Chapter 1 The wedding scandal

Elena's POV:

I stood in front of the mirror, admiring my reflection. The wedding dress glittered under the soft lighting on my body.

A long white mermaid dress adorned with silver crystals sparkled against my pale skin. My hair was styled in soft waves, and my makeup made me look flawless.

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. "This is a day of new beginnings," I muttered silently.

I couldn't believe that this day would truly come to pass. The day that I will finally get married to the love of my life, Caleb, and step into my long-awaited freedom.

For so long, I had followed my father's orders and done everything he demanded. Now is the time to take control of my life.

"Elena, you look stunning! You are going to take everybody's breath away," Zoey spoke with a warm smile on her face as she fixed the diamond necklace on my neck.

"Thank you so much, Zoey. I can't believe that day has finally come. A day of freedom and new beginnings. I have dreamed of this day for so long."

"I can't wait to see the look on Caleb's face when he finally sees you. You look divine!" Zoey grinned.

There was a gentle knock on the door that drew our attention.

"Elena," my father called and walked inside the room.

His face lit up. "You look so beautiful, my child," he smiled.

"Thank you, Dad," I replied.

"The guests are waiting already. Are you ready?" he asked.

"Yes, father. I'll be ready in a few minutes," I said while looking in the mirror once again. "Is Caleb at the altar already?" I asked.

"No," my dad responded. He looked at the watch on his wrist. "He should be here any minute; you need to hurry up. We don't want to keep everybody waiting." My dad spoke.

I hurriedly grabbed the bouquet before exiting the room with my dad. Zoey followed us from behind.

I stood with my father at the entrance of the Isle, patiently waiting for Caleb to arrive.

My father turned to me, "Elena, Caleb is not here yet. What could be keeping him?"

"I don't know, Dad. Let me call him." I responded.

"Please do. We're running out of time," he replied.

Zoey handed my mobile phone to me, and I quickly dialled Caleb's number. it up.

I became nervous as the murmurs of the guests became louder.

"We are running out of time already, Elena," my father whispered to me.

My father turned to me. "Elena, this is unacceptable! I'm running out of patience. What exactly is going on?" he enquired.

"I don't know, father. He should have been here by now. Let's give him a few minutes. I'm sure he will arrive." I answered, my voice trembling.

My stepmother looked at me angrily from afar. Aunt Lily stared at me with a worried look on her face.

Just then, Sarah, my stepsister, walked up to my dad. She whispered something in his ear. My father's facial expressions hardened.

My dad let go of my hand unexpectedly. "Elena, you must follow me right now," he ordered.

"But, father, what's going on?" I asked, feeling confused.

I hesitated to leave the aisle before running off to catch up with my dad.

I ran into the room where my father and Sarah had entered. I froze when I saw Caleb standing with his fist tightened by his side. His eyes were blazing red with anger.

"Caleb," I called, "what's going on? Why are you here? You should be on the altar." I questioned him, feeling confused as I walked up to him.

Caleb's eyes narrowed. "You deceived me, Elena. I didn't know you to be a worthless bitch," he shouted.

"This marriage is not going to hold, and I have terminated the deal I have with your father's company," he declared.

"What? What's going on with you, Caleb?" I asked with a trembling voice.

"I don't want to ever set my eyes on you. It's over between us, Elena." Caleb shouted. His voice was stern.

My heart slammed against my chest, and my confusion grew stronger.

"Caleb, whatever the problem is, we can settle it after the ceremony. It hasn't gotten to that." I spoke up.

I tried to keep tears from rolling down my cheeks. I felt numb. I stared at my dad, hoping he could say something, but he kept mute.

"Caleb, please don't do this. I haven't done anything wrong." I pleaded, tears already rolling down my cheeks.

He hurriedly removed my hands from his, and I froze at that spot. I have never seen Caleb behave like this when he is angry. What could be going on?

He threw a file on the floor and walked away. I tried to go after him, but the pictures that floated in the air caught my attention, and they suddenly landed on the floor.

I got a glimpse of the pictures, and my deep brown eyes widened with shock.

Pictures of me and another man almost making out last night outside the club.

"No, this is all a mix-up." I spoke and ran outside to catch up with Caleb, but I received a slap on my cheeks.

I stood glued to the ground and held my burning cheeks.

"You dirty hoe. How could you sleep with another man a night before your wedding? Why have you decided to humiliate this family?" My stepmother shouted.

"It's not what you think, Father." I ran to my father and held his hands. He didn't alter a word. I looked him in the eyes, but all I could see was disappointment.

"Sarah? Sarah!" I walked up with Sarah. Tears are uncontrollably running down my cheeks. "Sarah, we were together last night. Please explain to them. You are aware of what happened last night. Please tell them the truth." I fell to my knees in front of Sarah, but Sarah didn't say a word.

Instead, she gave me a daring look and stared at me with disgust.

My stepmother interrupted again, "You low life... You are so shameless. Look at how you have ruined your life and your father's company. I've always known you were useless to us the day your father brought you into our home," she spat.

"What? I didn't sleep with him, Mom. I passed out last night while Sarah and I were clubbing." I cried out.

"Sarah, please tell them the truth. I'm pleading." But Sarah stood there, looking at me with disappointment. She didn't utter a single word to save me from this mess.

My mind circled around the events that happened last night.