BLOOD ON THE DRESS

POV: Lola Adebayo The air smelled like burnt roses. That was Lola’s first thought when she stepped into the bridal suite and saw Adanna's body slumped against the mirror, white dress stained deep crimson from the chest down. One heel on, one hand curled around her veil like she was still fighting for control even in death. She didn’t scream. She couldn’t. Not yet. Because thirty minutes ago, Adanna whispered in her ear: > “If anything happens to me today, don’t play innocent.” Now… the whole hall was locked down. Police en route. Paparazzi circling like vultures outside. And Lola? She was standing there with blood on her nails and a secret on her lips. A very big secret. Because here’s what no one knew: Lola kissed Chuka the night before the wedding. Not just a kiss. A mistake. A “what if?” fueled by champagne and unfinished business. And Adanna found out. --- The knock on the suite door made Lola jump. “Lola?” It was Ify. “The inspector wants to see you. You’re next.” She glanced at the mirror—cracked, like it had witnessed too much. She fixed her hair. Smoothed her pastel pink gele. And whispered to herself: > “Be the best friend. Cry on cue. And never—ever—let them know what you did.” Because in this wedding? Everyone loved Adanna. But no one wanted her alive.