Chapter 5
On the other side of town, Lennox was practically glowing as he arrived at the wedding venue. His entire being radiated joy, like he was stepping into the happiest day of his life. But his mother, though present, wasn’t quite as enthusiastic. She gave him a sharp, almost wary look and said, “Lennox, don’t get too carried away today. Anne’s been really emotional lately. We don’t want to upset her.”
The mention of Anne caused Lennox’s smile to falter, just for a moment. He nodded, trying to swallow the unease creeping in. “I get it, Mom. But you need to be extra careful with Kelly. Don’t let her sense that anything’s off.”
Mrs. Green sighed, her lips pressing into a thin line before she nodded. “Alright, just... be gentle with her.”
The ceremony began soon after.
But Lennox couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in his gut. He looked around, scanning the crowd. My parents weren’t here. Not a single sign of them.
What he didn’t know was that I had already told my parents everything. They knew exactly why they wouldn’t be attending this sham of a wedding.
His panic started to set in. He checked again—nothing. No sign of my parents. Just as he was about to ask someone where they were, the officiant stepped up, signaling the start of the ceremony. Reluctantly, Lennox turned his attention back to the front, feeling like his whole world was about to fall apart.
And then Anne walked down the aisle.
She was stunning in her white gown, but when Lennox saw her, his smile faltered completely. All the color drained from his face. He stumbled back, eyes wide, his voice barely a whisper. “Why... why is it you? Where’s Kelly?”
Before Anne could answer, a delivery man in a uniform stepped into the venue, holding a package.
“Who’s Mr. Lennox Green?” he called out. “I’ve got a wedding gift from Miss Kelly Thomas. Need someone to sign for it.”
A ripple of whispers spread through the room. Everyone knew this wedding was supposed to be between me and Lennox, and yet here they were, standing in front of an empty space where I should’ve been. And now, a mysterious "gift" from the bride who never showed up.
Lennox’s face went blank. He staggered toward the delivery man, dazed, and signed for the package, though his mind was a thousand miles away. Without hesitation, he ripped the box open.
Inside, the first thing he saw were the gold jewelry and the bank card with the dowry money his family had given me.
The truth hit him like a freight train.
His hands trembled as he stared at the items, and a wave of cold, suffocating emptiness swallowed him whole. He tried to smile, but it came out more like a grimace, his eyes welling up. He choked out, barely above a whisper, “She... she called it off. She doesn’t want to marry me. Why doesn’t she want me?”
His words hung in the air, unanswered, as he kept repeating the question like it could somehow bring clarity.
His mother rushed over, panic written all over her face. She opened her mouth to speak, but when she saw the contents of the box, her expression twisted into pure rage.
“So this is the kind of woman you’ve been with?” she spat. “Running away on your wedding day, humiliating you in front of everyone?”
Her gaze shifted to Anne, and her tone softened, almost trying to convince herself. “Well... maybe it’s for the best. You and Anne should just go ahead with the wedding. After all, you two are already legally married, and she’s carrying your brother’s child, the only grandchild your father and I will ever have.”
Lennox’s face contorted with fury. His eyes were wild with emotion as he yelled, “Mom!” He grabbed her arm, his voice cracking. “I only love Kelly!”
His mother’s response came out like a slap, sharp and unforgiving. “What does it matter now? You’re telling me that just because you love her, you’re going to abandon Anne? You’ve forgotten she’s carrying your brother’s child?”
Despite his protests, Lennox was forced into the ceremony. His mother’s word was law. She had them all tangled up in a web of obligation, and he had no choice but to comply.
Meanwhile, I had finally arrived at my destination. After freshening up, I decided to check out a nearby restaurant with great reviews. As I scrolled through my phone, I absentmindedly opened Instagram and found myself looking at Anne’s post.