SHADOWED DECEPTION

Flora's POV

In my 25 years of living, I never thought that I'd be getting married to the love of my life. While I was in high school, I had a childhood heartthrob, Michael Brooks, who I thought I'd be spending the rest of my life with, but he messed up big time. I loved him with everything I had, but he betrayed me. He cheated on me with my high school classmate, who I'm very sure isn't as beautiful as I am. I've always despised cheaters because they cause nothing but trouble in the life of their partner. Michael was not only a cheat, but also a drug addict, who tend to beat me up whenever he gets intoxicated. He forgets everything, and acts unreasonably whenever he takes the hard drugs. We were a loving couple back in the days in high school even with his deportment, until we graduated from high school and the level of his delinquency increased due to his idleness.

Our once loving and admired relationship, turned into a very toxic one, which almost took my life. I was so afraid of leaving him back then, because he always threatened to kill me if I ever left him.

My life was in jeopardy, until I met Stanley. Stanley was the saving grace I had, have, and will always have. He saved me from my previous toxic relationship.

I can vividly remember our first contact with each other. I went to a bar with Michael to celebrate our sixth year anniversary. The hang out was going smoothly until Michael decided to get himself high. Then he started misbehaving. Because I was used to it, I didn't even flinch one bit when he started hitting me. I was enduring the pains he inflicted on me, until I noticed a tall handsome man holding and beating Michael up. This is the first time someone actually came to my aid. When ever Michael beats me, people only stand to look and watch the scene going on. They've never tried to stop him because they were scared of him assault them as well. So when I realized that a gentleman actually helped me that day, I didn't only feel thankful, but also, I felt my heart beat another kind of rhythm that day.

This man looks so handsome, rich, attractive and hottt. He introduced himself as Stanley Davis while I was still wrenching in pain on the ground.

I later found out he was one of the richest and powerful CEO in the city which rendered me speechless.

"Hope you're good?", he asked me that night, his voice so deep and soothing that I nearly forgot how to breathe. He is surely a God sent.

He later drove me home, and asked for my contact. He made sure Michael was arrested for his domestic violence.

And that was how we began a journey we never knew would come this far.

It's four years since we started our captivated relationship, and now, our wedding is in three days time!! A stranger to a Saviour, and now a soon to be husband

Isn't that great?!!

I thought it only happens in love movies and romance novels, but I happened to witness one myself.

Stanley was everything I have always wanted and prayed to God for. He is a teacher, my best friend, my best companion, and everything I know that is good in this world.

He is my consolation price sent to me from God after the numerous heartaches I felt while I was still with Michael.

gurrrrrrrrrrrr

"Oh my God, I can't believe I'm hungry again!!", I exclaimed after snapping out from my trance state

I just ate not quite long, and now I'm hungry again. Oh my goodness

I ran to the kitchen to go prepare myself something to eat. Getting to the kitchen, I discovered I had nothing left to eat.

"I really need to go grocery shopping soon", I murmured to myself while I was confused and exhausted from the preparation of the wedding ceremony.

"What do I eat now that the kitchen is empty" I thought with a regretful face

While I was still deciding on what to eat, my phone rang and when I checked who it was, Lo and behold, it's Jessica, my best friend who traveled overseas six months ago

Hastenly, and happily, I picked up the call

"Heyyy, Jess, how're you doing?", I asked, my voice tinged with happiness

"I'm good Lora, how about you?", she said

From her voice, it shows a little bit of guilt and happiness simultaneously

"I'm fine", I began. "You haven't been picking up my calls since you left. It's unfair you know", my voice laced with sadness

"I'm very sorry sweetie, work has been hectic over here but don't worry I'll make it up to you. I promise", she said

"And how exactly do you intend to make it up to me?", I asked her, my voice tinged with curiosity and eagerness to know what she is planning.

"Guess what baby, I'm back!!", she dropped the bombshell

She must be joking right?

"What? Seriously?", I began, my voice sounding so doubting. "You said you'd only come back once you're done with your project, and that's like, 6 months away from now"

"Well, baby, how do you expect me to miss your wedding? ehn?", she said. "Of course, I have to come back to celebrate with my baby Lora on her big day!!

Silly"

I really can't believe this! Wow!

"Jess you're surely the best!!, you're such a darling, sincerely speaking", I said , my voice cracking because I was on the verge of shedding tears, "this has to be the happiest news today" I thought as I used my hand to wipe away the little tear coming from my eye

I felt so emotional, because I never expected her to come back to attend my wedding. Of course, she's supposed to since she's my best friend, but coming all the way from another country just to attend my wedding was really heartwarming for me. She traveled for business reason, and I'm very sure she must be very busy with that, but she still took out time for me

"You're the best!!", I told her again

"It's okay please, You're making me uncomfortable"

"Oh Jessica, you're really unbelievable", I chuckled, while sniffing

I've forgotten Jessica doesn't like it when I thank her. She always says 'Thank you and Sorry isn't necessary in a very close friendship'

But, I must say, in this context, it is very needed.

"So, it's decided. I'm your chief bride's maid", she concluded herself, making me laugh out loud

I'd choose Jessica as my chief bride's maid over anybody, but since she traveled, I had to chose someone else.

But, now she's going to be present, the role must surely go back to her

"Of course, you are!!",I told her, my voice tinged with lots of happiness

"Good then", she chuckled

"So baby, let's meet up", she said. 'I'd be waiting for you at Skyline bar. Let's celebrate your last 3 nights as a single bitch like me!!"

"Yeah, sure. I'd be there in 30 minutes", I informed her

"Alright baby, love you", she told me, her voice laced with happiness

"Love you too", I said then ended the call

Thank goodness, now I'd eat out and enjoy myself with my best friend

I rushed to the bathroom to freshen up and went to select the clothes I'd wear to meet up with my darling Jessica

After ten minutes of preparing, I stood in front of the mirror to look at myself with a beautiful skimpy blue gown I wore while humming to one of Sia's songs; Unstoppable.

I looked at myself one last time before I sent Stanley a text message, telling him that I'd be going out with Jessica and I'd be back by 11 PM with a love emoji. I'd have loved to call him, but I was very sure he'd be very busy at work.

I left the house with a happy mood once I was very sure I had locked everywhere properly.

If I was actually aware that something terrible would have happened to me during my hang out with Jessica, I wouldn't have left the house. My once happy life turned into a miserable one filled with nightmares that left a big scar on my life and dignity