Chapter 1 The nightmare

It is a beautiful day and the sun shines brightly throughout the city. The sound of birds chirping and few cars passing by could be heard from the streets.

Inside a hotel suite, three girls stood in front of a full view mirror. One of them is backing the mirror. She is in a beautiful white dress. It obviously looked expensive with all the embroidery and beads work. While the other two were in silk maroon coloured dresses that had the same design.

"Are you ready, Ash?" One of the maroon dresses asked with excitement.

The lady in white smiled and gave a nod. "I definitely am ready." Ashley said with excitement as well. She could hardly contain herself. Today is the best day of her life. She is finally getting married to the love of her life.

Ashley turned around to face the full length mirror. She was overwhelmed with what was reflecting before her.

"Ohh... You have never looked more beautiful than you do right now, Ash." One of the girls, who seemed to be the bridesmaids said.

Ashley gave an honest smile as she stared at herself. "I do look good. Can't wait to walk down the aisle to the love of my life."

Finally, Ashley's long time dream is coming true. In a few minutes, she will be the wife of her childhood crush's wife. It was finally happening.

"It's time." One of the girls said, after fixing Ashley's Vail.

Moments later, Ashley is walking down the aisle as the slow music plays.

Her bridesmaids were already at the altar. So was her groom. She could tell by his figure from behind. His wedding suit fits perfectly even from behind. His black hair was brushed neatly.

Ashley smiled at the sight. Soon, she noticed something was off. She was walking to the altar alone. Her groom did not spare her a glance and so did the guests. No one turned to look at her as she was walking towards him.

What baffled Ashely even more was the fact that she was walking for a while now and still has not reached the altar. It seems as if she is still in the same position.

Ashley decided to hasten her pace. But it was to no avail. She was still in the same position. Raising her floating grown up, she began to jug. However, the alter seems to be moving farther away from her.

"No!" Ashley screamed. She stretched out to reach for her groom or anyone that could pull her to him. She did not succeed.

"Zion.... Zion." She called out for her groom. But he seemed so distant and couldn't hear her cries. Neither did he turn to even look at her.

The slow music that was playing soon changed to a different sound that wasn't soothing at all. It sounded like something from a horror movie, when the villain is about to capture its victim.

Ashley jolted from her sleep. The notification on her phone is the sound she heard again.

She sat up on the bed, rubbing her temples. She shook her head. Now she is begging to get tired of the same dream. It has been happening for a while now. With the same pattern. It starts all nice and then ends up a disaster.

Ashley looked at her wedding ring. Three years ago, she finally got married to the man she had always wanted. The wedding was perfect but she still kept having those nightmares.

She picked up her phone to check on the notification that popped. It was a picture of her so-called husband. He is sitting on a chair in an apartment that is definitely not their matrimonial home. It seems his attention was elsewhere when the picture was taken. But she could clearly see a girl's hand in the photo. She might mistakenly put her finger there while trying to take the picture, or she did it on purpose.

Below the photo the caption read : He chooses to spend time with his mistress rather than to be with you. Just give up already.

Then a smiley face was added at the end.

Ashley sighed and rubbed her face. She exited the text and got off the bed and walked to the bathroom.

A lot was going on in her mind. She has been receiving similar messages from unknown numbers. Sometimes with pictures attached. Other times just the text, telling her where her husband was at the very moment.

Ashley was devastated. She decided to call Zion's cell.

No answer.

She called again. It rang and almost went to voicemail before he answered.

Zion: "What?" He said with a strained voice.

Ashley: "Where are you and when are you coming home-"

Zion: "That is none of your business. I will come to my house whenever I wish to. Don't ever call me asking such, you selfish spoiled brat." He spat with anger and ended the call.

Ashley squeezed her eyes as her so-called husband's words stung in her heart.

This is something she kept to herself and only her two best friends. Throughout the three years she has been married to Zion.

It was six o'clock in the evening. To clear her head, She called her friends and asked them to go out tonight. They agreed to meet up at eight. It wasn't as helpful as she thought it would be. Their advice to her was in a way telling her to leave him. Claiming there is no point of staying with someone who doesn't love or respect her.

However, it is something that Ashley finds hard to do. She loves Zion too much to even think of leaving him.

Ashley walked into her bedroom at midnight after her night out. She was a bit tipsy as she had had a few drinks. But not too drunk to understand what was going on around her.

She got ready for bed and lay in bed. She was above to reach for the side lamp to turn it off when she noticed some papers on the bedside table.

Knowing she did not put any papers there, she reached for it with a knitted brown. She went through the content of the paper and her eyes grew wide when realization hit her. Soon, her eyes welled up with tears.

It was for real. Zion's full name was written and so was hers on the document.

Zion just served her with divorce papers.