03
725 Words
Chapter 3
Anthony, Rory's fiancé, was visibly embarrassed by her age. He felt she was too old to be proud of her age and made it clear that she wasn't in his position. He even went so far as to say she looked more like his mother than his fiancée.
Rory, who had focused on her career in her younger years, was now feeling the effects of overwork. She was easily catching colds and needed medication, something Anthony was oblivious to.
"Anthony, I never thought I'd regret meeting you," she whispered, staring blankly ahead. She bitterly smiled at the engagement ring Anthony had given her seven years ago, a ring she never took off.
As she looked out the window, she saw Anthony in his room with another woman. Tears welled up in her eyes. "Is this what you do while I'm not looking? How many times have you made a fool of me?" she murmured.
She wanted to cancel the wedding but lacked the courage. She felt her world would crumble if they separated, and she couldn't bear the thought of living without him. Her entire life revolved around him and her career. Now, her passion for composing was fading, and her voice was failing. Only Anthony gave her the motivation to keep going.
On her wedding day, Rory sat in the dressing room, ready and waiting for the organizer's call. Samira, the Alto family's adopted daughter, entered and commented on how beautiful Rory looked in her dress with a billion dollar price.
Samira, with her innocent face, hid a sharp tongue and a malicious streak. She was adopted by the Altos when she was six years old, receiving a level of attention Rory never did. While Rory's parents neglected their responsibilities, the Altos showered Samira with love and affection.
Rory, who grew up in the countryside with her grandparents, returned home at eighteen to find a new "young miss" in the Alto family.
"Are you happy, Samira?" Rory asked, her question raising Samira's eyebrow.
"Maybe my parents favor you, and you have Anthony's attention, but remember this..." Rory stood up, smiling as she faced Samira. "I'm still the biological daughter and Anthony's bride."
She laughed and added, "The title is still mine. You're just an option, a substitute."
Samira, enraged, grabbed Rory. "What did you say?" she screamed, demanding Rory repeat her statement. She claimed Rory had stolen her position as the young miss and Anthony's affection.
"You took it from me!" she yelled, trying to pull Rory's hair. Rory pushed her away, bumping into a table and causing Samira to fall. Samira grabbed a pair of scissors, which terrified Rory.
The organizer entered, announcing the car was waiting outside. Rory breathed a sigh of relief, glancing at Samira, whose eyes still blazed with anger.
She thought she had hit a sore spot with Samira, causing this reaction. She was also grateful that her parents or Anthony hadn't walked in, as Samira would have blamed Rory for any further violence.
As she descended the building, she saw her parents waiting by the car.
"Mom?"
Samira ran to her parents and embraced them. "What happened? Did you cry?" her mother asked, touching Samira's cheek.
Rory, clutching her wedding dress, watched as Samira acted as if her chest was hurting.
"Mom, it's my wedding today," Rory reminded her.
Her parents panicked, rushing Rory to the hospital. "Do we look like we don't know that? Samira needs to be taken to the hospital. I'll call your uncle and ask him to walk you down the aisle," her mother said.
As her mother opened the car door, Rory saw Samira smirking at her.
Rory's face reflected disappointment and defeat when she saw her parents choose Samira.
"Young madam, we're running late," the organizer said, opening the car door for Rory.
Rory smiled bitterly and got into the car. This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, the day she would marry the man she loved and walk down the aisle.
After the car door closed, she looked at the engagement ring still on her finger.
"Let's just get this over with," she whispered. She slowly removed the ring and let it fall.
As the ring slipped from her finger, the car suddenly screeched to a halt.
"Young madam! There are cars blocking the road!"
- Writer
