Weddings are supposed to be joyful, but something felt off as Shanize approached the altar. I had known Dave for over 30 years, and when he told me he was marrying Shanize, I was thrilled for him. But today, everything felt wrong.
Shanize was beautiful, walking down the aisle in a gown that made her look like she’d stepped out of a bridal magazine. But as she moved, her steps seemed strange—small and unsteady. I leaned over to Heather, Dave’s sister.
“Do you see that?” I whispered.
Heather didn’t seem to notice, brushing it off as nerves. But the way Shanize walked didn’t sit right with me. The closer she got to the altar, the more I became convinced something was wrong. Her dress wasn’t flowing naturally, and her steps appeared labored. I had to know what was going on.
Ignoring Heather’s warning to let it go, I moved closer. As I lifted the hem of Shanize’s dress, my heart dropped.
Underneath, I saw men’s shoes—polished, large shoes. A chill ran through me. I knelt down, and what I found next made my stomach turn: fabric of suit pants, hidden beneath the gown. When I looked up, my worst fear was confirmed. This wasn’t Shanize.
It was a man.
A man in a wig, disguised as the bride. My mind was reeling, but I couldn’t stop. I looked at Dave, his face frozen in confusion as he mouthed, “What’s going on?”
The man in the dress pulled off the veil and wig with a flourish, revealing short dark hair. The church erupted in murmurs.
“Surprise,” he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. “You didn’t even notice, did you?”
Dave’s face turned pale. “Where’s Shanize?” he demanded.
Bride walking down the aisle | Source: Midjourney
The man, Dave’s best friend, grinned. “She’s gone. She left days ago. But don’t worry—she knew about this. She asked me to do it.”
The air felt thick with tension. I stood, shaking, unable to process what I was hearing. Dave’s best friend had been in on this betrayal? And Shanize, who had left her wedding, was behind this cruel scheme?
The best man smiled, savoring the moment. “She wanted you to feel this, Dave. She found out about you and Vanessa.”
The words hit like a punch to the gut. Vanessa, one of the bridesmaids, had been having an affair with Dave? I glanced at her; she was sitting nearby, unable to meet anyone’s eyes.
Dave was frantic. “No, that’s not true! I didn’t—”
“Oh, but it is,” the best man interrupted. “She wanted you to know what it’s like to be blindsided.”
Dave’s face twisted in panic. “Where is she? What did you do to her?”
The best man’s eyes darkened. “She’s fine. But this is your punishment. For betraying her. For throwing away everything for a fling.”
The room was in chaos. Guests murmured, trying to make sense of what had just happened. Some were ready to leave, others still in shock. Dave stood there, broken, his hands trembling.
He looked at me, desperate. “Janice, please—this isn’t what it looks like!”
I shook my head, my heart heavy. “Dave… what have you done?”
The best man turned, leaving the altar. “This is your punishment, Dave.”
The church was silent, the weight of the moment crashing down. Dave, standing alone, shattered and exposed, was left to face the consequences of his actions.
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