The wedding hall gleamed like a palace lifted from a dream. Glittering chandeliers cast a soft golden glow over flowing white drapes and floral arrangements of ivory roses and blush peonies. Long tables lined with silken runners showcased crystal glasses, polished silverware, and platters piled high with roasted lamb, buttery mashed potatoes, vibrant garden greens, and tiered cakes adorned with sugar-petal flowers.Guests arrived draped in champagne satin, emerald silk, and midnight blue velvet. The men, sharp in tuxedos, moved through the room in low murmurs and laughter. A quartet played soft strings in the background—a gentle melody to cradle hearts on the edge of forever.
In a private wing of the hall, *Mirabel* sat before a gilded mirror, her wedding gown draped over a chaise beside her. Dianne adjusted the sheer sleeves, Nanny pinned delicate lace into place, and Annabelle guided the makeup artist with a light touch. Designers flitted around her, perfecting every pleat and fold of the gown.
Just then, the door creaked open.
Caroline stepped in, her eyes instantly catching Mirabel's reflection in the mirror. Tears welled in her eyes. "Dear…"she said softly.Mirabel turned, startled by the voice—familiar, yet unfamiliar. Her expression shifted from confusion to realization.
"We finally met,"Caroline said with emotion in her voice. "I'm Vicky's mother."Mirabel rose instantly, the moment heavy with emotion. Her smile widened, eyes glistening, and she rushed into Caroline's embrace. Tears streamed down both their cheeks.
" You look beautiful, darling,"Caroline whispered, gently pulling back to study her face. "My son is truly blessed."
Around them, silence melted into soft smiles. Nanny, Dianne, and Annabelle watched the scene, hearts warmed by the quiet beauty of connection—of love passed from one woman to another, now part of the same family.
Soft smiles and gentle laughter passed between the women. For a moment, Mirabel felt light—like everything was falling perfectly into place. It was her dream day. Nothing could go wrong.
Meanwhile, in the men's dressing room, Vicky sat silently before a mirror. Jake adjusted his tie, Jimmy polished his cufflinks, and Frank offered casual compliments. But Vicky's eyes were distant, clouded with worry. His chest tightened with every breath. This was supposed to be the happiest day of his life—yet his mind churned with guilt and fear.
"Looking sharp, Vicky,"Jimmy said cheerfully.
"Of course he does,"* Frank added. *"He's the groom—he has to steal the spotlight today."
Jake, watching closely, noticed the unease written all over Vicky's face. He leaned in and gently tapped his shoulder.
"What's going on, man? You don't look okay."
"It's nothing,"Vicky muttered.
"Don't do that," Jake said. "I can read you like a book. Something's eating at you. Talk to me."
Vicky hesitated, then sighed. "My mind's a mess, Jake. I feel like everything could fall apart at any second."
"What do you mean? What's going on?"
"I can't explain… not yet. But it's serious. One wrong move, and I could lose everything."
Jake leaned back, brows furrowed. *"Vicky… what exactly is hanging on a thread?"*
But Vicky abruptly stood up, his face pale and his voice firm.
"I can't do this."
" What do you mean—"* Jake began, but Vicky was already moving.He marched out of the room without another word.
"Vicky! Where are you going?"Jimmy called after him.
Frank chuckled. "Maybe he just can't wait to see Mirabel. Probably nervous excitement."
But Jake didn't laugh. "No… this isn't normal. Something's definitely wrong."
Vicky moved quickly through the corridor, heart pounding, until he stopped in front of the ladies' dressing room door. He knocked.From inside, Nanny's voice called out:
"Who's there?"
"It's me—Vicky."
Annabelle let out a teasing laugh.
"You can't wait five more minutes? Getting impatient to see your bride already?"* she said, giving Mirabel a playful nudge.
Mirabel blushed, smiling softly—completely unaware of the storm heading her way.
Annabelle giggled. "He's eager. I think someone's more nervous than the bride."
"Vicky, leave at once! This is the ladies' dressing room," Caroline said firmly, stepping in front of the door. *"What are you doing here? Be patient."
" Mom, please... It's really important. I need to speak with Mirabel."His voice was tight, urgent.
"You'll have all the time in the world to talk after the ceremony," she replied, her tone softening just a bit. *"What's gotten into you?"
Soft giggles echoed from Annabelle, Nanny, and the designers bustling around the room.
"Mom, I'm serious. This can't wait."
Caroline's tone turned sharp again. "Vicky, I said leave."
Then Mirabel's gentle voice broke through.
"No… let him in."
Caroline blinked. " Darling, are you sure? It's bad luck, you know—"
"I want to hear what he has to say,"Mirabel said quietly.
Caroline hesitated, then finally stepped aside. "Alright. Vicky, come in."
He pushed the door open and entered, eyes locked on Mirabel."Mirabel... please. Just a moment. Alone."
Annabelle raised a brow. "Private moment? Vicky, relax—you'll have a lifetime of those."
"Please,"he said again, more quietly this time.
Caroline sighed. After a pause, she nodded. The others exchanged glances, then slowly shuffled out, closing the door behind them.Mirabel stood still, watching him with a mix of curiosity and concern. As he walked closer, he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"You look beautiful,"he whispered.
She smiled faintly. "Did you really come all the way here just to say that?"
But Vicky's eyes held no amusement.
"No. There's something I need to tell you. Something important."* He took her hands in his. His palms were cold.
"What is it?"she asked, a smile fading as the seriousness in his voice sank in.
" I need to tell you the truth,"* Vicky said, his voice trembling.
Mirabel's brows drew together. "What truth?"
He took a shaky breath. "Please… promise me something first."
"What is it?"* she asked, now clearly uneasy.
"Promise me that the smile on your face right now—won't disappear after you hear what I'm about to say."
Mirabel blinked, her smile already beginning to falter. "Vicky… you're scaring me. What's going on? Just tell me."
"Please,"he urged, eyes searching hers, "just promise me first."
A pause. Then a nod. "Okay. I promise. Now please… speak."
He exhaled deeply, gathering the courage.
"That night… after the ad launch. After we stepped out onto the terrace, I proposed to you. But you ran away—you said no. It broke me, Mirabel. I didn't understand why, and I felt completely shattered."
She stepped closer, voice soft. *"I know, Vicky… and I'm so sorry I hurt you. I wasn't ready. But that's the past. We've moved past it—we're here now, aren't we?"
"Yes... but not everything from that night stayed in the past."
Her face stiffened. "What do you mean?"
He looked down at their joined hands. "After you left, I was a mess. I drank… too much. Rose was there. She offered to help me back to my room. I… I passed out in her hotel suite."
The room suddenly felt colder.
"Vicky… what happened?"* Mirabel asked, voice barely above a whisper.
"I… lost control. And something happened between Rose and me. We… got intimate. I didn't plan it. I didn't even realize until the next morning. But it happened."
Her smile vanished. Her eyes glassed over, disbelief clashing with devastation.
Then—slap.
A sharp sting cracked the air between them.
Vicky stood motionless.
Mirabel's voice broke. "Don't follow me."
She turned and rushed out of the room, pushing past stunned faces, tears streaming down her cheeks. Annabelle and Nanny called after her, but she didn't stop.
The music halted. Conversations died mid-sentence. Guests turned. Caroline stood frozen.
Vicky stepped out slowly. Caroline reached for his arm, her voice frantic.
"Vicky—what just happened? What did you do?"
He didn't answer.
He couldn't.
He walked away in silence, his footsteps echoing through the hall, leaving behind shattered dreams and unanswered questions.
The wedding… was over before it even began.