Ava, Do you love me?

New York City Manhattan T&K Event Centre “Come on honey, you should try this one out! It matches the wedding theme.” Nora said, picking up a turquoise gown out of the hanger. “...” Ava gazed blankly at the dress for a while, “I…I don't know about this, but–” Valerie rolled her eyes, “Mom, she doesn't have a good taste of fashion, how could she possibly choose.” Ava held the bridge of her nose momentarily, still glancing through different gowns. “Don't say that about your sister, she's just overwhelmed about her wedding tomorrow” Nora cut in, bringing the dress closer to Ava. “So honey, what do you think?” … “It's pretty… But, I've made my choice.” Ava said, picking up a white gown with an Icy blue gradient seamlessly transitioning to the bottom. Its stones sparkled from the reflection of the chandelier above them. “This is perfect,” Ava said. The gown was indeed perfect, having a collection of gowns, custom-made for her with various designs, intricate fabrics and classic sophistication. Ava was left with numerous options to pick from. Ava had been in a relationship with Henry Cooper for two years now, Joy filled her heart when he finally got engaged to her. This felt like a dream come true, Henry had been her crush since college. He was very handsome and was also from a wealthy family, it felt surreal to people when they realised he was engaged to Ava because she was from the lower end of the financial spectrum. The wedding was tomorrow and he had made preparations for everything she needed, ranging from her bridal vehicle down to her makeup. Presently, Nora stared at her in admiration as Ava gently placed the gown's sleeve on her collarbone. “It indeed looks perfect.” A pretty smile crept out her lips. “We don't have the luxury of time here, wrap it up, let's get moving,” Valerie commented curtly while checking her phone. “Take your time dear, It's your special day after all,” Nora said warmly, ignoring Valerie. ** 10:23 PM ** Ava sat at the window side, leaning against the wall. She stared pensively at the streets, and her eyes darted around, never quite settling for one thing for too long. “Darling, why are you up so late?.” Daniel Morris walked in closer towards her. Ava turned around, startled.“How long have you been there Dad?” “Not up to a minute,” He said, sitting right next to her. “So tell me, what's going on inside that pretty head of yours, uh?” He said calmly, placing his hands on hers. Ava turned towards the empty streets again, her lips parted for a while before she let out a sigh. Her eyes trailed down to his hands. “It's quite overwhelming, Dad.” “The day I long waited for has finally arrived. But…” She paused, staring sullenly at him. “But what?” Daniel's eyebrows furrowed as his face etched with concern. “I don't know what he'd think about me tomorrow,” She said, making curls in her hair with her fingers, “Will he still love me after we get married?” Daniel let out a sigh of relief, it wasn't what he was thinking. “Don't say that Angel, Henry loves you, and he always will,” He said calmly, patting his hands on hers, which was accompanied by a warm smile. “Okay, daddy.” “Besides, you should get some rest, darling.” He stood up, parted her hair and gently placed a warm kiss on her forehead. “Even if he won't, Daddy will always do.” With that, he turned around and headed towards the door. “Daddy!” He quickly turned around, facing her. “Yes, princess?” Ava stood up and rushed towards him, wrapping her small hands, compared to his size, around him, “I love you, Dad.” Daniel reciprocated firmly yet gently, “I love you too, princess.” The Next Morning… The bridal vehicle arrived at the entrance of the classic event centre. Soft romantic music could be heard from outside the vehicle. Paparazzi crowded the doorway. The bridesmaids walked in with the flower girls and then tossed the rose petals along the red carpet. Shortly, the host announced the arrival of the bride, which was followed by people staring back in anticipation. Daniel Morris held Ava in her hand, he could feel the heat emanating from her palm even with the air conditioner from the vehicle. And then, He smiled. “Come on princess, no backing down now, let's go.” He said in a soothing tone. Ava nodded, and so, Daniel crossed his arms around hers, walking gracefully in each gentle stride. Everyone was in awe as they stared at them, her beautiful gown stood out with its meticulous design. Looking up at her face, she radiated joy and elegance. Ava was stunningly beautiful. She majestically walked over to Nora who stood with the Priest, and as soon as she turned around to face the crowd, her face quickly turned pale. She didn't see any relatives of Henry. She waited for a while before asking her mom, “Where's He?” Ava's voice was barely over a whisper. “What do you mean by, where is he?” She whispered “I thought he would come along with you?” Nora added. Daniel furrowed his brows, upon hearing it. He slowly looked at Ava who felt like all her blood was sipping out of her body. She was pale as ever. Whispers could be heard within the guests, as soon as they realised that something had gone wrong. But their murmurs were short-lived as soon as a luxurious car pulled over at the entrance, Ava felt relieved. A Man walked out of the vehicle majestically, and the side talks from the guests became more evident upon seeing him. He gently walks up to Ava, looking at her with sympathy. It was Henry's assistant. He took in a long breath before speaking. “The marriage will be cancelled and Henry won't be coming. He said, ‘It was a mistake getting engaged to you.’” With this, he left them. Ava stood there, standing like a lifeless being as she watched him leave. She still didn't believe it was happening, Tears rushed down her cheeks as she shut her eyes firmly. ‘No no no…This can't be real, please… This can't be happening. I want to wake up from this nightmare!’ She thought to herself, causing her heart to ache. Her eyes opened as soon as she heard loud murmurs and collective gasps from the crowd. Everyone's gaze was fixated on the giant screen above, their fingers pointing at it. Whatever they saw was enough to make her heart race.