Velvet and Gun Powder

Chapter One – Three Hours Left

In three hours, my ex is getting married.

The same man who left me barely a month ago. The same man I thought I loved. And the same man who will regret ever crossing me.

“Three hours left,” Ellen reminded, arms crossed, watching me pace like a caged animal.

“I’m going for a walk. Call me when it’s time,” I muttered, slipping into my hoodie.

“Minella,” she said sharply. “Don’t let that bastard get into your head. We have a mission tonight, and I can’t have you distracted.”

I smirked, though my chest still burned. “Relax, Ellen. I’m not stupid. You think I’d waste a bullet on him? Please. He’s not worth it.”

Her eyes narrowed. She’d seen me lose control before. “I mean it, Mina. You’re not going there to start a war. We’ve worked too hard to build our cover.”

“Enough,” I snapped. “I’m not a child. And I haven’t forgotten the job.” I yanked the door open and walked out before she could start again.

But that wasn't before I heard her announce her plus one to the wedding; her f**k buddy.

Outside, the air was thick, heavy with the smell of rain. My chest tightened, but not from the weather. He had moved on. So fast. Too fast. A wedding in less than a month? That didn’t just sting—it screamed betrayal.

But fine. Let him play house. I had bigger games to play.

The basketball court was my sanctuary, a place where I wasn’t the girl with scars or the one with blood on her hands. Just Minella. Just me.

But even here, the past had a way of finding me.

“Mia Mina,” a voice called, smooth and irritatingly confident. Alvin Martinez. He always had a grin ready, always thought the world owed him attention. As far as I knew, he was just annoying.

“Hello, Alvin. Glad you missed me. I didn’t. Now, excuse me.”

I brushed past him and joined the game. But after an hour, when I finally sat down to rest, he was there again—snatching my phone from my hand.

“Really?” My voice dropped an octave, dangerous. “Give it back, unless you want to see just how fast I can break your wrist.”

He only smiled, leaning closer. “I mean no harm. Just wanted to talk. You always run from me.”

“Because you never have anything worth saying. Now hand it over.”

He did, reluctantly. “We’ll talk later. I’ll see you at the wedding.”

The words hit me like a bullet.

Wedding.

“You’re attending?”

“Best man,” he said casually. “Don’t be late, Mina.”

I froze. Best man. Of course. This city was small, but not that small. My worlds were colliding whether I liked it or not.

Back home, I showered the sweat and anger off me. Then I dressed. Red velvet. Gold stilettos. An anklet, a thin chain around my waist, jewelry that glimmered under the light. A necklace from my mother—an heirloom passed down from Egyptian bloodlines, meant to bring strength in times of war.

Tonight, I’d need it.

Uncle Bennie dropped by with the Ferrari keys, as promised.

“Bring it back without bullet holes this time,” he said with a half-smile.

“And remember what your mother told you. Keep your head sharp.”

I kissed his cheek and left.

Driving through the city, my thoughts tangled. I wasn’t sure if I was more nervous about the mission Ellen had lined up—or about walking into that church.

The church doors opened with a low groan as I stepped inside. Conversations died. Heads turned. Eyes followed every movement as I strode down the aisle, hips swaying, chin high, my red dress like spilled wine under the dim lights.

Ellen was on the fourth row, next to Dave. She looked pale, terrified. My stomach tightened.

Then I saw why.

The bride, glowing.

The groom—Adam. My Adam.

And next to him, the best man.

Alvin.

The smirk he threw me felt like a challenge.

The pastor’s voice echoed through the silence.

“Does anyone here have anything to say about this union?”

Every head turned toward me. Ellen’s hands gripped the pew like she was praying I’d stay quiet.

But my smile only widened.

Three hours ago, I promised Ellen I wouldn’t ruin this wedding.

But promises were made to be broken.