The entire church fell silent.
“Janice…?” Dave’s voice wavered from the altar, his happiness dissolving into confusion.
I stood up, trembling, and locked eyes with him. I couldn’t find the words to explain.
Everyone remained frozen, staring at the man dressed as the bride. The tension in the air was palpable, as if the world was about to implode.
Then the imposter smirked, pulling off the veil and wig with a dramatic flourish. Gasps erupted throughout the church as short, dark hair was revealed underneath.
“Surprise,” the man said smugly. “You didn’t even notice, did you?”
Dave staggered back, his face pale. “What… what is this? Where’s Shanize?”
The man, who had been Dave’s best man, chuckled. “She’s gone, Dave. Left days ago. But don’t worry, she asked me to do this.”
Whispers of disbelief spread through the crowd, but the best man’s smirk didn’t fade. “She wanted you to feel what it’s like to be blindsided.”
Dave’s expression twisted in confusion. “What are you talking about?”
“She found out, Dave,” the best man said with a sneer. “About you and Vanessa, the bridesmaid. Shanize knew.”
The air left the room. Dave’s face drained of color, and horror clouded his eyes. “No… no, that’s not true.”
“Oh, it is,” the best man continued, his tone dripping with malice. “She could’ve called off the wedding, but where’s the fun in that? She wanted everyone to see the real you.”
Chaos erupted. Guests whispered frantically, some standing to leave while others stared in disbelief at the unfolding scene. I glanced at Vanessa, her face pale and hands trembling.
“None of this is happening!” Dave shouted in desperation.
But the best man stepped closer, his voice sharp. “It’s happening, Dave. You betrayed her, and now you’re paying for it.”
The room erupted into a frenzy. Dave looked at me, pleading for understanding. “Janice, please…”
I shook my head, heartbroken. “Dave, what have you done?”
The church fell silent as the best man’s cold voice pierced the tension. “This is your punishment, Dave. For what you did to her.”
With that, he walked away, leaving Dave standing alone—broken, exposed, and shattered.