Shattered Vow

nt Hotel. A mild melody played from the string quartet in the corner, blending seamlessly with the gentle hum of excited whispers. The chan

gown hugged her slender frame, the lace bodice intricately embroidered with tiny pearls. A veil of the finest tulle cascaded down

ce barely above a breath. Everything about her

honor, adjusted the folds of the gow

"Do you think Mason wi

onally slap him for being an emotionless fool

she was a little girl, playing pretend weddings with her dolls. And now, here

, you look breathtaking my little girl is now a bride." She cupped Kimber

passed away five years ago, leaving a void nothing

g a kiss to her forehead. "He's

peeked in. "We're ready, ma'am. The guests are seated, and Mason sho

d sharply. This

of white peonies and blush roses, and hande

were an anchor. Excitement mixed with nerves

he music changed. The first notes of Canon in D filled th

altar. He should have been there, standing tall in h

he w

he should have

the crowd. Confused

be he was just running late? M

ose face had turned pale.

with her clipboard. "I,I don

rly. This had to be a mistake. Mason

e's supposed to be here, he can't do this to me,

nreadable, lips pressed into a tight line. "Maybe he got stuck

er hand. "Sweetheart, let's wait a f

The whispers g

. She felt like she was standing at the edge of a cliff,

pping aside. Kimberly's eyes locked onto her, s

ed back, her face

rly... I,I just spoke

ed, the atmosp

iranda said, her voi

ly like a violent wave, knock

co

co

d in her skull,

ad. "No... that

as full of pity.

ing in shock. Kimberly felt her mother's grip tighten a

ell is wrong with him? He just... decided n

best man said Mason...

stamina, she couldn't feel her legs anymore. Sam

y's voice was bare

ooked a flight. No on

ough her, knocking th

? W

man. She had built a life arou

lurred. Her

anda. "Did he say a

as if unsure whether she should say

id, 'Tell Kimberly I'm sorry. I can't do this

ed sound left Ki

was all he

s was supposed to be her wedding day, the day she has long dreamt of.

yes, but she refus

her shoulders. "Kim, say the

h, one that didn't reach her e

y stepped back. She couldn't breathe. The walls were clos

nother word, sh

gown trailing behind her. The sound of heels clicking against the marb

ys, past the confused hotel st

nd into the open air. The city skyline str

ressed a hand to her chest, as if

sn't ha

s a nig

n't know ho