The sun shone brightly on the manicured lawn of the Harris estate, casting a warm glow over the gathered guests. Sophie stood at the altar, her back to the crowd, as Andrew took his place beside her.
The officiant began the ceremony, his voice booming through the silence.
"Sophie and Andrew, today you stand before your friends and family, ready to commit to one another for the rest of your lives."
Sophie's gaze drifted to Andrew's, her heart filled with a mix of emotions. Love, uncertainty, and a hint of guilt.
Am I ready for this marriage, she thought to herself
Her friend Jean has warned her severaly towards her marriage to Andrew. Andrew is arrogant but just want sophie to get married to Him as soon as possible because of some untold truth.
Are you really sure of this?
Vanessa words echoed in her mind, casting doubts on Andrew's integrity.
The officiant continued, "Do you, Sophie, take Andrew to be your husband, to love and cherish him, through sickness and health, till death do you part?"
Sophie's lips trembled as she spoke the vows.
"I do."
Andrew's eyes locked onto hers, his smile reassuring.
"I do," he echoed.
As they exchanged rings, Sophie's thoughts strayed to Liam. Where was he? Was he watching?
The officiant pronounced them husband and wife.
"You may kiss your bride."
Andrew's lips brushed against Sophie's, sparking applause from the guests.
As they turned to face the crowd, Sophie scanned the sea of faces.
That's when she saw him.
Liam stood at the back, his eyes burning with intensity.
Sophie's heart skipped a beat.
What was he doing here?
She has found herself twice on the Altar within weeks and it's really so alarming that the both partners bears Stone.
Here we present you " Mr and Mrs Stone
Her mind thrilled back to the moment that word was said to her at the altar with Liam
Natural smile and comfort did it bring, not with this uncertainty and fear this present one is bringing to her.
Liam was calm and knows He would surely get Sophie back.
He's not been home for long ,since he had issues with His brother Liam. He left home and promised not to return.
He knows sophie doesn't deserve someone like His brother. Everyone was shocked to have seen Liam at Andrews wedding.
Although He was seen as the bad brother cause of the viral video. Some said he came to spy whether the wedding could work out.
Sophie's eyes locked onto Liam's as she grasped Andrew's hand, her mind reeling.
She became really confused at their resemblance.
Here is Liam, calm and gentle, each of His look pierce through her skin making her shiver.
What was Liam doing here?
As the reception began, Sophie's anxiety grew. She couldn't shake the feeling that Liam's presence was more than coincidence.
Andrew leaned in, his voice low
Is everything okay sophie?
Sophie forced a smile.
"Yes, just nervous."
Andrew's eyes narrowed.
"Sophie, who's that man?"
Sophie's heart skipped a beat.
"Which man?"
Andrew's gaze followed hers to Liam.
He's been gazing at us all day,
Sophie's palms sweated.
"I didn't notice that" she lied
Andrew's expression turned skeptical.
Andrew could recognize His brother but he's yet to admit that's His brother, He doesn't want sophie to know the true identity of the man.
Sophie excused herself, seeking refuge in the ladies' room.
As she splashed water on her face, Vanessa appeared behind her.
"Sophie, I think you and I really need to talk," she said, her voice shaky and at the same time convincing and very low.
Sophie spun around. staring at Vanessa and her burning eyes, she can't hide the fact that there's a serious thing to settle, "What's up ? Why are you this puffed up ? Ehat exactly are you up to?"
"I couldn't let you marry him without knowing the truth."
Sophie's heart pounded. "Truth ?" She scoffs in disbelief "what are you saying ?" She thought immediately that Vanessa might just be pulling her leg, "it's funny when you try to make people scared out of nowhere, but it doesn't work on me anymore and you know that" she responded
"Ohh Sophie, this is not a joke, I'm damn serious here, there's a big truth you must learn of before going ahead with this decision"
"What truth?"
Vanessa jaw clenched. "I have myself to blame for not bringing it to your notice before now, but it's the truth about Andrew's past. Said Vanessa."
Sophie's mind reeled.
"Tell me," she demanded.
Vanessa eyes locked onto her "Meet me outside. Now."
Sophie's mind reeled as she stared at Vanessa
You deserve better sophia;
Vanessa eyes burned with intensity."Yes, Sophie. You deserve better."
Sophie felt torn.
This marriage is built on lies, sophie turn to her and wanted her to repeat that which she has just made mention of.
"That's exactly what it is – a life built on lies."
Sophie followed Vanessa out of the ladies' room, her heart racing. They slipped through the crowded reception, avoiding curious glances.
Outside, the cool evening air enveloped them. Vanessa led Sophie to a secluded garden, the sounds of the party fading.
What is it, Vanessa?" Sophie asked
As far as I can remember you have been Pressuring me since you got to know I am engaged to Andrew
What is it you want from me, He chose me
Vanessa eyes locked onto hers.
"Andrew's past is complicated. You deserve a better man Sophie
Sophie's mind whirled.
"What happened?"
Vanessa voice dropped.
Liam is your husband not Andrew.
How? But that was a mistake, Sophie felt like she'd been punched.
"That's not possible," she whispered.
Vanessa expression turned grim.
"I have proof. Documents, witness statements...Andrew's been hiding the truth."
Truly I love Andrew, but that's never the reason why I don't want you to marry him, I needed you to see the Best for yourself.
Andrew way of life isn't for you Sophie.
Why does everyone view Andrew as the bad person? She asked
Because he's the bad one, full of deceit and lies
He's my first love, I believe circumstances made him change.
He was nice and calm individual before I had accident that almost claimed my life. He stood by me through out my stay at the hospital
How on earth would you view him as the one not suitable for me.
I arranged your marriage at Vegas with Liam.
What??
Why??
How??
I did it for you Sophie, there's more to Andrew he hasn't told you
He's been keeping secrets from you
What secret? Please can you make it known to me , sophie said begging
I tried stopping you from this marriage but you wouldn't even see who is the right one for you.
He married you because of your parents possessions!!!
That's can't be true, said Vanessa
He's been there for me,
That isn't true, He hasn't been there for you but Liam; said Vanessa
Their eyes met, she wasn't ready to let the cat out of the bag so soon
Though she's jealous , but still she cares about her mental health
She knows Andrew can't just be for a calm and exceptional lady.
What's going on here;? I am confused said Sophie
Please I deserve to know the truth, who is Andrew?
He's Liam brother!!!
What ?
She remember how the word echoed at the altar when she was with Liam, I present to you Mr and Mrs Stone.
Same thing was said here, when she was about to tie the knot with Andrew
I present to you Mr and Mrs Stone.
At this point she knows something was going on. Was the family trying to play prank on her
Was this a set up?
"Why wasn't all this made known to me earlier
Vanessa eyes softened.
"I tried making it obvious something was about this marriage, but you Misunderstood all my efforts as jealousy.
Sophie's thoughts reeled.
"What's the way out?
Vanessa's voice was firm.
"Leave him, Sophie. Before it's too late." He wants this marriage for your parents possessions.
"I need time to think."Sophie said
Vanessa nodded affirming to what she said
"But promise me one thing."
"What?" Sophie asked.
"Be careful. Andrew won't let you go easily."
Sophie shivered.
"I'll be careful."
As Vanessa turned to leave, Sophie called out.
Vanessa, Can you tell me the whole truth;
Your marriage at Vegas was orchestrated to protect you from what's ahead of you.
Sophie's heart skipped a beat.
"From Andrew?"
Vanessa nodded.
"Yes."
I want nothing but the Truth.
Yes I will tell you the truth, but we have to leave this environment.
She packed up her wedding gown which was serving as obstruction for her to walk.
They moved out of the hall to a nearby garden.
Andrew, who was feeling fulfilled and was glad he could come big on His plan smiled broadly to all his friends.
Cheers to a new phase of life, cheers to mission accomplished.
It took a long while before He was aware that Sophie was no longer in the building.
Jean; where has Sophie gone
She went to the ladies ; but she should be back by now.
He left to the toilet and there was no trace of her. He became afraid
Has Liam taken her with him, He thought to himself