Days turned into weeks, and soon, it was only three days to Leilani's wedding to the love of her life, Atlas.
Today was supposed to be a special day, her wedding dress fittings, one of the days she had looked forward to.
She had imagined herself trying on several dresses, her face beaming
with joy, while Atlas sat nearby, his eyes glowing with pride and his smile wide as he helped her choose the perfect dress.
But when she woke up that morning, her feelings were anything but joyful. Instead of the usual excitement, all she felt was a deep, burning hatred towards him.
It all started that night at his party. She had caught him right in the act - cheating on her. And not just with anyone, but with someone she should have been able to trust; Lucia, her sister.
Leilani had walked in on them, their bodies colliding as Lucia gave him the best ride he had ever had, moaning like the bitch she was.
Atlas had cursed in between groans, enjoying the wetness of her core and the grip around his dick.
His hands were firm on both sides of her waist, eyes shut in ecstasy as she moved on top of him.
They were so into it that they did not notice someone was watching. Not even the creaking of the door as she pushed it open broke their trance.
Leilani had stood for a few seconds, frozen in shock. Her right hand clamped tightly over her mouth to prevent herself from screaming. The hair on her skin stood on end as she stared at the disgusting sight, her mind flooding with memories she'd tried hard to forget.
Never in her wildest imagination would she have thought Lucia would go the extreme by betraying her, despite all the mistreatment from her.
And Atlas? She had trusted him with her whole heart.
And to think they were to get married in two weeks.
Her breathing was quick as different thoughts ran through her head.
Just how long had it been going on?
Just how many times had they mocked her, laughed at her for being a fool to think he was really in love with her?
Her fist clenched as the anger boiled inside her. Her chest heaving as she struggled to calm herself. She wanted to confront them, right then and there, but she held back, refusing to create a scene.
She had walked away, wiping the tears that streamed her cheeks with the back of her hand.
And had leaned against a cold brick wall in the streets, sobbing uncontrollably as she reminisced over Atlas's promises.
That same night, as she lay on her small bed, her heart heavy with grief and anger, she made a decision.
She would stand up for herself,she would no longer keep mute and watch her mom and sister treat her like trash.
And as for Atlas, their relationship was over.
But Leilani didn't choose the easy path though, confronting him and ending it almost immediately.
Rather she waited for a day like today to humiliate him, to make her point in a way he would never forget.
**********
The drive to Annie's Chic, a popular bridal shop at the heart of the city was quiet. Atlas noticed Leilani's unusual mood, she was not her cheerful self.
Leilani's gaze was fixed on the road, her expression was distant and unreadable.
And when Atlas did start up a conversation, her responses were short and uninterested.
"Hey, is everything okay?" He asked, concerned. " You seemed a bit off".
" I'm fine." she replied curtly, her gaze remained fixed on the road.
Atlas sighed, deciding to let her be. He concluded she was just overwhelmed with their wedding preparations or probably some family issues.
When they arrived, the reception area was lively with chatters of excited brides to be, some with their partners by their side.
Leilani noticed their bright smiles and glowing faces, feeling none of the same happiness.
A receptionist welcomed and offered them a vacant seat at the waiting area where they sat in silence.
Atlas tried holding her hand a few times but each time, she deliberately pulled hers away.
Soon, it was their turn and they were ushered into a private fitting room where the attendants helped Leilani into a beautiful silk white wedding dress.
"Ma'am, please look into the mirror" one of the attendants said to her with a smile as she zipped up the dress that hugged Leilani's curves perfectly.
Leilani was so lost in thoughts that she didn't realize when the fitting was done. She turned to the mirror, her reflection staring back at her.
The dress was…..well, stunning and she couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips, but the sadness in her eyes remained there.
"Would you like to hold a bouquet?" Another attendant asked, holding one out.
"Sure," Leilani replied softly, taking it from her.
"Oh…. my. You've got beautiful shoulders ma'am" A third attendant exclaimed as she walked into the room "you would look great in something with a deeper cut".
" Thanks" Leilani forced a smile.
"Or maybe your mother wanted something modest? Either way it's best you listen to her.
Leilani simply nodded wishing the lady would stop talking. Thankfully, she did.
"Ma'am, let's head out so your groom can see you" One of the attendants said, as she adjusted the hem of her dress.
"Alright" Leilani's tone was flat.
She then walked out of the fitting room, with two of the attendants holding out the curtains.
Atlas raised his head as she stepped out, his eyes lit and his mouth fell open slightly.
She was damn gorgeous and he couldn't help it.
"Wow" he exclaimed, the admiration clear in his voice.
"Babe, you look stunning. I think we should go with this. Or do you wanna try another?"
Leilani completely ignored his compliment as she locked eyes with him. She did not say anything as her eyes grew darker, the corner of her lips raised in a mischievous smirk.
Then she turned to one of the ladies who wore a happy grin.
"How many people got married after trying on dresses here?"
"Oh…there were too many to count," the woman replied.
"And what about weddings that were called off?
The woman's grin faltered for a moment as she exchanged nervous glances at the other attendants.
Atlas, surprised at her sudden questions, looked up from his phone.
"None that I know of, ma'am. Why do you ask?"
Leilani finally turned to Atlas, that mischievous smirk still intact
" Looks like I'll be the first".
"Babe, what do you mean? Atlas asked, his brows furrowed in confusion.
Leilani strode towards him, stopping just in front of him. Ignoring his expression, she reached into the pocket of his suit and pulled out a pen.
Then, she leaned down and forced the pen into the fabric, creating a small hole in the dress.
She then forced her fingers into it and began shredding the dress from the mid thigh to the hem.
"Ma'am" The attendants gasped horrified by her sudden actions.
"What's going babe? What are you doing? Atlas asked, eyes widened.
Leilani couldn't help but hiss. Babe? He's got the nerves to call her that right now.
Without a word, she picked the bouquet she dropped on the couch and began ruffling his hair with it.
She lets out a crazy laugh at the outcome, how messy his hair had become.
"It's to celebrate our breakup"
"What? Atlas exclaimed, his eyes wide as if they wanted to pop out of its socket.
" Yes, dar...ling" she drawled, forcing the disorganized bouquet into his hand.
She took a few steps back, her mouth formed an "O" as she faked an admiration
"Oh my goshhhhhh, you look better as the bride" she exclaimed and continued her laughter.
Atlas sat, feeling a mix of shock and embarrassment. From the corner of his eyes, he could see as the attendants tried so hard to hide their amusement.
Leilani made to leave afterwards, she was a few steps to the door when Atlas rushed towards her and pulled her hand, causing her to halt.
"What has gotten into you? Tell me whatever it is. If you're upset, we should talk about it" Atlas was pissed as he spoke.
"I don't have the time. I don't have any more minutes to waste with you" Leilani replied nonchalantly.
What? Atlas gasped, at her nonchalant attitude. He had never seen that side of her before, infact she wasn't known to be like that. He was still trying to wrap his head around her strange behavior.
"Then" he paused a little to calm his nerves " where are you rushing to?
" To announce our breakup to my family and to the one you love. Lucia"
With that, she yanked his hand from hers and stormed out, leaving him flabbergasted.