "I also have plans tonight. I’m going out with some of my co-workers. Our boss organized a party."

I gently placed a hand on the back of his neck, pulling our faces closer.

I raised an eyebrow, teasing. "Sure. No problem. But...?"

He grinned, catching on. "No women allowed."

"Good," I said with mock seriousness, and we both burst into laughter.

"I’m loyal to you, honey," he said as he gave me a quick, playful kiss.

I smiled, warmth blooming in my chest. "I know, and me too."

Our noses brushed, and for a brief moment, it felt like time slowed down. But then his eyes flicked to the wall clock behind me, and the moment broke.

He stepped back.

"I have to go. Love you," he said, giving a quick kiss on my lips before waving and heading toward the door.

"I love you too! And fix your hair, hon. You look like a kid!" I called out, laughing. I heard him chuckle as he walked away, and I couldn’t help but laugh along.

After Dexter left, I immediately took care of the chores. I cleaned the condo, did the laundry from the past three days, hung the clothes to dry, and washed the dishes. It was just about noon when I finished, so I still had time to rest before picking up Katrina.

I left the unit at two in the afternoon to head to the airport. I knew I was dead meat with the girl I was picking up. I was sure to get a long scolding for being late.

The moment I parked the car, I ran inside. At the same time, my phone rang.

"Where the hell are you?" she snapped the second I answered.

I smiled when I spotted her from a distance, dressed in a white cropped blazer, high-waisted pants, and stiletto heels. Her chestnut hair swayed as she walked like a runway model.

"Behind you, b***h," I answered with a grin. She turned her head and quickly walked toward me. I waved at her.

"Hi, my b***h cousin," she greeted when she got closer, planting kisses on both my cheeks.

"Long time no see, my beautiful but deadly cousin," I replied with a wink.

She suddenly dropped her suitcase and jumped on me like she weighed nothing. I almost lost my balance, but I still caught her.

"Kyaaaaahhhhhhh! I missed you so much!" she squealed, hugging me tightly.

"I missed you too!" I hugged her back just as tightly. But when she got down, I couldn’t help but complain.

"s**t, you’re heavy!" But instead of laughing, she clutched her head.

"Argh… I feel dizzy," she said suddenly, making me panic as I reached out to steady her.

"Are you okay?" I asked with concern.

"No. I think I need some Vodka or Dry Martini. What do you think, cous?" she teased with a wink.

I immediately let go of her.

"You b***h!" I yelled, while she just burst out laughing.

"Love you!" she said, planting a kiss on my cheek. I wiped it off right away.

"f**k you!" I shot back, flipping her off.

"Oh, you’re cursing me now?" she asked, pretending to be shocked.

"People change," I said.

"f*****g change," she cussed back. We stared at each other for a moment before both of us laughed.

I really missed this girl.

"Let’s go," she said, fixing her suitcase again.

"Hotel?" I asked, unsure.

"Of course. I need to change before we hit the bar. Hello? This is me we’re talking about," she said with a dramatic hair flip.

I chuckled a little.

Then I led her to where my car was parked. We got in, and as soon as I started the engine, she spoke again.

"By the way, did you and Alastair end up together?" she asked out of nowhere.

I frowned.

"Alastair? You mean Engr. Falcutillan?" I clarified.

She nodded quickly. "Yep!"

"The hell, cous?!" My shock was written all over my face.

"Why? Did I say something wrong?" she asked, looking all innocent.

"We never dated!" I practically shouted.

Her eyes widened.

"Eh? Really? But he said—" she suddenly stopped. It was obvious from her face that she realized she had said too much.

"What? What the f**k did he say? Tell me," I pressed, annoyed.

"Hmm… nothing. Never mind." She closed her eyes and leaned back like she was about to sleep.

"Cous," I warned. She peeked one eye open at me.

"It’s nothing, Architect Contreras," she replied with a mischievous grin.

"Tss," I scoffed.

"So… who’s the lucky guy?" she changed the subject, sitting up properly again.

I rolled my eyes. She was clearly avoiding my question.

"You’ll meet him soon."

"Naks! Suspense queen," she teased, tugging at my hair. We both laughed.

Good thing it didn’t hurt otherwise I would’ve smacked her, jet lag or not.

During the ride, we never stopped teasing and bantering with each other. It felt like nothing had changed in the years we hadn’t seen one another as if we were never apart at all.

When we arrived at the hotel, we rested for a bit and freshened up. Katrina, as expected, transformed into full glam mode. Now, she was wearing a black off-shoulder bodycon dress, gold hoop earrings, and heels that seemed intentionally loud with every step.

As for me, I wore a champagne satin top and a denim skirt which still presentable. I mean, hello? I’m getting married soon. I couldn’t just throw on anything, especially since we were going to a bar.

Good thing I brought my own outfit, because who knows what kind of outrageous clothes this devil of a cousin would have forced me into.

The moment we entered the bar, we were greeted by booming music, flashing lights, and the cheers of people who looked like they had no worries in the world. Katrina’s smile spread wide, her eyes dancing with excitement.

"Let’s dance first before we drink!" she shouted at me, tugging my hand toward the dance floor.

I couldn’t answer right away, but I had no choice but to follow. In the middle of the crowd, we danced without a care in the world. We let the music shake loose the stress and worries clouding our minds.

We danced like we were seventeen again. Every inhibition disappeared into the beat of the music. Only when we were nearly out of breath from laughing and dancing did we pull back and head together toward an open stall in the corner of the bar.

We immediately ordered drinks. Vodka for her, Dry Martini for me.

"So why did you come back to the Philippines?" I asked first, raising my martini glass.

"Nothing. I just missed you," she replied, resting her chin on her hand and pretending to look serious.

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Only an i***t would believe that."

"Come on, cous, believe me!" she whined, clearly tipsy already after her first shot.

I laughed. "Katrina Contreras-Sy, I know you from the soles of your feet to the hair under your armpits. So spill it."

She took a sip of her Vodka before letting out a soft sigh. "Nothing, really."

But I didn’t let up.

"Don’t tell me… is this about a guy you had a one-night stand with the last time you came home?"

That’s when I saw it. The thing she had been wanting to tell me, the weight she’d been carrying for years.

Gotcha, b***h! I caught you.

She downed the vodka straight. I smirked because I could picture the bitterness tracing down her throat.

“You really know me,” she murmured, smiling but with sadness in her eyes.

I leaned in. “So what’s the tea?”

A few seconds of silence passed between us. Then she sighed.

“He got me pregnant, so I had his baby.”

I sat up straight. “The f**k?!”

“Yup. Mama kicked me out. They said it was a huge disgrace to the Sy family.”

I went quiet. I hadn’t expected that revelation. I didn’t think a fleeting night of happiness would lead to such a huge change in her life.

“What’s your plan then? Where’s your child now?” I asked.

“She’s with my sister. My daughter, Tania. I told them I just had something to take care of here for two weeks. I can’t be away from her for long.” She then smiled. “That’s why I plan to buy a house here and stay for good.”

“Do you need help?” I immediately asked. “Maybe I can get you into my company.”

Her face lit up. “You’re serious?”

“What’s the point of being cousins if I can’t help you?” I smiled at her. She hugged me quickly.

“Thank you, Autumn.”

We hugged. I patted her back, as if to say I’m here for you so lean on me whenever you need.

We stayed quiet for a few seconds before she let go.

“By the way,” she asked with a grin, “who’s this guy again?”she asked about the man I was about to marry.

I rolled my eyes. “Why are you so eager to know?”

“Just to make sure you’re really happy with him. If not, I’ll make his life hell and make him pay.”

I laughed. “You’re brutal.”

“I’m just honest.”

I sighed and softened. “He’s a good guy, cous. Sweet. He loves me.”

She nodded. “I trust you.”

“But…” I slipped.

“But what?”

I lowered my gaze. “He never introduced me to his family. Again.”

She raised an eyebrow. “And why’s that?”

“Maybe it’s my fault too. Back then, I didn’t want him to introduce me because I had nothing to be proud of. I didn’t want them to look down on me or say anything belittling about my family. But now that I finally have something to stand tall for, it’s like he doesn’t bring up the topic anymore.”

She gave me a long, steady look.

“So you’re trying to please his family?”

“Maybe. I guess.”

“Autumn…” her voice was calm but heavy. “Stop trying to please everyone. If you’re always the one adjusting, what about yourself?”

Her words made me pause. But then I laughed it off.

“I just feel like Dexter is my world.”

She sighed. “Then what if that world walks away from you?”

I shook my head. “That won’t happen.”

“Don’t be so sure. A month is still a long time.”

“I’ll take that as advice,” I said with a smile.

“You’d better.” She lifted her glass in a toast.

We finished our drinks, and when I noticed Katrina was starting to get tipsy, I insisted we head back.

After dropping her off at the hotel, I went straight to the condo Dexter and I shared. The place was still dark and silent. Which meant he hadn’t come home yet.

I checked the clock. It was past midnight. I called him, but he didn’t answer. I tried to brush it off, but unease crept in, heavier than it should have been. It was just a missed call… but somehow, it echoed louder than it should have.

Because of what Katrina had said earlier, I couldn’t stop myself from overthinking.

'No, Autumn. Wake up! Trust your man. Okay?' I told myself.

I exhaled deeply, changed into my sleepwear, and went to bed.

Dexter would come home. I knew he wasn’t doing anything stupid… especially since he was with Alastair.

But even so, I couldn’t shake off the faint sting of dread pressing against my chest, something I couldn’t explain or get rid of.

And still, I tried to sleep… waiting.