As Jane gets ready to marry Anthony, she receives anonymous messages warning her not to do so. When she follows a wild goose chase to a nearby hotel, she finds the reason behind the warnings.
The morning light filtered softly through the curtains of the wedding venue, where Jane sat in front of a large mirror. It was her big day.
As she began to apply her makeup, her movements were reflective, almost meditative.
There was a quiet, introspective look in her eyes. Standing behind her, her mother adjusted the dress on the bed.
“Hair and makeup first,” she reminded gently. “And then we’ll slip you into your dress.”
Jane nodded, her hands steady as she applied her eyeliner.
“I know, Mom,” she murmured.
“You’re so calm,” her mother observed. “Are you excited to see Anthony?”
Jane paused, the eyeliner hovering. “Yes,” she said softly.
“He’s thrown himself into the wedding planning.
I never knew he had such a knack for it.”
Her mother chuckled. “That’s my Janey, always full of surprises.”
Jane’s reflection showed a small, wistful smile.
“You know, meeting Anthony was like something out of a cheesy romance novel. At the supermarket, of all places.”
Her mother’s eyes twinkled with amusement.
“The story of the watermelon meeting.
It’s not every day you find love in the produce section.”
Jane’s smile grew as she remembered that day—Anthony’s easy charm, the playful banter over watermelons, and their shared laughter. It all seemed like a distant, beautiful dream. But it was nice to think about as she slipped into her wedding dress.
“But you know,” she continued, her voice trailing off as she applied another layer of mascara, “I’ve always been the one who tries to make others happy.
It’s what Anthony loved about me.”
“That’s true,” her mother agreed. “You’ve always been our little people-pleaser.
But remember, today is about your happiness, Jane.”
She met her mother’s eyes in the mirror and was about to speak when her phone buzzed, breaking the moment. Picking it up, Jane saw an incoming voice message.
Her brows furrowed as she played it in low volume so her mother wouldn’t hear.
The unknown voice filled the room: “You need to cancel the wedding, Jane. This isn’t right for you. There are things you don’t know.
Secrets.
Trust me, Jane.
This is for the best. Cancel the wedding.”
Jane’s hand trembled slightly.
Her mother, sensing the change, leaned in with concern. “What is it, honey?”
She shook her head, a storm of confusion brewing in her eyes.
“It’s… it’s nothing, Mom.
I have to go out for a second.”
“In your wedding dress?”
“Yes,” she said, swallowing thickly. Ignoring the age-old superstition that it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her dress before the wedding, Jane strode purposefully across the hallway. She reached Anthony’s room at the venue, her hand hesitating for just a moment before she pushed the door open.
Anthony, caught off-guard, spun around, his eyes widening.
“Jane! What are you… you shouldn’t be here in your dress,” he stammered.
Jane’s voice was steady and clear. “We need to talk, Anthony.
Now.”
“What’s wrong?” Anthony’s confusion was evident in the lines on his forehead, but there was a flicker of something else in his eyes.
Guilt? “This,” Jane said, holding up her phone and playing the mysterious voice message. The room fell silent as the voice message ended.
Anthony’s expression shifted from confusion to mild amusement.
“Is this some kind of joke? Who would send you that?”
Jane’s eyes searched his carefully.
“Is there something you’re not telling me, Anthony?”
“No, of course not!” Anthony replied quickly. Too quickly.
“It’s got to be a prank.”
Jane pursed her lips, worried.
Anthony stepped closer.
“Jane, you can’t let this get to you. We have a big day ahead. And remember, tomorrow’s my big business deal.
This could all be part of it.
You know how important this is.”
She took a step back. “So, this is just about your business deal?
Is that all our wedding is to you?”
“No, no, of course not,” Anthony backpedaled. “But think about it.
After tomorrow, our lives could change.
We could be on our way to becoming millionaires. Don’t let some stupid message ruin everything.”
Jane closed her eyes and muttered, “I need some time to think.”
His face softened. “I understand.
But please, think about us, about our future.
I’ll go pick up the priest from the airport now. I’ll see you later, waiting at the end of the aisle.” He kissed her hair tenderly and left, making Jane even more confused.
Back in her room, she stood motionless. Having finished her own preparations, her mother entered the room, her expression turning to one of concern upon seeing Jane’s saddened eyes.
“Jane, darling, what’s wrong?” she asked.
Jane attempted a reassuring smile, but it faltered. “It’s nothing, Mom. Just… wedding day jitters, I guess.”
Her mother wasn’t convinced.
“You can tell me anything, you know that.”
Jane pondered for a moment.
But before she could decide whether to confide in her mother, a sharp knock at the door interrupted them. “I’ll get it,” she said quickly.
She opened the door to find no one there – just a mysterious package on the doorstep. Puzzled, Jane picked it up and brought it inside.
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page to discover the rest 🔎👇
