Chapter 2 The Bride Who Vanished

Selena didn't move for a long time.

The wedding gown felt like a prison. Every layer of tulle and lace clung to her body like a shroud. Her breath came in shallow gasps. She stared at her reflection in the mirror-the dress, the tiara, the makeup-and didn't recognize the woman looking back.

Just hours ago, she thought she was about to marry the love of her life.

Now she knew better.

They planned to kill her. Lucas. Vanessa. The two people she trusted most.

A knock came again, louder this time.

"Selena!" Vanessa's voice was laced with fake concern. "The ceremony's starting. Everyone's waiting."

Selena didn't answer.

She unplugged the USB drive and slipped it into her bra, then grabbed her phone and a coat, tossing it over her gown. Her hands moved with cold purpose. Her vision had narrowed. She didn't cry anymore.

She'd already died once inside.

---

She slipped out the back entrance of the hotel, avoiding the main corridor and security guards. Nobody noticed the bride escaping into the snow.

Taxi. Anywhere but here.

"Where to?" the driver asked, glancing at her strange attire.

She hesitated, then said, "Westbridge Cemetery."

The man blinked, surprised. "You sure, miss? In that dress?"

She nodded once. "Drive."

---

By the time she reached the gates, the sky had turned a bruised shade of gray. Snow drifted in soft flurries around her, clinging to the hem of her white gown.

She knelt beside her father's grave.

The headstone was simple. Dignified.

"Charles Moore. Loving father. Fierce protector."

"I'm sorry, Dad," she whispered, touching the cold marble. "I let them take everything you built. Everything you left me."

She bit back the sob in her throat.

"I was stupid. I trusted the wrong people. I thought... I thought love would protect me."

She pulled the USB from her bra and clenched it tightly.

"Lucas used me. Vanessa betrayed me. And now they think they've won."

Tears froze on her lashes, but she didn't wipe them away.

"I'm done being the girl who forgives."

For a brief second, the wind howled louder-as if something unseen heard her vow.

She stood, eyes blazing. "I don't care what it costs. I will destroy them both."

And at that exact moment, her phone buzzed again.

A new message from Lucas:

> "Everything okay? You're not getting cold feet... are you?"

She stared at the screen, then slowly typed:

> "Just making sure I look perfect... for you."

She hit send.

Let them think she was still coming.

Let them wait at the altar while their carefully laid trap unraveled.

Because if they wanted to bury her...

She'd make sure they went six feet under first.

To be continued...