Six

L U C A S

As I stood at the altar, waiting for my bride to walk down the aisle, my mind was filled with a million thoughts. I hoped that Alice would come down the aisle and take her place as my wife, but deep down, I knew that it was unlikely to happen. I felt a pang of sadness and disappointment wash over me as I realized that my dreams were not going to come true.

I still can't come to terms that Hazel ---Evelyn rather--- Alice's sisters. I mean, Alice has never mentioned her but then something deep inside of me was burning as though we've crossed paths before or shared something.

I shake off the thoughts as the door of the church swung open.

As Alice's father escorted her down the aisle, my eyes were glued to her, studying every feature of her dress. But as I looked closer, I realized that it wasn't Alice at all, but Evelyn, her sister. It was funny how my heart sank on the realization.

It almost felt too good to be true, for infact I was really marrying Evelyn and not the woman I love --Alice.

Evelyn was gorgeous in her wedding gown. She had a simple yet elegant design that hugged her curves at the right places. Her hair was tied up in an immaculate bun, showcasing her delicate facial features. I couldn't take my eyes off her, she was breathtaking.

"Lucas, I take thee, Evelyn, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till death do us apart," I spoke, burning my stare into her meek ish hazel eyes.

"Evelyn, I take thee, Lucas, to be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till death do us apart," she recited, her eyes watery with emotion.

I couldn't help but think about how Evelyn had to clean up her sister's mess and how unfair it was that she was now entangled in this web of deception. I knew that she had her own life and someone she loved, but here she was, standing next to me, ready to marry me instead.

I couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, in a few months, I would have to let her go. I wanted her to have the life she dreamed of, one that wasn't entangled with a man who loves her sister. But for now, I was going to cherish every moment with her, and make sure she knew just how much the favor she did for, meant.

At the wedding reception, the atmosphere was lively, as guests mingled and caught up with old friends while enjoying the delicious meal and drinks on offer. I had just settled into my seat beside Evelyn when my phone rang. I excused myself and stepped outside to take the call.

I answered the phone, and to my surprise, it was Alice on the other end. She wished me a happy married life and then proceeded to tell me how she was going to kill herself because of the betrayal I had inflicted upon her. I listened to her words anxiously, silently wondering what I could do to help her.

Alice was the woman I had originally intended to marry, but things took a drastic turn. My attention was drawn back to the present when I heard the sound of someone clearing their throat. I turned around to find Nona, Evelyn's mother, giving me a curious look. I quickly ended the call and tried to compose myself.

As I sat down, I felt overwhelmed with guilt and sadness. The fact that Alice was going through so much pain because of me was unbearable, but I couldn't let my thoughts show on my face, not when everyone was in such good spirits.

I took a deep breath and tried to focus on the present moment. Surrounded by friends and family, I felt grateful for the love and support that had brought me to this point. But at the same time, I was restless and worried about Alice.

No. I couldn't let anything happen to Alice regardless of what she's done.

I sucked in harsh breath taking a glance at my bride who was conversing with Nona.

It won't be fair to leave, but I had to be with Alice.

I managed to track her location through her phone, and to my surprise, she was at our apartment. The apartment that I had bought specifically for us to make memories in.

Without a second thought, I ran towards my car and quickly drove out of the event center. My mind was racing as I speeded towards the apartment complex. What would I find when I got there? Would Alice be okay? Would she still be angry with me?

My hands were shaking on the steering wheel as I pulled into the complex. I parked the car in a hurry, and almost ran towards our apartment building. As I entered the foyer, I saw Alice's name on the intercom. I buzzed her unit, and within seconds, the door buzzed open.

I took a deep breath and entered the elevator. The ride up seemed to take forever, and my heart was pounding with anticipation. When I finally reached Alice's floor, I stepped out of the elevator, and quickly made my way towards her unit.

As I opened the door, I saw Alice sitting on the couch, with tears streaming down her face. My heart ached at the sight of her pain, my body stiffened.

"Alice," I said softly. "I'm here. I'm so sorry."

Alice looked up at me, her eyes red and puffy. "Lucas," she whispered. "Why did you have to betray me like this? I loved you. I thought we had something special. How could you agree to this!?"

I walked over to her, and took her hands in mine. "Alice," I said, trying to keep my cool as possible. "Don't go blaming this on me, you did this to us."

Her lips part a sob creaking out, "I love you Lucas, I really do...Please don't leave me." She encircled her hands around my torso snuggling into me.

My eyes soften, just as always, she knew the right button to push. The anger that had bailed up begin to lessen.

"You're mine, not hers. We'll get through this, we'll find a way. You can't be with her, it's me, always has and always will be" She rants in one breath pulling off.

Her slender hands cupped my face as she sucked in her tears. "Say something, please"

What exactly?

"Lucas---"

I slightly gripped off her hands off.

"You made your choice Alice---"

She shakes her head vigorously, "But I love you"

I chuckled humourously, "Love? Huh?" She nods hastily. "Then you would have thought twice before calling off the wedding"

With that, I walked pass her designating her essence. Her cries grew as I proceeded out. It took ever nerve for me not to walk back an take back all that I said, and forget the fact that I'm married to her sister.

Although I had made the commitment to marry Evelyn, I couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that lingered within me. The thought of Alice and how she had been hurt by my actions haunted me, and I couldn't help but think of her on my wedding day.

I knew that I had to put those thoughts aside and focus on the woman who was now my wife. I had made a vow to be faithful to her, and I planned to honor that commitment. Even if I didn't love her in the way that I had loved Alice, I could still show her the kindness and affection that she deserved.