Chapter 001
It was a good day: the sun poured through the windows, and the sky was blue, tinged with fluffy white clouds lazily floating by.
Inside a five-star hotel high above the city, there was an electric atmosphere of anticipation. Elegant guests dressed in expensive attire filled the top floor to celebrate Ava McAllister, daughter of the prominent McAllister family, and Mitchell.
Lawson, whom she had been dating for four years—their wedding celebration had come at last!
The hotel's grand ballroom was exquisitely decorated. The floor was covered with white snow lilies and vibrant red roses, leading up to an extravagant red carpet that stretched from the entrance to the aisle. A floral scent filled the air like fresh and sweet air; guests lined the carpet, exchanging pleasantries while offering congratulations for Ava and Mitchell on what should have been one of their happiest days yet.
Ava was in a quiet corner of the hotel, in her private room, surrounded by two stylists and their assistants were prepping her for her special moment—she had selected an exquisite dress and hired only top professionals to ensure she looked her best for her ceremony. One stylist applied makeup while the other meticulously styled her hair.
"Miss Ava, you look gorgeous in this gown!" The head stylist exclaimed as they added more blush onto Ava's cheek.
"This one was made specifically for you; it's perfect."
Ava didn't respond with words; her lips remained tightly sealed as she stared into the mirror, and her stylists had grown used to Ava's silence over time.
"I knew it," thought Ava's stylist as they worked on her makeup application. Ava McAllister had always had an air of detachment about her, and this day was no different.
Ava opened her eyes and looked at the clock on the wall, her heartbeat quickening as her impatience increased. "Is it done yet?" she asked in a calm yet assertive manner, knowing full well that soon-to-come ceremonies were on their way.
"Miss Ava, your makeup application is complete and won't cause you any distress; everything is set."
Early that morning, Ava had become upset when her makeup wasn't done to her liking and made them redo it twice before being remotely satisfied with it. Ava's perfectionism and impatience had long been known by the staff, but no one dared complain.
"Miss Ava, are there any additional needs?" one of the stylists asked inquisitively as she nervously examined herself in the mirror—aware of Ava's propensity for becoming easily upset.
Ava didn't immediately respond; her eyes seemed to search the room as though in search of something or someone.
"Where is Sienna?" She exclaimed suddenly and sharply. "She was supposed to help me with my dress, but I can't find her anywhere!"
"Would you like us to send someone?" she inquired pleasantly to avoid upsetting Ava.
"No," Ava yelled back with an abrupt, curt response, standing up abruptly and her dress billowing behind.
The stylists exchanged uncertain glances. Though reluctant, no one attempted to stop Ava from wandering off.
Everyone knew it would only lead to more arguments since Ava McAllister had such a formidable presence.
"Alright," replied Ava's head stylist in a soft voice, almost with apology in her tone, "We'll leave you alone for now." We won't interrupt."
As Mitchell stood at the altar waiting to exchange vows and seal their union with a kiss, they quickly gathered their things and quit the room, bowing slightly as they went. Ava, now content with her appearance, couldn't help but smile; she knew she would make quite an impression at this wedding! Mitchell already looked forward to walking her down the aisle as Ava could imagine herself walking up in her magnificent gown down towards Mitchell, who stood waiting patiently at its end; both could envision their big moment of exchanging and sealing their union with a kiss!
Ava stood in front of a floor-to-ceiling mirror admiring herself. "I look amazing," she whispered with pride before taking in the beautiful designer gown that fit her like a glove and highlighted every curve on her body that belonged there—making her appear even more goddess-like than before.
She had skin that was porcelain white and flawless, heart-shaped lips in soft pink that seemed to glow, long dark eyelashes framing her wide eyes, and her hair styled in delicate waves cascading down her back—she was perfection.
Ava ran her fingers over the vibrant bouquet sitting atop her vanity. She had requested it be flown in from overseas and handpicked specifically for her needs, making it the ideal accompaniment for such an exceptional bride-to-be.
She took a deep breath before pulling out her phone to call Sienna's number; she needed her assistance in finishing the details of her dress before the ceremony started. But all that came through on the other end was an automated voice telling her it wasn't reachable.
"What the hell?" Ava asked herself with hesitation rising in her voice. It was inexplicable; Ava's wedding was about to begin, and Sienna wasn't answering her calls or returning messages from Ava. Where could Sienna have gone?
Ava sighed with frustration as she rose. Instead of waiting around for someone else to find Sienna, Ava decided she needed to search for herself. Without delay, she lifted the front of her gown and left the room, determined to locate her sister.
As Ava walked along, her heels clicked against the marble floors as she looked for Sienna quickly so she could retreat ba her room before the ceremony commenced.
She continued her walk yet saw no sign of her sister Sienna. Frustrated, Ava turned around and headed back towards her room when suddenly, from one of the rooms down the hall, she heard a voice that might help.
Ava was immediately startled to recognize Mitchell's voice. Her curiosity quickly spiked as she wondered why he was present in one of the rooms. Slowly moving toward one door, she reached for its handle and turned it until just enough door opened so that Ava could listen without being noticed by others.
"Sienna," Mitchell asked in his firm yet gentle voice, his tone low but direct.
Ava was shocked. What was happening? And why was Mitchell talking with Ava instead of her sister?
Sienna spoke up, her voice soft and filled with emotion: "Why do you have to marry her? I thought we had different plans in mind. Seeing you marry my sister makes me sad..."
Ava was incensed. While she suspected something between Mitchell and Sienna was more than they first imagined, this betrayal shocked her further: her sister had fallen for their fiancé!
Mitchell answered Ava with an undertone of disapproval: "Yes, I understand. However, due to circumstances beyond my control, I need to marry Ava." Ava was stunned. Mitchell wasn't willing to abandon Ava's wedding day plans just like that if that meant breaking off their relationship before. Nope. "No choice," Mitchell answered coldly before turning back around. "She needs me."
"I'm worried you might start loving her after you get married," Mitchell said. It was natural for the two men to get jealous or experience feelings of insecurity about one another's partners.
Mitchell softened slightly but maintained an air of menace in his tone: "Sienna, don't be alarmed about anything. After we get married and separate six months later, I'll be free to be with you again—just wait for me."
Ava was in disbelief. Mitchell planned on leaving her after six months. And her sister Sienna planned to wait?
Sienna gazed up at Mitchell with doubt in her eyes. "Are you sure?" Sienna asked Mitchell.
Mitchell assured her, comforting her gently with his touch, and promised her that they would both be free after six months. "Don't worry," Mitchell assured, reaching his hand out and gently touching her cheek, "We will both be free".
Ava's world crumbled at that moment. Her heart broke as she stood frozen at the door listening to Mitchell talk, knowing he would always protect and provide for her fans—yet now there was proof he wasn't trustworthy at all.
Ava finally had enough. She quickly pulled out her phone, shaking with anxiety as she recorded their conversation and captured every word they spoke. No longer did it matter who Mitchell was; Ava needed evidence. She needed proof.
She needed to show everyone just who Mitchell was.
As Ava watched her two lovers kiss passionately, her chest tightened as they seemed to embrace one another with such intense emotion that it made Ava feel as if she were being crushed underfoot. Today was supposed to be Ava's day to be happy and start her new chapter, yet all was falling apart around her.
No longer able to watch, Ava turned on her heel and walked away, her footsteps echoing down the empty hallway.
Thoughts raced through her mind while her heart was empty—never had she been so deeply wounded before in her life.
Ava shuffled back to her room feeling as if her world were spinning out of control; what should have been an idyllic day had turned into her worst nightmare.
