Chapter 1
Catherine
“Ican’tbelievethatin less than an hour, you’re going to be Mrs. Jason Hall,” my best friend Erica says, peering at my reflection in the mirror.
“I think I should at least put my dress on before you start getting sentimental, Erica,” I tease, standing beside her in my dressing room, wearing only a white satin slip that falls slightly above my knees.
Hundreds of tiny butterflies flutter around my stomach as I take a deep breath to steady my nerves. I take one last glance at my reflection before turning away from the mirror and smiling at Erica and my bridesmaids.
Erica slicks back a loose strand of hair that’s formed along one side, then fixes the two strands of black curls framing my face. “I swear, I’ve never seen a more beautiful bride.”
I smirk. “Are you only saying that because you did my hair and makeup?”
She shrugs, adjusting the straps of her pale pink dress. “Of course, but that doesn’t make you any less stunning.” She shoots my reflection a wink before turning to my bridesmaids, who are scattered around the dressing room in mint blue gowns that fall to their ankles. “Is everyone’s hair and makeup done?”
My bridesmaids all nod, but Erica remains unconvinced. She peers around the room.
“Where’s Catherine’s something blue?” Erica asks, panic in her voice. “Andher something borrowed?”
“It must have gotten left in the car,” one bridesmaid replies, biting her lip anxiously.
“Which one?” another bridesmaid quips. “All the SUVs look the same.”
Erica sighs. “Let’s go search them before it’s too late.”
The seven women quickly rush out of the room, leaving me alone, half-dressed.
My eyes sweep over to my wedding dress hanging on a mannequin in the room’s corner. I take a deep breath and contemplate whether I should attempt to put the dress on by myself or wait until the girls get back.
I step up to the large full-length mirror and assess the dress from a distance. It’s an off-white satin, with intricate beading and lace detailing along the bodice and shoulders. The skirt has multiple layers of chiffon, creating a voluminous A-line silhouette. I knew as soon as I tried the dress on for the first time that it was mine.
But then I realize that there’s something missing—the zipper. I frantically search through the fabric, trying to locate where the zipper might be hiding. I check all around the waistline but still can’t find it.
I hear someone enter the room, thankful not to have to tackle this alone. “Erica, is that you?” I say, still deep in my search for the zipper. “I need your help.”
“Are you Catherine?” an unfamiliar voice says from behind me.
When I turn around, a pretty woman in her twenties is standing in the doorway. She’s wearing a navy-blue sundress, and her hair is pulled back nicely, but I’ve never seen her before. I know all the one hundred guests in attendance at my wedding. This woman isn’t one of them.
I furrow my brows. “Yes, I’m Catherine,” I say skeptically. “Can I help you?”
The woman takes a deep breath before continuing. “I don’t mean to cause any trouble, but I thought you have the right to know. My name is Andrea, and I’m a co-worker of your fiancé, Jason. We worked together for six months, and one thing led to another. And now I’m pregnant. With Jason’s baby.”
I stare at her in disbelief, unable to comprehend what she just said. All I can do is let out a scoff. “Did Erica send you in here? Is this a prank?”
The woman peers at me sympathetically and shakes her head. “This isn’t a prank, Catherine. Jason and I slept together.”
“This is unbelievable,” I retort, balling my hands into fists.
At that moment, I hear a noise behind me and turn to see Erica standing in the doorway. I can tell by her expression that she’s heard everything. She steps inside, her blue eyes blazing with anger.
“What’s going on here?” Erica asks sternly, her voice full of authority.
I feel like I’m in some kind of twisted nightmare, watching everything unfold before my eyes. How could this happen right before my wedding ceremony is about to begin?
The woman looks down at her feet. “It’s all true. I’m sorry. I tried to convince Jason to tell you, but he keeps ignoring me. You have every right to know.”
Erica shakes her head and scoffs. “You’re sorry? That’s all you have to say?”
