My gown is a hand me down from my mother, Josephine: the white gown is elegant, a combination of silk and lace that seemed to shine in the light.The fabric was smooth to the touch, with ancient delicate embroidery that resembled snowflakes patterns

As I slipped into the gown, it seemed to come alive, hugging my curves and I felt ten times more beautiful. My Mother’s eyes welled up with tears as she tightened the corset, her fingers trembling with emotion.

“My dear this gown is more than just a dress – it is a family heirloom, a symbol of love and tradition passed down through generations. My grandmother had worn it on her own wedding dinner party, and now she passed it down to her daughter my mother who passed it to me

As I gaze into the mirror, my eyes shines with unshed tears, while my mother tears flows down her beautiful face

“The white gown was a reminder that beauty, love, and family were forever connected”.

“But Mother this dress has so many memories, I didn’t get married to the man you and father wanted so I don’t deserve this dress, but I must admit the dress is so lovely”

“I know dear but I just feel like you should wear it today, I can’t shake the feeling of bad omen I feel like something bad is about to happen”

“No Mother don’t say that, our happiness is only starting” The Greek Gods seemed to have heard this

“Today is also special for you Mother , it’s your twentieth anniversary with Father and you look stunning, well let’s go downstairs it’s already late.

Everyday there are lots of people in Karamel mansion, some for business purposes, some as family members and friends seeking for perks and help for my family, my Father is a well known philanthropist but today the Family room is crowded with friends, well wishers family members as well as haters as my Mother and I walk down the steps to the middle of the room they all cheer and clap

My Father stood tall, his eyes shining with pride and joy, as he raised his glass in a toast. His strong hand held the glass cup. The glass was filled with a rich, amber liquid, Mother’s favorite wine .

With a dark face, he gazes at me, his sour face is replaced by a smile as his eyes then shift to his wife, his partner in love and life, it’s their anniversary and my wedding dinner party. The room is filled with the soft glow of candles, the fragrance of flowers, and the gentle hum of happy conversations.

I could also hear the low murmurs and people stealing glances at me, well that’s what I get for marrying against my parents wishes

As he raised his glass, the light dimmed, the spotlight on him. His voice is filled with emotion as he speaks, his words a heartfelt tribute to the love of his life.

"To my beautiful daughter, may your marriage be what you hope it is, I wish all of your dreams come true," he said, his voice stiff with anger.

"And to my lovely wife, our anniversary is a celebration of our love, which only grows stronger with each passing day. Cheers to many more years of love, laughter, and adventures together!" The glass sparkled like a diamond as he raised it higher, its contents glinting like liquid gold.

“Awwn thanks Honey, I love you so much, cheers they hug and kiss admits the loud claps

“Father, I love you as well and happy anniversary” he looks at me without answering my good wishes.The room erupted in a chorus of

"Cheers!" and "Congratulations!" My face beamed with joy, my eyes shining like stars as I gazed at my parents. Mother’s eyes misted with happy tears, her smile glowing as she leaned in to kiss her husband.

The guests gathered around, offering warm embraces and heartfelt congratulations and obvious fake wishes . The room is filled with the clinking of glasses, the popping of champagne corks, and the sweet sound of laughter.

As the celebration unfolded, I was enveloped in a bear hug by my husband. He had left earlier and said he had business to attend to. He missed the toast but I’m so glad he’s back now.

The colorful balloons and gifts he brought added to the festive atmosphere, we didn’t have the privacy to talk as we took a seat .

Mother and Father share a romantic dance, their movements graceful and harmonious, I stare at them lost in thoughts wishing that my marriage would enjoy this kind of relationship, I clasp my fingers around Damien and rest my head on his shoulders.

The room is full of people, flowers, candles, and confetti adding to the merriment. The air is filled with the sweet scent of cake and the low sound of Soulful music.

The night comes to a close and for once all guests leave, as the last guest departed, Father walks up to I and Damien

“Well congratulations to you,but I hope you remember that from today you…....”

“Father I remember, I’m married now so I’m taking my husband’s name” Damien’s hold on my hand tightens as I hold back my tears

“You stubborn child, I was about to say you now have new responsibilities, anyways this house is yours, mind you your mom insisted” I was about to refuse but my Mother’s eyes were pleading

“Thank you Father we appreciate” I nudge Damien to collect the key Father glares at him then drops the key on the ground and turns to leave with Mother who hugs and whispers something to me and they leave.

We find ourselves alone, for the first time since the wedding

“Damien, Mother said she made preparations for us and it’s on the rooftop, so let’s go”

we go to the rooftop where it’s already decorated in candlelights and a romantic dinner setup with candles, flowers, and fine dining soft music playing in the background and beautiful view of the city, and the sky the stars seems to twinkle

It is a peaceful and romantic setting to celebrate our union, just the two of us. I'm so happy Mother made this arrangement .

The night’s cool breeze makes me shiver and Damien takes his suit off and places it around my shoulders and my cheeks turn bright pink. The way Damien is looking at me now makes me want to disappear.

My heart is throbbing faster, his eyes locked onto mine. He reaches for my hand, his fingers intertwined with mine, as he places a tender kiss on my forehead I place my head on his broad chest in tight embrace, stealing glances at him, his smiles making me blush harder .

The air is heavy with the scent of roses and other sweet scents I can’t tell because my brain is giddy with excitement wondering how this night is going to be.

The world outside melted away, leaving only the soft music and our heartbeats.

I can hear Damien’s breath as if nervous. We were both nervous; it's as if time stood still, and all that mattered was this moment . I wish with all my heart that I have this kind of love for myself for all eternity but the main event of the night is about to begin.

Damien places his hand on my waist as move to slow salsa and whispers sweet words into my ears and I giggle he ends the dance with a passionate kiss

“Salome ka… sorry Salome Damien have something to say”, I’m anxious as ever to hear what he has to say

“My heart, you’ve been there even when I push you away, when I’m not at my best, you’re my supporter, my love you make me want to marry you over and over again with you I don’t feel like I ever need to pretend or feel less of myself because you complete me your the evidence that wishes do come true you’re a blessing to me” tears glistened in my eyes, unable to control my sobs after a long hug i reply him

“Mine being with you has been the best days of my life, you brought the happiness that no one else could make me feel you make me feel loved, precious, and valued. I love you and I’m going to continue loving you till death do us part it’s together forever in love Mine, nothing less”

By now the tears are pouring down my face and I can barely control my sob, I’m a crying mess even Damien has his eyes misty we proceed to the bedroom my heart beat was about to jump out of my chest

The room has all my favorite colors and the bed lined with flowers

“ Thanks Mother, you’re the best” I mutter under my breath

“ Hey baby did you say something”

“No, I didn't….” I couldn’t complete my words because Damien starts undressing me, blushing deep pink without moving as if I’m rooted to the ground, he carries me and places me in the bed while caressing and kissing everywhere on my body, whispering sweet nothings I push him off and turn away

“What’s wrong baby, this isn’t our…”

“Don’t say it please” my whole mood has changed immediately to moody and sad

“I’m……, just that it’s our wedding night, I understand if… good night” I feel guilty immediately it’s not like I’m avoiding him I’m just not settled and I’m still hurting from…”

“ Hey don’t stand over there come sleep it’s ok, I understand” I walk over to him and kiss him fervently

“ Shhhhh, it’s ok I’m ready” we both crash in the bed and my moans echoes round the room and soon enough I fall asleep with my head on Damien’s chest

I wake up in the early hours of the morning, when it's still dark outside, and sense something is off.

My heart is racing, and my senses on high alert, lying in bed, listening to the silence, and I realize that the house is quiet but there are weird sounds as well but it’s only Damien and I in the house, stealing a quick glance at Damien, who's still fast asleep, and tap him but receive no response that’s when I remove the sheets to find pillows covered with duvet

“Where is he? I’m starting to feel afraid as I realize that someone or something is moving around the house.

I slowly get out of bed, my heart pounding in my chest, and decide to investigate moving quietly through the dark house, I reach the living room and switch the lights on

“Oh my, how did this vase break” I try to clean it up put it pierces my hand Mother’s word rings in my head “I can’t shake the feeling of bad omen’’

Maybe she’s right but I’m not really a fan of these ancient beliefs and practices but I also can’t say… this weird feelings, it’s probably fatigue

“Stop bugging yourself it’s nothing, you’re just stressed and it’s been a long night you need a good night sleep” i mutter to myself, then there’s the faint howl of an Owl, thought Owls are weird birds how come….first my Mother worries about some omen, then a vase breaks now an Owl I’m probably overreacting maybe Damien had an early morning call plus I’m still sleepy. But then I hear strange sounds

That's when I saw them, Damien held at gunpoint or something that looked like a gun by figures clothed in black robes. The intruders' faces were covered by masks that seemed to be a twist between a funny face and an evil smile with bulging eyes.

The figures ten In number were armed to the teeth with knives, guns and lots of weapons, their bodies covered in their black robes.

Damien’s eyes locked onto mine, his face white as if he lost all his blood . I knew I had to act, but what do I do? my legs are heavy, I’m unable to scream.

The leader of the masked figures turned to me, i

“Get on the floor now, if you want to live”

“Who…wh..who are you”