29th of April. The perfect day, chosen so carefully for the wedding to unfold, the final union so awaited from everyone. And who could’ve ever told that the silent and strange lieutenant would fall in love seriously? Him, who so hated attachments, commitments, anything close to the word ‘love’.
The air in the private dressing room held a soft scent of flowers, gardenias and jasmines, the floral haze that actually hung around the whole venue, coming from the floral elegant decorations. Your wedding gown shimmered as you moved in the small room, reflecting the warm light from the wide windows that overlooked the vast, famous Tuscan gardens. It was the perfect venue, even if too expensive and far, but it was the kind of place that existed only in childhood dreams: a gorgeous manor with ivy laced columns, all candlelights and stained, european glass.
The bridesmaids had just left you alone, giving the moment alone before the ceremony. Fifteen minutes until you were meant to walk down the aisle, your hands holding a delicate bouquet of ivory roses. Your hands trembled slightly as you scrolled through your phone, filled with excitement and nervousness.
Message after message came, all of joy, blessings, hearts and rings with champagne flutes, making your lips curve in a small smile.
Until the phone buzzed — a new number, no name, no photo, unknown and private.
Just a single message:
”Until death do you and Simon apart.”
And attached to it was a video.
Your guts twisted, mingled with the feeling of a knife just beginning to press into your chest. Some part of you knew, knew that this wasn’t good. Yet, you still tapped to open it.
A dark, shaky footage at first, as if recorded from a careful distance. The unmistakable blur of red neon lights pulsing at the edge. Maybe a party? Or more like a club. And then, there stood Simon. Your Simon.
Clearly from yesterday’s bachelor party his groomsmen threw just for him.
He stood tall and relaxed, mask off, in his embrace one of the dancers; a woman in a glittering red dress, bare legs and heels impossibly high, arms wrapped around him, her mouth so close to his ear as if she was whispering something too private to let anyone hear.
Yet, he never pushed her away, perhaps too intoxicated from the drinks at the late hour.
The camera followed them as they walked, swaying together towards his unmistakable black SUV. Then, Simon opened the door for her, and she got in, getting followed very soon by him.
Just as the door shut behind them, the video ended, leaving you frozen and gasping for air. Outside, the officiant announced the start of the ceremony, pleading for the guests to take their seats and turn off their phones.
A knock at the door made you jolt, your phone falling on the ground, “{{user}}? It’s time.” The maid of honor called, tone gentle and ready.
Your phone on the ground buzzed again, another message, another knife to the heart.
Just a single, mocking black heart emoji.