Chapter 3
"I know Zachary is Kevin. You two have been together for two years, and the lingerie you're wearing is the same set Zachary gave me for my birthday," I said, my voice steady but cold.
Yvonne broke down, tears streaming down her face. "Winona, I swear I never meant for this to happen. But we do love each other."
I let out a cold laugh. "Then why didn't you tell me? Why did you have to lie to me?"
"B-because we were afraid you couldn't accept it," she stammered.
"So you decided to keep it from me for two whole years, and then ask me to be your bridesmaid?" I shot back, my voice rising.
"Zachary said he'd break up with you. He just didn't know how to bring it up," she whispered.
My heart was in pieces.
It wasn't because Zachary wanted to break up with me, but because Yvonne's words made my worst fear real: they had been planning this all along.
"Then why hasn't he split up with me yet? The wedding's starting," I demanded.
"H-he said he'd come clean after the wedding," Yvonne whispered, barely meeting my eyes.
So their plan was to get married first, and then Zachary would dump me.
They wanted me to walk into their wedding, clueless about everything, and even made me their bridesmaid.
Then, after the ceremony, they'd drop the bomb, telling me, "Sorry, we're in love. We're together now."
What a perfect plan. How cruel this betrayal was.
"Winona, say something," Yvonne pleaded, her voice breaking. "Yell at me. Hit me. Just... say something."
I looked at her reflection in the mirror and, to my own surprise, I smiled.
"Yvonne, you know what? You're really beautiful today," I said softly.
She froze. "What?"
"You look gorgeous. That wedding dress is perfect on you."
"Winona..." she murmured, thrown off by my calmness.
"I won't ruin your wedding," I said gently. "After all, this is the most important day of your life."
Yvonne stared at me, her eyes wide with confusion and fear.
"But," I continued, my smile never wavering, "I want you to remember this day, this wedding dress, and this church—every single detail."
"Why?"
"Because this might be the last time you'll ever feel this happy."
With that, I turned and walked toward the door.
"Where are you going?"
I paused, glancing back at her over my shoulder. "To be the perfect bridesmaid, of course."
After stepping out of the dressing room, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number.
"Hello, is this the City Gazette? I've got some breaking news for you," I said calmly.
*****
The wedding ceremony was about to begin, and the guests were all seated.
I stood outside the bride's dressing room, peering through the crack in the door at Yvonne inside.
She was touching up her makeup, her hands shaking.
Clearly, our earlier conversation had rattled her.
Just then, my phone buzzed.
It was a text message: [The reporter's here, sitting in the back row of the church. Photos and recording gear are all set.]
I glanced at my phone—there were still ten minutes before the ceremony started.
That was plenty.
I pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"Yvonne, are you ready?" I asked.
Yvonne looked up, a flicker of fear flashing in her eyes. "Winona, aren't you mad?"
"Why would I be mad?" I replied with a bright smile. "You're about to become the happiest bride in the world."
"You... don't mind?" she asked, her voice hesitant.
"Of course not," I said, walking over to adjust her veil. "Love isn't something you can control. If you two fell for each other, I should give you my blessing."
Yvonne didn't buy my act. "Don't be like this, Winona. I feel awful."
"Why feel bad? Today's your happiest day."
"But I betrayed you."
"It's okay," I said, giving her shoulder a gentle pat. "Friends always have little misunderstandings. Let's talk things through when you're back from your honeymoon."
Yvonne looked at me, her eyes full of confusion.
I knew she couldn't figure out how I could stay so calm about all this.
Just then, Tony knocked on the door. "It's time, Ms. Lane."
I took Yvonne's arm. "Come on, I'm with you."
As we walked toward the church, Yvonne kept stealing glances at me.
"Are you really okay?" she asked again.
"What could possibly be wrong with me?" I shot back. "Is there something I should be upset about?"
"It's about Zachary," Yvonne said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Zachary? I've thought about it. If he truly loves you, then I'd better step aside and let you two be happy," I replied casually.
Yvonne stopped in her tracks. "Do you really think so?"
"Of course," I replied, meeting her gaze. "Yvonne, we've been friends for ten years. Nothing matters more to me than your happiness."
Her tears started falling again. "You're so good to me. I don't deserve a friend like you."
"Silly girl," I said, gently wiping away her tears. "Careful, you'll mess up your makeup."
Arm in arm, we kept moving forward.
The wedding march was playing inside the church.
Zachary stood at the altar, looking incredibly handsome in his sharp suit.
Anyone who didn't know the truth would think he and Yvonne were a match made in heaven.
The guests all stood up, waiting for Yvonne to make her entrance.
I noticed a few unfamiliar faces sitting in the back row, holding cameras—the very reporters I'd tipped off.
Everything was set.
"Here comes the bride," the emcee announced.
The music grew even more solemn.
I took Yvonne's arm and walked her down the aisle.
As we walked past the guests, I could hear people murmuring their compliments.
"Wow, the bride is gorgeous."
"Such a perfect couple!"
"Wishing them all the best."
I wondered if they'd still say all that if they knew the truth?
When we reached the altar, Zachary smiled warmly at Yvonne.
They locked eyes, looking at each other with pure love.
At that moment, I had to admit it to myself—they were truly in love.
But that didn't make their betrayal any less unforgivable.