Weddings are meant to be happy, right? But as I watched Shanize walking down the aisle, something strange twisted in my stomach. The whole ceremony was beautiful—almost too perfect. But there was something off, and I couldn’t shake that nagging feeling. As I finally stepped forward to adjust her gown, what I discovered stopped me cold.
I’d known Dave for over 30 years. We were childhood friends, laughing and stumbling through our awkward teenage years together. We shared everything, from secrets to dreams, and we knew each other better than anyone.
So, when he told me he’d met someone special, I was thrilled for him. That someone was Shanize—a graceful, stunning woman he’d met just a year ago. I never thought Dave would settle down, yet here we were, on his wedding day.
As the ceremony began, everything seemed picture-perfect. The decorations were exquisite, the music gentle and sweet. Shanize looked like she’d stepped right out of a fairy tale. Her gown flowed like water as she walked down the aisle, but then, a strange feeling washed over me.
At first, I told myself it was just nerves. Weddings have a way of making everyone a little jittery. But with each step she took, I noticed something odd. Her walk wasn’t what I expected—it was slow, almost hesitant. Her steps were so small, like she was afraid of tripping, yet she didn’t seem nervous. Her movements just felt… off.
I leaned over to Dave’s sister, Heather, and whispered, “Do you see that?”
Heather frowned, confused. “See what?”
“Shanize,” I murmured, nodding toward her. “She’s walking… weirdly. It’s not normal.”
Heather glanced briefly at Shanize, then rolled her eyes with a slight chuckle. “You’re overthinking it,” she said, patting my hand. “She’s probably just nervous. Let her have her moment.” Heather gave me a reassuring smile, but her words didn’t ease my worries.
As Shanize neared the altar, the odd feeling only grew stronger. Her movements were so strange, almost as if she was gliding down the aisle without touching the ground. Suddenly, I heard a soft whisper from someone behind me that sent a chill down my spine. “She’s gliding…”
It felt like a spell had been cast over me, pushing me forward. I ignored Heather’s protests and took a step toward the aisle, drawn to the hem of her gown. I had to know what was going on. Without thinking, I crouched down and lifted the edge of her gown.
What I saw beneath left me speechless: large, polished black men’s shoes. Not delicate bridal shoes or soft heels, but thick, shiny black dress shoes.
I blinked, struggling to understand. My mind raced, piecing together the unbelievable. Slowly, I looked up, my eyes meeting the face beneath the veil. Now that I was so close, the disguise was falling apart. The veil and wig had hidden it, but this wasn’t Shanize. It was a man.
A stunned silence fell over the entire church as everyone’s gaze turned toward us, realization dawning one by one. I stumbled back, my heart pounding. I looked at Dave, who was staring at me, confused and alarmed. His smile faded, replaced with fear and uncertainty. “Janice…? What’s going on?” he asked, his voice quivering.
The man beneath the veil gave a smug smile. Then, with a dramatic flourish, he removed the wig and veil, revealing his short, dark hair. “Surprise!” he said, his voice thick with satisfaction. “Didn’t see this coming, did you?”
A shocked murmur spread through the guests. Dave looked as if he were drowning, his face pale with disbelief. “Where’s Shanize?” he demanded, his voice cracking. “Where is she?!”
“She’s safe,” the imposter replied smoothly, his tone eerily calm. “But she wanted you to feel what it’s like to be blindsided.”
Dave’s face twisted in confusion. “What are you talking about?”
The man’s expression hardened, his voice cutting like ice. “She knows about you and Vanessa.” He paused, letting his words sink in. “Yeah, your little secret with the bridesmaid. She found out.”
Dave’s face drained of color, his horror slowly dawning. He glanced toward Vanessa, who sat frozen in her seat, her face a shade of gray, her hands shaking. “No… no, it’s not true,” he stammered, but his voice was weak, almost pleading.
“Oh, it’s true,” the man said coldly, his words laced with venom. “She wanted everyone to see who you really are.”
Around the church, guests were whispering, some standing in shock, others unable to tear their gaze from the scene unfolding before them. Vanessa’s gaze dropped to the floor, unable to look anyone in the eye, her body trembling.
Dave stumbled back, reaching out toward me in desperation. “Janice, please… this isn’t what it looks like!”
I looked at him, my heart heavy. “Dave,” I whispered, disappointment washing over me. “What have you done?”
The man’s voice rang out once more, final and unforgiving. “This is your punishment, Dave. For betraying her.” And with that, he turned and strode down the aisle, leaving the church in stunned silence, leaving Dave standing there, exposed and broken.
Dave’s big day, which should have been filled with love, had turned into a nightmare.
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