The church fell silent as realization spread through the room. I turned to see Dave’s expression shift from joy to shock. “Janice…? What’s going on?”
The man smirked, pulling off the wig and veil to reveal his short, dark hair. “Surprise,” he said, his voice filled with satisfaction. “You didn’t even notice, did you?”
The room erupted in shocked whispers. Dave looked panicked, searching the crowd. “Where’s Shanize?!” he demanded, his voice cracking.
“She’s safe,” the man replied coolly. “But she wanted you to feel what it’s like to be blindsided.”
Dave’s face contorted in confusion. “What are you talking about?”
“She found out about you and Vanessa,” the man continued, voice sharp. “She knows about your affair with her bridesmaid.”
Dave went pale, glancing over at Vanessa, who sat frozen, her face drained of color. “No… this can’t be true,” he stammered.
“Oh, it is,” the man said, his words dripping with contempt. “Shanize wanted everyone here to see who you truly are.”
Guests were either on their feet or staring in stunned silence. Vanessa looked down, unable to meet anyone’s gaze.
Dave, desperate, reached toward me. “Janice, please… this isn’t what it looks like!”
I looked at him, feeling a deep sense of disappointment. “Dave, what have you done?”
Silence fell over the church as the man delivered his final words. “This is your punishment, Dave, for betraying her.” With that, he turned and walked out, leaving Dave standing alone—exposed, shattered, and utterly undone.