It was Bella and Hanley's wedding day, a day she had long been waiting for. The hotel, nestled by the beach, was grand, with walls draped in soft white linens and an abundance of white roses decorating every corner.
Bella stood near the window of her room, gazing out at the waves gently crashing against the shore. It was a picturesque setting, one she had imagined countless times, yet her heart felt a strange mixture of joy and nervousness.
The sun's warm rays illuminated the beach, casting a golden glow on everything they touched. Bella was dressed in a breathtaking white gown, the fabric flowing around her like a cloud. The soft train trailed behind her as she stood with a bouquet of white roses in hand. As she walked down the aisle, every step felt like a dream—her heart pounding with both excitement and uncertainty. Her father, walking by her side, held her hand firmly, offering the strength and support she needed to move forward.
The guests stood in silence, their eyes fixed on the radiant bride. Bella's gaze was locked on Hanley, who waited for her at the altar. This was it—the day she had always dreamed of, and her happily ever after was within reach.
Hanley stood at the altar, waiting for his bride, his face lighting up with a warm smile as he saw Bella approaching. His heart raced, knowing that today, she would become his wife. The gentle sound of the waves crashing against the shore created a serene backdrop for their special day, and the atmosphere felt like something out of a fairy tale.
As Bella reached the altar, their eyes met, and for a moment, it felt as though time stood still. They exchanged a nervous glance, both feeling the weight of the moment. Holding each other's hands tightly, they found comfort in the presence of the other. The priest, with a smile, began the ceremony, and their friends and family watched with smiles and joy in their hearts.
Turning to Bella, the priest asked, "Bella, are you ready to marry Hanley?"
Her voice trembled with anticipation, but she replied with unwavering certainty, "Yes, I am ready."
Hanley's eyes softened with love as he eagerly awaited the same question. But when the priest turned to him and asked, "Hanley, will you take Bella as your wife?" the moment took an unexpected turn.
The church, filled with the sounds of waves and rustling leaves, fell into a deafening silence. Bella's heart skipped a beat as she watched Hanley's face. There was something different about his expression—something she hadn't expected. It wasn't the joy and excitement she had anticipated. Instead, there was doubt. A flicker of hesitation.
Bella's heart sank, but she tried to push away the growing unease. This had to be a mistake. It was all part of the pre-wedding nerves. She wanted to believe in the magic of this moment, but the reality hit her like a cold wave when Hanley, without hesitation, looked directly into her eyes and said, "No, I don't want to do this."
The words struck her like a cruel slap in the face. The world around her seemed to blur, and Bella struggled to process what had just happened. Was this some sick joke? Had he been waiting for her to laugh or join in?
"This isn't the time for jokes, Han," Bella said, forcing a smile, hoping this was just a bad prank. "Everyone's enjoying this. See, even the priest is laughing." She attempted to laugh, to dismiss the growing weight of his words, but her voice trembled with disbelief.
But Hanley's face remained cold, his voice steady and firm as he repeated, "I will not marry you."
The room froze in time as the truth settled in. Hanley had rejected her, publicly, in front of everyone—their friends, their family, the people she had trusted most. Bella felt as though the ground beneath her had vanished, leaving her alone in an ocean of hurt and disbelief.
"If you still think this is a joke, let's make it real," Hanley continued, his voice sharp. To Bella's horror, he grabbed a glass of water from the table beside him and splashed it across her face. The cold sting of the water poured down her, and in that moment, it felt as though the entire universe was crashing down on her.