Perfection had followed Penelope since birth. From childhood, she wanted only one thing-to marry her first love after college and raise two beautiful children with him, a boy and a girl.
And the universe has done exactly what she always wished for, she believed herself to be the luckiest girl on earth.
There she was, during her bridal preparation that morning, looking stunning just hours before she would walk down the aisle.
Geoffrey, her husband-to-be, has been the love of her life since high school, and they have loved each other since then. They'll both be walking down the aisle in a few hours. The butterfly in her belly couldn't help but feel how joyful she was feeling.
"I know of just one beautiful bride, Pen, and that you, baby," Hillary, her best friend, whispered into her ears, breaking her thoughts.
"Yes... Yes, I am. I feel it already-I feel beautiful and wonderful, Hillary. My fairytale ending is about to begin. I can't wait," Penelope said with a big, beautiful smile.
"I'm so sure Geoffrey will be glad to have you as his wife, no one will be able to tear their eyes away from you today, beautiful," Hillary said, giving Pen an admiring look as the make-up artist added a final touch to her face.
"I'm done, ma'am. You look so pretty," the make-up artist said.
"Awwnn thanks, thank you so much for making my face look flawless," Penelope murmured.
"Your dress is next. Pen, let me help you out. We can't afford to be late; this is not a high school graduation." Hill grinned.
Penelope slid into her short white wedding ball dress with a big beautiful chapel bow trail at the back, as Hill helped her with the lace-up closure. "What would I do without you, baby?" Pen stated.
"Let's hope you never find out," Hill said softly.
Pen's mom died tragically five years ago from leukemia, leaving her with her dad and Hillary, whom she trusted more than anyone in the world. Her dad stated he won't remarry until Pen got married, he didn't want any woman treating his princess the way he didn't like.
The door creaked, and Mr Will, Pen's father, entered the dressing room, and he was astonished.
"Oh, my baby, you look just like Cinderella. Can I ever be more proud than this moment? You've always made me proud, but this is exceptional, how I wish your mama witnessed this." Mr Will was almost moved to tears as he looked into his daughter's eyes.
Tears welled up in Pen's eyes. "I hope she's resting well, Dad. I know she's with me; she's always with me."
"Don't ruin your makeup, sweet. I'll leave you to it, Hillary. Please take care of my daughter. Mr Will said and Hillary nodded at his words, as he left the room for them to do their thing.
"Oops, I need to go check what's going on at the venue, everything must be just how I planned and requested. Will you be fine by yourself?" Hillary asked, and Pen gave a furrowed look, blinking her eyes continually.
"I'll be just fine," Pen assured.
"My mom will be here soon, she'll help you get ready, and keep you company," Hill promised.
"Thanks, hon." Pen blew her a kiss.
Hill's mom, Mrs Oretha, has been a wonderful woman to Pen since Mrs Will passed away. She tried her best to always be there for Pen and not make her feel the absence of her mom in any way.
Penelope travelled into her wonderland of thoughts, and suddenly missing Geoffrey, she thought to creep over to the other side of the hotel and surprise him, before Mrs Oretha got here, after all, they booked the same hotel apartment to prepare for the wedding.
She left her apartment and headed for Geoffrey's apartment, with joy welling up in her. She just loves being around the man she has loved since childhood.
Walking down the hallway, she decided to give him a call and confirm his exact location.
The phone rang four times before he picked up.
"Hey wifey-to-be, how are you doing?" he asked and she smiled like a baby.
Pen- "I'm doing great hubby-to-be." still smiling.
Geoffrey- "Missing me?" he asked as though he could read her mind.
Pen- "Yuppy, I miss you all the time, is Varney with you?" Referring to his best man.
Geoffrey- " No he just stepped out. How is the preparation over there?" he asked.
Pen- "I'm dressed, waiting for Hill's mom.
Geoffrey- "Ok then, I'm at my apartment, rounding up and waiting for the rings to be delivered."
Pen- "Ok, baby, see you soon. I love ya," she grinned.
Five minutes later, she arrived at his apartment, carefully lifting her bow trail to keep it from brushing the floor. She didn't bother ringing the bell, she entered the passcode and walked in.
Entering the house, the butterflies in her belly cringed when she saw the black spool heels by the door.
She continued inside, and just when she wanted to call his name, she saw a beige dress strewn across the couch. Her stomach twisted.
She recognised the dress, and her brows furrowed. That dress was what Hillary was wearing before she left to check the venue. Looking back at the heels, she clocked it was the birthday gift she got for Hillary two months ago on her birthday.
Why was Hill here and not at the venue? And why didn't Geoffrey mention that Hill was with him? Penelope mused. Her heart raced as she moved towards the bedroom.
Her mind began connecting the dots, but her heart refused to accept them.
She decided to make up a story in her head. Maybe Hillary came to check up on Geoffrey, and a drink spilled on her dress, so she went to the bathroom to clean up.
But as she moved closer to the bedroom the story she was making up was getting less believable.
Penelope froze at the half-open bedroom door. For a moment, her mind went blank-then the truth crashed into her as tears streamed down her face. Hillary's moans filled the air as Geoffrey thrust into her repeatedly. Geoffrey pulled her closely and sucked her boobs so intently.
"Geoffrey this marriage is just one year, as planned. You get her inheritance, and then we dump her." Hillary stated as Geoffrey dipped his dick into her throat.
"Trust me, Hill, it's you I love. She is so silly and childish. I can't wait to get rid of her." Geoffrey muttered and laughed mockingly. Immediately the illusion of perfection fractured without warning.
Hearing those words didn't just shatter her; she felt the sting of betrayal cut deep.
Her hands trembled as she backed away, tears blurring her vision, her heart pounded as though it might rip her chest apart.
Still dressed as a bride, Penelope ran through the hallway like a ghost, carrying a broken heart beneath layers of white silk.
Trying to get as far away from them as possible, she ran to her apartment for her car keys, the elevator mirrors reflecting a bride who felt dead.
Strangers stared but she didn't seem to care, her heart racing faster than her thoughts. She got into her car and drove as fast as possible. Wanting to escape the thought of breathing the same air as them.
She thought of her wedding, but she couldn't go back. She didn't want to see anyone. She didn't want to face anyone-especially Hillary and Geoffrey.
I can't, she thought.
Tears blurred her vision as she drove, and she never saw the car slowing ahead of her. The crash came suddenly-tires screeching, metal slamming into metal, her body jolting forward as the seatbelt snapped her back into place.
Penelope sat frozen, heart pounding so hard it hurt. Her hands trembled uncontrollably as she looked around, disoriented. The air smelled like burnt rubber and dust.
Her car had stalled in the middle of the road, the front end crumpled, smoke curling lazily from the hood.
She blinked, forcing herself to breathe.
Then the other car door opened.
A tall figure stepped out of the sleek black vehicle she had collided with. He scanned the damage briefly before his gaze lifted and locked onto her.
Concern flickered across his face as he walked toward her, his footsteps steady. He knocked gently on her window.
"Hey," he said when she finally lowered it, his voice low and grounded. "Are you hurt?"
Penelope opened her mouth to answer, but nothing came out. The weight of everything-betrayal, humiliation-crashed over her all at once. Tears spilled freely as her body began to shake.
The man's expression softened instantly. "It's okay," he said quietly. "Just breathe. You're safe now."
"What way are you headed?" he asked softly, forcing himself to remain calm despite the inner storm raging within him.
Pen shook her head, she couldn't bring herself to say anything at the moment. She was in a mess.
"It's alright. Let me take you," he persisted. You can't drive and your car can't move an inch. The state is bad, he insisted.
Penelope remained silent, flashing images of Hillary and Geoffrey played in her mind, a reminder of her shattered world of perfection.
The man sighed, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Let me take you somewhere safe, or I'll leave you here, and the cops catch up with you. And I'm sure you don't want Penelope glanced up and the realization of what he said hit her. The cops are the last thing she needs right now.
"I'll go with you." she yielded.
"Great," he said. Gently, he opened the car and helped her out, hands shielding her shoulder and pulling her close to make her feel safe. Her bridal look had faded, and her bow trail was torn from running earlier.
Helped her to the passenger seat, as he instructed his driver to take care of her car and bring it along.
She picked a glance at him and realized how calm his expression was. He looks so good, she thought
He was handsome in a rugged way, with dark hair across his face. When he turned to look at her she met sharp blue eyes filled with curiosity.
"If I may ask, ma'am, where are you going?" he asked.
"Anywhere, just take me anywhere, please," she replied, voice barely above a whisper.
"He arched an eyebrow. "That doesn't sound specific," he said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Biting her lips, like a rush of wind she muttered, "Your home."
Surprised by what had just left her lips, she froze.
The man's smile disappeared, replaced by a look of utter bewilderment. My home? he echoed.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Anywhere you're going is fine, take me with you." she insisted.
He seemed so uncertain, but left with no choice. He drove to his hotel with so many questions on his mind.
The ride was slow and mostly silent as Pen sniffled, looking out of the window with racing thoughts in her mind.
They pulled up to a deluxe hotel, he turned and asked, "Are you sure you don't want to see a doctor?" His voice was wrapped with concern.
Penelope shook her head. Tears finally dried up.
The man hesitated but couldn't contend it, he sighed and said,
"Look, I don't know what's going on but if you need anything or you want to clear up your mind, you can talk to me, I'm right here to listen."
"Thanks," she mumbled, lifting her hands and helping her out of the car. He led her to his suite, leaving his driver to fix the cars.
In the suite, he helped her find a comfortable place on the couch and brought her a glass of water.
"Please can you get me normal clothes I need to change from this into something more simple," Penelope asked gently.
"Sure, I can do that, someone will be here in a minute," he replied.
Picking up his phone and calling someone to get a simple female dress and bring it to his suite.
What happened? Why were you crying he asked gently.
Penelope couldn't bring herself to tell him what happened, feeling too embarrassed, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks.
Sensing that she didn't want to talk, he rose up and told her, "I think you might want to freshen up, your makeup doesn't look good anymore."
"I'll put your clothes on the bed, you can change in the bedroom. I'll give you some time alone."
A few minutes later, he was surprised to see her in front of him with just the towel on her skin.
"What's going on? Do you need anything? he asked.
"Have sex with me, I want you in me," she stated bluntly.
Carlton froze, genuinely caught off guard. "You don't even know me," he said slowly. "Why would you ask me for something like that?"
Penelope felt her cheeks burn with both shame and defiance, stunned by what had just left her lips.
"Do you..." she stammered, "...find me attractive?"
Silence stretched between them as Carlton's gaze slowly traveled over her, from head to toe. He ran a hand through his hair, visibly unsettled.
"Yes... I mean, you are. But I won't take advantage of you. Why would you want to have sex with me?" he asked, so full of uncertainty.
Penelope took a deep shaky breath, her vulnerability exposed a side of her she rarely allowed anyone to see. Her body wanted to run, but her vulnerability fought the instinct.
The room felt too quiet, as though the walls themselves were listening. Penelope could hear her own heartbeat, loud and erratic, each thud reminding her how close she was to unraveling completely. This wasn't a desire guiding her-it was grief, shock, and a desperate need to feel something other than betrayal.
"Look," she said in a calm and soft voice, "I just realized I've made a terrible mistake all my life," tears welling up again. "And before I snap back to my normal self I want to make just one last mistake."
"That doesn't make sense at all. Why make more mistakes when the one you made left you in this terrible form?" he asked, trying to fathom what he had just heard.
"By doing this, I wouldn't feel guilty of the mistake I have made, this is all I want from you. Don't try to understand me. Have sex with me, simple. I sincerely don't want to know you, I don't want your money. I don't want your love or a relationship.
His jaw tightened. Desire flickered in his eyes, but so did restraint, the kind that came from knowing this moment would leave a mark on both of them.
Carlton studied her for a while, the room felt heavier under his silence. He wasn't looking at her like a man eager for pleasure-he was looking at her like someone standing at the edge of a decision he couldn't undo.
"No, I can't do this," he said, the only help I can offer is by giving you a listening ear."
Penelope didn't respond, and to his utter shock, she ripped the towel off her body, standing naked in front of him.
Carlton's eyes widened, at the sight of her perky boobs and her meaty clean shaved vagina.
He looked away from her naked body, "you're hurting, this is not right."
"Just have sex with me, that's all I ask for, please." Her eyes pleading.
He exhaled slowly, as though steadying himself. Whatever she was offering wasn't just her body-it was her brokenness, and he knew accepting it would change the course of the night.
"I want this, this will clear my head." She moved closer, pressing her breast against his chest and kissing him.
The moment she kissed him he let go of every hesitation and returned the kiss with equal passion. Before she knew it, he carried xr toher over to the bed, laid her on it and grabbed her boobs.
He broke the moment, held her gaze and asked her "do you really want to do this?"
Penelope gave him a pitiful furrowed look, "Yes I want this," voice sharper than ever.
The moment she gazed her consent, he removed his clothes, pinned her against the bed and ravaged her lips, his mouth moved to her breast, using his tongue to caress her nipples.
Even though she believed having sex with a stranger would dull the pain of realizing she had loved a devil all her life and nearly married him, his touch aroused something in her far deeper than Geoffrey ever had-and that terrified her.
She found herself moaning loudly, letting her hand slide down to the bulge between his legs and squeezed it gently, releasing a soft attractive moan from him.
A gasp escaped from her lips, when his fingers connected with her clit, she tightly held on to the bedspread, as she buried her other hand in his hair, massaging his head lightly, while the air filled with shared intensity.
She pulled out his dick from his underpants, turning her over, he buried his face in her pussy while she also got busy by giving him "mouth job." He increased the pace of his tongue on her clit, as she couldn't hold back anymore turning soft moans into loud cries of pleasure.
"Fuck me now please", she pleaded. Wanting nothing more than him buried inside her.
"I will baby, but you have to cum for me" he said, dipping his fingers in her pussy as he continued with the increased pace of his tongue on her clit, as though that was all she needed to hear she screamed "I'm cumin'... I'm cumin', she toppled over the climax of pleasure and her nod shook with the force of her orgasm.
Still trying to recover from that he positioned himself in-between her thighs and slid his big cock into her wet drooling pinky rose with an urgency she wasn't used to, sending her into another round of orgasm.
She moaned loudly, wanting him to pause so she could catch a breath and also not wanting him to stop as she flowed with the rhythm of his thrusts.
In that moment, Penelope who had always thought sex wasn't so pleasurable, discovered how good and pleasant sex is.
She spent all night in the arms of the striking, handsome stranger, he held her so close as she unlearned all the lies Geoffrey told her about herself and her body. Subtly, her pains disappeared into thin air.