A lie that bounds us

Episode four

I walked into the church, my heart racing with anticipation. Tonight was the wedding rehearsal, and I wasn't too excited to meet my family again, Michael wasn't here anymore.

After exchanging pleasantries, I took my seat at the end of the hall, away from the familiar eyes.

A tall guy dressed in a tux, with piercing blue eyes and a chiselled jawline whom I assume was Adrian, Johanne’s husband-to-be, approached me, his smile still plastered on his face.

"Alisa, it's lovely to finally meet you," he said, his voice dripping with charm.

I smiled politely, trying to hide my unease.

"The pleasure is mine, Adrian," I replied, trying to sound friendly.

We chatted for a few minutes, exchanging small talk about the wedding and my sister's best friend. But I couldn't help but feel like he was hiding something behind his charming facade. I excused myself, saying I needed to use the restroom, and made a quick escape.

As the rehearsal began, Adrian's eyes met mine and lingered for a while. He flashed me a charming smile, and I sat stoic.

Johanne was beaming with happiness, and I was wondering if it was love or money.

None of my business though.

As the rehearsal progressed, I noticed Adrian's gaze lingering on me, and I began to feel uncomfortable. There was something about him that didn't seem quite right.

I tried to brush it off, focusing on the rehearsal instead. But I couldn't shake off the feeling that Adrian was watching me, sizing me up. I glanced around the church, wondering if anyone else had noticed his behaviour. But everyone seemed caught up in the excitement of the wedding preparations.

I sat there as everyone ate, drank and laughed.

Finally, it was about to come to an end with the groom's speech.

I was honestly tired of faking smiles all night long.

Adrian's voice boomed through the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends, I want to specially thank you for gracing this night,”

A loud clap erupted from the church hall.

“ However, I have an announcement to make." He paused, his eyes locking onto mine. "Alisa, come here, please."

My heart raced as I made my way to the altar, unsure of what was happening. Adrian's smile was charming, but his eyes seemed to hold a sinister intent.

"Alisa, from the moment I met you, I knew you were special," he began, his voice dripping with sincerity. "And now, I have the pleasure of announcing that you are carrying my child."

Gasps echoed through the church, and I felt like I had been punched in the gut. My sister's face contorted in shock, and my mother's eyes widened in horror and Johanne was a pretty mess.

"Adrian, what are you talking about?" I demanded furiously, my voice trembling with rage.

Adrian held up his hands, calming the crowd. "I know this comes as a shock, but I assure you, it's the truth. And as such, I have no choice but to call off the wedding between Johanne and I."

The church erupted into chaos, with people whispering and pointing. I stood frozen, my mind reeling with disbelief. How could Adrian do this to me, to my family? And how could he claim such a ridiculous lie?

"Alisa, say something!" my mother urged, her voice firm.

But I couldn't speak. I was too busy trying to process the humiliation and anger that Adrian had unleashed upon me. All eyes were on me, and I felt like I was on trial.

Finally, I found my voice. "Adrian, this is a lie! I'm not carrying your child, and I demand you retract this statement!"

Adrian's smile never wavered. "I'm afraid it's too late for denials, Alisa. The truth is out, and I will do what's best for my child."

The minister intervened, trying to restore order, but the damage was done. The wedding rehearsal had turned into a public spectacle, and I was the main attraction.

I felt like screaming or hurting myself right now.

This is like something out of a novel I wrote, why is it happening to me?

As the crowd dispersed, I felt like I was living a nightmare, with no escape from Adrian's lie.

Everyone waited for me to say something, but words failed; my brain wasn't thinking for itself.

“ I…I …I am sorry, I'm overwhelmed right now; I don't know him, I haven't met him before, I don't know what he's saying, honestly, “ I rushed.

“ You bloody liar, good for nothing fool, you're a nuisance to our lives, is this why you accepted to come?” Lydia launched at me, dragging my hair and I yelped.

“ That's painful!, I swear I know nothing about what he is talking about “. I didn't want to fight her; I had no strength in me, Johanne was a crying mess, and I didn't want to escalate this problem.

The devil stood there with a smirk on his face.

My mother intervened, trying to calm the situation. "Let's not make a scene here, we can discuss this later." But Lydia and Johanne were having none of it.

"There's nothing to discuss, Adrian. You're a cheat and a liar!"

I stood frozen, unsure of what to do. Part of me wanted to comfort Johanne, my sister's best friend, while another part wanted to confront Adrian.

“ I promise to sort this out, please, Adrian, can I have a conversation with you? Like two mature adults?”