Instead of feeling comforted by the filtered morning light through the penthouse curtains and the gentle rustle of silk sheets, Heather Parker sat numbly at the edge of the bed.
Her wedding gown, a stunning work of hand-stitched lace and crystal that she had picked out months ago for a day she once believed she wanted, hung unworn in its designer clothing bag.
Now, hours before she was supposed to walk down the aisle and become Heather Hudson, her heart thudded in a rhythm not of joy… but of guilt.
Her reflection in the mirror stared back at her, flawless skin, high cheekbones, a woman with everything, but on the inside, she felt like a fraud. "I shouldn't be here," she said quietly, her fingers gripping the edge of the vanity. Edward Reed stirred behind her, asking, "Are you going to call him?" His voice was confident and lazy, as if this were all a lie, just another adventure. Heather didn't answer right away.
With a sly smile, Edward got out of bed and walked up to her from behind, his chiseled body casually draped in one of the hotel's robes. "You say that every time," he whispered, brushing her hair off her shoulder, "but you always come back." Heather closed her eyes, realizing that he was right—and that scared her. She had met Michael in college, when she was still figuring herself out. He had been charismatic, driven, and already destined for greatness, and loving him had been easy, but being loved by him? Overwhelming.
She was his equal and his future, according to Michael Hudson. He desired a spouse, a legacy, and a partner. Furthermore, Heather wasn't certain she wanted any of it. Not yet, anyway.
She had put a lot of effort into her career, making a name for herself in fashion public relations and overcoming the influence of her parents. Michael's world felt like a lifeline for a very long time. Now, though, it felt like a gold cage.
Edward had slipped into the widening gap between her actual self and Michael's expectations of her. He offered her something Michael never did: an escape. He was charming, dangerous, and devoid of promises.
The escape had now gone too far.
"Do you believe he has any suspicions?" Edward leaned against the vanity and asked.
Heather gave a headshake. "Michael has faith in everyone." He has faith in them. This will therefore ruin him.
A half-smile formed on Edward's lips. "Don't marry him, then. Your decision has already been made"
She gave it a quick glance. "You believe this to be simple? He's Michael. I have never been harmed by him. He is worthy of better.
He said, "But not enough for you to stop coming back to me," in a steely yet silky voice.
Between them, silence descended. heavy. Telling.
On the nightstand, Heather's cell phone buzzed. Her heart fell.
Unknown figure.
She didn't have to double-check. It was the driver for Michael. He waited.
Anxiety swept through her.
She could still make it if she left now. Put on her dress. Recite the vows. Turn into Mrs. Hudson. And nobody would ever be aware of it.
However, she would.
And that was the issue.
With a start, Heather got up and paced the room. "I'm not capable of it. If I'm not sure, I can't marry him."
Edward crossed his arms and stepped back. "Then don't."
Her eyes flashed as she turned to face him. "You believe this to be about you?"
Calmly, he said, "No." "But I believe that this is about you being honest with yourself and with him at last."
Heather took another look at the phone. Buzzing still.
She inhaled deeply before picking it up and turning it off.
She then started crying while sitting on the bed.
It's not that she didn't care for Michael. However, she knew in her heart that love was insufficient. Not with her heart this split. Not when the truth was going to be revealed.
Somewhere across the city, Michael was waiting.
And Heather… wasn't coming.