THE REBIRTH OF THE BETRAYED VILLAIN

“Hold still,”

Tessa murmured, adjusting the delicate pearl clasp at the nape of my neck. Her fingers were steady, practiced, like they’d done this a hundred times. “You keep fidgeting.”

“I’m nervous,” I whispered, staring at my reflection. “I’m getting married, Tess.”

Her eyes met mine in the mirror. “You’re glowing.”

I tried to smile, but it wobbled.

The dress was everything I’d dreamed of soft ivory, fitted bodice, layers of tulle that floated when I turned. My hair was twisted into a low bun, wisps curled around my face like a romantic daydream. I should have felt beautiful. I should have felt ready.

But something tugged at the edge of my thoughts like a shadow I couldn’t shake.

“You love him,” Tessa said softly, brushing her hands over my shoulders. “And he loves you. That’s all that matters.”

I nodded, even though a flicker of doubt sparked in my chest. “Yeah… I know.”

We had been friends since we were ten. Tessa knew every version of me, awkward, heartbroken, stubborn. She’d been there through every breakup, every bad haircut, every lost job. She was the one who introduced me to Liam.

And now, she was standing beside me as I promised forever to him.

“Do you ever think…” I paused, fingers tightening around the bouquet. “Do you ever think it’s all happening too fast?”

Her smile didn’t falter. “It’s love, babe. It’s supposed to feel like that.”

But her hands lingered too long on my waist. Her eyes flicked to the diamond ring on my finger with something I couldn’t quite name.

I blamed the nerves. I should have listened to them but not now.

The knock on the door broke the silence. “Five minutes, ladies!”

Tessa squealed softly. “You’re about to become a wife!”

She hugged me tightly, her perfume dizzyingly sweet. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispered into my ear. “You deserve this. You really do.”

And still, something in her voice sent a chill down my spine.

As I walked down the aisle, my hand looped through my father’s arm, all I could see was Liam waiting at the altar. Smiling. Perfect. Mine.

The vows passed in a blur.

I barely remembered the words, only the way Liam looked at me when he said forever. Only the way my heart stuttered, not with joy, but something heavier, dread.

He kissed me, soft and slow, and the guests erupted into applause. Tessa stood nearby, hands clasped, her smile perfect.

But her eyes…

They weren’t happy. I really didn't know why she wasn't happy right now after watching me kiss Liam.

We were best friends. This day should’ve meant something to her too. She was the one who said I was glowing, who zipped up my dress, who stood by me through every mistake, every heartbreak especially the ones caused by him.

Maybe it was the nerves again. Maybe it was the dress, too tight around my ribs, making it hard to breathe.

That night, after the dancing and the champagne, I slipped away from the crowd. The beach behind the venue was quiet, the waves hushed and silver beneath the moonlight. I needed air. I needed space to breathe, to process the whirlwind.

I didn’t hear the footsteps until they were behind me.

“Hey,” Tessa said sweetly, slipping up beside me. “There you are,” she said, her voice too light. “I was worried you’d gotten cold feet… post-wedding.”

I laughed, but it sounded wrong in my throat. “Just needed a breather. Everything’s happening so fast.”

She leaned closer. “I get it. But there’s something you need to see.” Her fingers wrapped around mine. Tight. “Come on. He’s waiting for you.”