Chapter 1 At the altar

The solemn music filled the chapel as Isla walked down the aisle, her hand clasped tightly in her mother's, both of them beaming with joy. The train of her dress trailed behind them, almost spanning the entire width of the aisle. On either side, guests sat in quiet admiration, smiling as they savored the moment.

It was a perfect day-the perfect day for Isla. Today, she was marrying the love of her life, Jeremy.

Jeremy stood tall at the altar in a tailored suit, his sleek hair shining beneath the chapel's lights. He stood next to the priest, who was holding a book in his hands. Isla, hidden behind her veil, smiled at him, her heart swelling with happiness.

For many, marrying their childhood sweetheart felt like an impossible dream, but for Isla and Jeremy, it had always felt destined. From the moment they started dating, their love had only grown stronger. They were truly the perfect match, a union blessed by God.

The music faded as Isla reached the altar, her head lowered shyly, her hands trembling with nervous excitement. 'This is really happening,' she thought, feeling a flutter of butterflies in her stomach.

"Dearly beloved," the priest began, "we are gathered here today, in the presence of God and these witnesses, to unite Isla Bennett and Jeremy Saxson in the sacred bond of marriage. This bond, founded on love, mutual respect, and commitment, reflects the deep union between Christ and His Church."

Turning to face the couple, he continued, "Before you make your vows to one another, I ask you both to affirm your commitment freely. Do you come here today to give yourselves to each other in marriage, without reservation and of your own free will?"

"Yes, we do," they both responded. Jeremy nodded and reached for Isla's hand. His touch was warm, grounding her, offering comfort amidst her nerves.

"Now, I invite you to exchange your vows," the priest said, his smile wide. "Isla Bennett, please repeat after me."

'I'm going first?' Isla thought, her brows furrowing. She glanced quickly at her mother, sister, and best friend Sophie, who were seated in the front row. They smiled at her warmly, and Isla took a deep breath, shaking off her thoughts. 'It's probably nothing.'

With a smile, she turned her attention back to the priest and repeated the words: "I, Isla Bennett, take you, Jeremy Saxson, to be my husband. I promise to love you, honor you, and cherish you, standing by you in times of joy and sorrow, in sickness and health, through all the seasons of life. I will remain faithful to you, and we will walk this journey together as partners, as long as we both shall live."

There was a soft round of applause from the congregation, and Isla's heart lifted. She giggled, her joy evident.

The priest turned to Jeremy. "Now, to you, Jeremy. Please repeat after me. I, Jeremy Saxson, take you, Isla Bennett, to be my wife."

Jeremy hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "I, Jeremy Saxson..."

Isla lifted her head, smiling brightly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. But her smile faltered as Jeremy's next words shattered the silence.

"I DO NOT take Isla Bennett to be my wife."

He pulled his hand away from hers with a force that left the crowd gasping in disbelief.

"Ahhh!" gasped the congregation in shock.

Isla's joyful expression melted into confusion. She shook her head, her voice trembling. "Jeremy, this isn't funny. Not now." Her heart raced in panic. 'What's happening?'

"C'mon, let's try this again. No more jokes." She chuckled nervously and reached for his hand, but he jerked it away violently.

"I said, I don't want you as my wife!" he shouted.

The gasps from the guests grew louder, and Mrs. Bennett jumped to her feet, her face filled with terror. Isla turned toward her, her heart sinking, unable to comprehend the situation. She needed answers.

"Mother, he's joking, right?" Her voice shook, her entire body trembling. It felt like a nightmare, and she wanted someone to wake her up.

"You think this is funny?!" Jeremy screamed, his finger pointing to the back of the chapel. Everyone turned as a man stood up, holding a projector in his hands, and began setting it up.

"What is this? Whatever this is, you better stop it right now! It's not funny anymore!" Mrs. Bennett shouted, fear edging her voice. She feared the worst-that whatever was coming next would make everything even worse.

As the crowd murmured in confusion, Isla's older sister, Ivy, sat still, a smirk on her face. Isla's gaze fixed on Ivy, and suddenly, she realized something-her sister knew exactly what was happening. Ivy had always been bitter about Isla's relationship with Jeremy, but Isla never imagined she'd go this far.

Suddenly, moans and groans filled the room as the video began to play. Isla's heart dropped into her stomach. Her legs gave way, and she collapsed to the ground. On the screen, she saw herself-with another man.

A man she didn't recognize, doing something she couldn't recall. It was a scene that never happened, yet there it was, playing out in front of her. "What the hell?" she gasped, utterly in disbelief.

The room fell silent as everyone stared at her, disappointment etched across their faces. The only ones who didn't look at her with disdain were her mother and Sophie, who refused to believe the footage.

"Are you trying to set my daughter up?" Mrs. Bennett shouted, her voice filled with anger.

"Where did you get this?!" Sophie cried, her eyes wide with disbelief. "My friend would never do this!" She stood firm, defending Isla.

But Isla's world had already started crumbling. She understood, with terrible clarity, what was happening. Her sister, Ivy, had set her up-she had sabotaged Isla's wedding in the cruelest way.

"You see it with your own eyes! Why would I lie about this?!" Jeremy shouted, his voice furious. "I got this video from an anonymous sender last week. I wanted to throw it away, but then I remembered Ivy's warnings. She always said that Isla had dark secrets, and I ignored her, thinking she was just jealous."

"What?!" Mrs. Bennett and Sophie both shouted, shooting venomous glares at Ivy.

"Why are you all looking at me like that?" Ivy said smugly, her arms crossed as she faced the people. "I knew this would be a shock. Your precious Isla-your best child-turns out to be exactly who I've always known she was. She's been deceiving you all, keeping you under her graces, but not me. I saw through her act."

She turned to face Jeremy. "I'm grateful to Ivy for opening my eyes before I got lost in this. She's the kind of woman a man should pray for." Jeremy uttered, then walked down the aisle, pulling a ring from the ring bearer's tray. He slid it onto Ivy's finger.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennett and Sophie rushed to Isla's side, finding her sobbing uncontrollably. "Tell me you didn't do it, Isla. Please," Mrs. Bennett said, her voice filled with desperation.

Isla lifted her head slowly, and without saying a word, she yanked her veil off, revealing her tear-streaked face. She ran from the chapel, her heart racing as she fled.

"Isla!" Voices called out after her, but she didn't stop. She burst through the chapel doors, her dress trailing behind her as she sprinted down the street. 'I need to get out of here.'

Her feet pounded the pavement as she waved down a passing taxi. As the driver glanced at her, confused, she shouted, "Somewhere far away! Lose them!" Her breath was ragged, and tears flowed freely as she broke down, her body shaking with both anger and heartbreak.

'Why, Ivy? Why?' she screamed inwardly, pounding the back of the taxi seat. Her tears mixed with sweat, and betrayal mixed with rage.