The soft morning light spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Aria Bennett’s bridal suite, bathing the room in a warm golden glow. White roses filled every corner, their sweet fragrance mixing with the scent of fresh perfume.
Today was supposed to be the happiest day of her life.
Her wedding day.
She stood in front of the mirror, staring at the woman in the elegant white gown. The dress was perfect. The veil shimmered. Every detail had been planned months in advance.
Yet something inside her refused to celebrate.
A strange ache settled in her chest.
“You look absolutely beautiful.”
Her mother walked behind her, gently adjusting the veil before smiling proudly.
“Daniel is the luckiest man alive.”
Aria forced herself to smile.
“I hope so.”
Her mother noticed the hesitation.
“Are you nervous?”
“A little.”
“Every bride is.”
But Aria knew this wasn’t ordinary nervousness.
For weeks she had been having the same dream.
A man whose face she could never see.
Each night he whispered the same words.
“Don’t forget me.”
She always woke before she could ask who he was.
A knock sounded on the door.
“It’s time.”
Her father smiled as he held out his arm.
“Ready, princess?”
She inhaled deeply.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Minutes later…
The church doors slowly opened.
The guests stood.
Soft music echoed through the grand hall.
Daniel Carter waited confidently at the altar wearing a tailored black tuxedo.
He smiled the moment he saw her.
Everyone admired them.
They looked like the perfect couple.
Aria walked forward one step at a time, trying to silence the strange feeling growing inside her.
When she reached the altar, Daniel gently squeezed her hand.
“You look incredible.”
“So do you.”
The priest smiled warmly.
“We are gathered here today to witness the union of Daniel Carter and Aria Bennett…”
Before he could continue—
The massive church doors slammed open.
The loud sound echoed across the silent hall.
Everyone turned.
A tall man dressed in a black suit stood at the entrance.
Rainwater dripped from his coat.
His dark eyes locked onto Aria.
Without saying a word, he began walking toward her.
Each step echoed through the church.
Daniel frowned.
“Excuse me? This is a private wedding.”
The stranger ignored him.
He stopped only a few feet away from Aria.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Then he looked into her eyes.
Pain.
Love.
Regret.
All three emotions were written across his face.
Finally, he spoke.
“Don’t marry him.”
The entire church gasped.
Daniel stepped forward angrily.
“Who are you?”
The stranger never looked away from Aria.
Instead, he quietly reached into his pocket and handed her a small cream-colored envelope.
“If you want the truth…”
His voice was calm but filled with emotion.
“…open this after I leave.”
Aria stared at him, confused.
“I don’t even know you.”
His expression broke for a split second.
“You did once.”
Before anyone could stop him, he turned around and walked out into the rain.
The church remained frozen in silence.
Daniel quickly grabbed Aria’s arm.
“Throw that away.”
His voice trembled.
“He’s lying.”
Aria slowly looked down at the envelope in her hands.
Across the front were four handwritten words.
Before You Loved Me.
Her heart skipped a beat.
For reasons she couldn’t explain…
Those words felt familiar.
To be continued……….