I Called Off My Wedding Chapter 02
I stepped out of the shower and changed into a clean set of pajamas.
I sat down at the vanity table and applied a thin layer of skincare products calmly.
The woman staring back at me in the mirror had a pale face, but her eyes were sharp and clear.
The bedroom door creaked open again, and Brandon walked in carrying a glass of warm water.
He froze for a split second when he saw me sitting at the vanity, and his eyes darted automatically to the corner where the wedding dress had been.
The space was empty, save for a scrap of lace peeking out from the trash can.
“Kimmy, you’re awake?” He hurried over and set the glass down on the table.
“Yeah, I was thirsty.” I picked up the glass and took a small sip.
Brandon wrapped his arms around my shoulders from behind and rested his chin in the crook of my neck.
“Why didn’t you sleep longer? Did I wake you up when I came in earlier?”
His concern sounded so genuine, as if the sleeping pill and that ridiculous livestream from last night had never happened.
“No, I had a sound sleep.” I stared at his reflection in the mirror, my voice completely flat.
Brandon let out a visible sigh of relief and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek.
“I already had the dress flown in overnight from Paris—it’s the one you kept staring at last time we were there.
“Just be my bride tomorrow, okay? Don’t throw a fit over her.”
“Okay.” I set the glass down, my tone still calm. A flicker of relief crossed Brandon’s eyes, and he ruffled my hair.
“I knew you’d be reasonable. The doctor says Lyn’s been extremely unstable lately—she could hurt herself at any minute.
“As my bride-to-be, you need to cut her some slack.”
He praised me for being understanding, like it was the most natural thing in the world, as if he didn’t care at all about the dress I’d poured my heart into.
“Let’s go to the ballroom for the rehearsal.” I stood up and stepped away from his touch.
Brandon just assumed I was grumpy from waking up and didn’t think anything of it.
He turned to the closet, pulled out the spare gown, and handed it to me.
“You’ll look just as beautiful in this, sweetheart.”
I took the gown and changed into it right there in front of him.
It was plain and unadorned, almost boring, but none of that mattered anymore.
I stepped out of the suite, and the bright sun on the island stung my eyes.
A huge swimming pool stretched out in front of the ballroom.
Brandon’s friends had already arrived and were huddled together smoking.
When they saw me in the spare gown, a few of them exchanged glances.
“Wow, your gown looks really understated, Kimberly. Way better than that laced one.”
The sarcasm dripped from their words, and Brandon frowned slightly, shooting them a warning look.
“Shut it. One more word and you’re all flying back home.”
They fell silent, but their eyes still held amusement.
Just then, the click of heels sounded. Lynette walked over in a bright red dress, holding a glass of champagne.
She smiled brightly at Brandon.
“Brandy, how do I look?”
“It’s okay.” Brandon nodded dismissively.
Lynette turned her head and fixed her gaze on me.
That was when I noticed it—an antique tiara perched on top of her curly hair.
It was a family heirloom passed down from my grandmother.
I’d dreamed a thousand times of wearing it on my wedding day, imagining Mom watching me walk down the aisle.
I’d locked it in the suite’s safe for safekeeping, and only Brandon and I knew the combination.
A chill ran down my spine.
“Who gave you permission to wear that?” I stared at the tiara, my voice sharp and icy.
Lynette reached up to adjust the crooked tiara.
“Oh, don’t be so petty, Kimmy. I was just trying it on for fun.”
“Take it off.” I took a step forward, my eyes sharp.
Lynette jumped back in fear.
“Brandy, look how mean she is! I just borrowed it—I wasn’t going to break it.”
She grabbed Brandon’s sleeve, and her eyes instantly filled with tears.
Brandon frowned and stepped in front of her, staring at me firmly.
“Kimmy, that’s enough.
“It’s just a tiara. She’ll give it back to you tomorrow exactly as it is. You know she can’t handle stress.”
I stared at Brandon’s face and felt it absurd.
“I’m only going to say this one more time. Take it off and give it back to me.”
I didn’t scream or yell—I just stated it calmly.
Lynette hid behind Brandon, a smirk playing on her lips.
Suddenly, she let go of him and took two steps back until she was standing right at the edge of the pool.
“Fine! I’ll give it back! Just stop pushing me! I already don’t even want to be alive anyway…”
She started yanking at the tiara roughly as she spoke.
“Lyn, stop it!” Brandon’s face turned pale, and he lunged forward to grab her.
But Lynette’s foot slipped.
“Ahh!”
She screamed as she fell into the deep end of the pool, the tiara still on her head, sending a huge splash of water everywhere.
“Lyn!” Brandon’s face darkened, and he dove into the water, not even bothering to take off his suit jacket.