Chapter 7 This is just the Beginning

Chapter 7: This is just the Beginning

A bitter laugh slipped from my lips.

Of course it's Emily. It's always her.

She takes and takes, and somehow, everyone lets her.

But not this time.

I sat frozen for a second, my mind spinning... then something inside me snapped.

I'm done running.

They betrayed me, used me, and left me broken.

Now, I'm going to show them who I really am.

I grabbed my phone and booked the earliest flight to London.

**************

I arrived in London the next morning. The air bit my skin. It was colder than I remembered.

The city looked the same. Loud, fast, and full of people moving like they had somewhere important to be. I, on the other hand, had only one goal: to burn down everything that hurt me.

I pulled my coat tighter as I stepped into the hotel I had booked. A quiet place in the edge of the city.

The receptionist looked up with a bright smile. "Good morning. You must be Miss... Brown?"

I nodded. "Yes. Just checking in."

"Of course," she said, typing quickly ", Your room is ready. Top floor. Quiet side."

I gave a small nod and took the keycard. "Thank you."

She handed me a folded paper. "And here's the complimentary breakfast schedule, if you're interested."

"I won't be staying long."

Her smile faltered a little, but I didn't say more.

The room was quiet and neat. Soft lighting, clean lines, and light-colored furniture. It had a polished feel, calm and private, just what I wanted.

I dropped my bag and paced the room, my thoughts spinning. No plan, no real idea what I was going to do. I just knew I couldn't let that wedding happen.

Think, Hilary. Think.

And then I remembered Lana.

Vivian's assistant. Quiet. Observant. Always polite and always helpful. One of the few people who ever looked me in the eye and showed a bit of genuine kindness.

I grabbed my phone and dialed her number. I was half sure it wouldn't go through.

She picked up on the third ring.

"Hello?"

"Lana, it's Hilary."

There was a pause. "Hilary? Oh my God! Where have you been? Are you okay?" She said in a hushed voice,"

"Not really," I said softly. "But I need your help. Can you meet me?"

She hesitated. "Vivian-"

"She won't know. Please."

She hesitated, then responded, "Where?"

"I'll text you the address. Say it's for a client."

"I'll be there in twenty." She replied.

I was already sitting in the restaurant waiting for Lana as I saw her walk in.

She slipped into the booth across from me in the hotel restaurant. She looked around quickly, then did a double take when she saw me.

"You look... different," she said, lowering her voice.

I gave a small smile. "I feel different."

"What happened to you?" She whispered, "Where have you been?"

"I just wanted a break, " I said simply.

She stared at me for a second before leaning in. "Why did you call me?"

"I need information about what's going on with the wedding. The press. Everything." I blurted out curiosity in my eyes.

Lana hesitated as she stared at me for a second "I don't know what happened to you, but... where's Hilary and what did you do to her?"

I let out a soft laugh. "She's gone. I'm being serious, tell me everything, Lana"

She studied me for a moment, weighing her options. Then, finally nodded. "Alright. The wedding is next Saturday. At the Elysian Grand Hall. Huge event. Invite-only. Press will be there. Emily's been over the moon"

Of course she is.

"And Bennet?" I questioned

Lana's eyes narrowed "He's been hard to read... quiet. Looks like he doesn't want to be a part of it, but just going with the motions"

I sat back processing everything.

"Thank you," I said. "That's all I needed."

She reached out, locking eyes with me as she gently squeezed my hands. "I don't know exactly what it is you're planning, but I support you"

"I appreciate it," I said quietly.

After Lana left, I was making my way back to the elevator. My head was down, my thoughts full.

But then I saw Bennett.

I froze.

He walked across the lobby, near the elevator, talking to someone who looked like a business associate in a navy suit. Laughing softly at something. He looked relaxed. In control.

Even more handsome than I remembered. And that only made me hate him a little more.

But there was something in his eyes... something tired, sad. Maybe I was just imagining things. He looks like he's having the time of his life.

My heart stuttered in my chest.

I took a quick step back, ducking behind a nearby column before he could see me. My chest tightened.

What would I even say to him?

He was the father of my child. And I don't think he remembers I exist.

I clenched my fists, trying to steady myself.

This wasn't the time to fall apart. Not over him. Not again.

I closed my eyes for a second, inhaling.

You're not backing down, Hilary. Not now.

When I opened my eyes again, I looked and he was gone.

This time, I'd be the one in control.

The Wedding Day

The cab pulled up to Elysian Grand Hall, the place already buzzing with flashing cameras and murmurs.

I stepped out in a deep green dress that hugged my body just right, a silk scarf over my hair, and large sunglasses covering most of my face. Calm on the outside. Boiling inside.

Two security guards stopped me at the entrance.

"Invitation?" one asked.

"I'm the bride's sister," I said, holding up an old photo of me, Emily, and Vivian at a gala. "Family."

They exchanged looks. One raised a brow, clearly not expecting that. The other studied the picture, then gave a nod, "Go ahead."

Inside, everything shimmered. Crystal lights, flower walls, and perfect people.

I kept to the back. My hands were cold, heart racing.

Then I saw them.

Emily was in a white gown, radiant like she hadn't stolen anything in her life. Vivian was by her side, glowing with pride. Seeing them made me sick.

And Bennett.

He stood tall in his tux, eyes distant, mouth set in a tight line. He didn't look happy.

The ceremony started, words flying past me like wind.

Until-

"If anyone has a reason these two shouldn't be married, speak now..."

A silence fell over the hall.

Then I stood.

Heads turned. Gasps echoed. A collective murmur filled the swept through the crowd like a chill.

I walked forward slowly, heels clicking. I pulled off my scarf, then my sunglasses. Silence fell.

Emily's face paled. Vivian stiffened. Bennett's eyes locked on mine, his expression unreadable.

"I have a reason," I said calmly. I pulled a paper from my clutch and raised it.

"I'm pregnant... with the groom's child." I declared my voice loud enough to echo through the hall.

The room erupted with murmurs.

Whispers. Shocked gasps filled the room. Cameras clicking.

This is just the beginning.