Worst Day

Scarlett’s Point of View

The moment I had been dreading had finally arrived; for a second, I really thought they would postpone the wedding day. I had thought they would call it off since my sister had passed away, but who am I kidding? They are all just like Asher, cruel and heartless. They simply don't care about anyone's feelings. Tears pricked the corners of my eyes, a dull ache throbbing in my chest, a hollow feeling…

I tried to convince myself that I was ready for this, to protect my family against Asher, but my mind was a jumble of thoughts, each one tangled in the next.

Was I ready to spend the rest of my life with the man I don't love? Was it all worth it, especially on my sister's funeral day? No matter what, I'd wandered through life, lost and alone, without a sense of happiness. Once I'm married to Asher, I will drown in a sea of sorrows; no one is going to save me, no matter what.

“Scarlett, where is Asher?” I turned my attention to Granny. She cradled little Ashley in her arms, concern etched on her face, as I jolted back to reality, taking in the empty space beside me at the altar.

I had hoped he wouldn't come; I'd prayed he had changed his mind. I wished someone would tell me that Asher had eloped with someone else. I would be forever grateful if that were to happen, but who am I kidding?

The sound of footsteps echoed through the church corridor, heralding his entrance. He walked in, radiating confidence, authority, and power. I felt a solitary tear roll down my cheek, and I swiftly wiped it away, my world crumbling.

The ceremony started; I could hear the priest talking, but his words fell on deaf ears. Numbness spread through me, a sense of disconnection. I just wanted someone to come and tell me to wake up because I was having a terrible nightmare, that it was all a dream, and that my life was different, that my sister was alive, and I wasn't getting married to her supposed-to-be husband, but no one came. This was my reality…

“Do you, Scarlynn Blackwood, take Asher Black as your lawful husband and promise to love, cherish, and respect?” The priest’s words echoed in my mind more than they should; it was like I was listening to the most disturbing song fresh from a horror movie.

“Miss Scarlynn…” The priest called out my name; a lump formed in my throat, and I swallowed painfully hard, a sense of hopelessness washing over me, leaving me lost.

“I do…” I forced the words out of my mouth; my eyelids were heavy, and tears pricked, threatening to spill over.

“Do you, Asher Black, take Scarlynn Blackwood as your lawful wife and promise to love, protect, cherish, and respect?” The priest repeated his questions. Asher’s eyes locked with mine. I desperately wanted him to say no. I wished I could tell him the truth; maybe, just maybe, he might call this wedding off. All my hopes were crushed when Asher said, “I do.”

“I now pronounce you husband and wife; you may kiss the bride.” The tears I had been trying to hold back streamed down my cheeks, their salty taste lingering in my mouth. Asher leaned closer and placed a kiss on my cheek. With that, I turned and ran through the corridor, heading out of the church. I needed to be alone; I needed to vent all my frustration somehow.

My sobs filled the air, my screams echoing, tears streaming down my face. I couldn't contain my emotions any longer; it was unbearable. My chest constricted, making it hard to breathe. I had been trying to control my feelings for too long, but now I couldn't do it anymore. I'm only human, with emotions too. I couldn't pretend to be strong and smile after getting married while my sister was being buried. This day would haunt me for the rest of my life.

I pushed everything off the bathroom counter, sending items crashing to the ground - glasses shattering and water splashing everywhere. Thirty minutes of tears had passed, and I finally felt a bit better.

I wiped my tears away and composed myself. I washed my face, then dried it with a tissue towel, grateful that I hadn't applied any makeup except for lipstick. I took a deep breath, grasped the door handle, and swung the door open. I stepped out, my brows furrowing as I saw Asher standing by the entrance, little Asherly cradled in his arms.

“You?" My eyebrow furrowed. "What are you doing here?" My mind swirled with questions. I hoped he didn't hear me. Out of all people, I wouldn't want this jerk to see me breaking.

Asher loomed beside me, and standing close to him made me hate my height. He made me look like a small teen girl. "Are you surprised to see your husband and your child?" Asher's voice dripped with sarcasm, a hidden message in his words that I couldn't understand, nor did I have the strength to try.

I decided to ignore him. I took little Asherly in my arms, her small fingers intertwined with mine. A faint smile played on my lips, my eyes betraying a hint of sadness. Asherly was slowly becoming a light in my dark world, a gentle and soothing feeling.

"My little Star, did you miss me?" I asked softly. As silly as I sounded, I knew she understood. She was actually getting used to my presence. I wished she could smile already and brighten my world with her innocent smile.

Silence fell inside the car on our way back home, none of us uttering a word. Asher wanted to take me to the hotel where everyone had gone for lunch, but I wasn't interested. I just wanted to sleep and gather my thoughts.

A few minutes later, we were walking upstairs, reaching our house. He pushed the door open, and my eyes widened at the scene that welcomed me in the kitchen.