Frayed Edges

The sun shone brightly on the beautifully manicured lawn of the luxurious mansion, casting a warm glow over the wedding ceremony. Zara, resplendent in her white wedding gown, stood beside Williams Brown, the rich and influential CEO of WB Shopping Mall, as they exchanged vows.

"I promise to love and cherish you, through thick and thin," Williams said, his eyes locked on Zara's.

"I promise to love and cherish you, through all the days of my life," Zara replied, her voice trembling with emotion.

As they sealed their love with a kiss, the guests erupted into cheers and applause. Patricia, Zara's employer, rushed forward to congratulate her.

"Congratulations, darling!" Patricia exclaimed as she hugged Zara tightly. "You look stunning."

"Thank you, Patricia," Zara said, her voice dripping with sweetness mixed with sadness. Zara glanced around at the sea of smiling faces. Everyone seemed so genuinely happy for her and Williams. She wished it was real. But it wasn't.

"Marriage is a thing of joy," Zara said and she decided to make it look that way. She forced a bright smile onto her face, trying to blend in with the joyful atmosphere.

Patricia smiled and suddenly frowned, her eyes showing all seriousness. "Indeed. Just don't forget what you have to do."

Zara's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "Of course, Patricia. I know what I'm doing."

The photographer called out for the family and friends to gather around for a group photo. Zara posed with them, laughing and chatting, trying to look like the happy bride she was supposed to be.

Next, it was time for the photos with just Zara and Williams. They stood together, hands clasped, as the photographer snapped away.

"Okay, now look at each other and smile," the photographer instructed.

Zara turned to Williams, forcing another smile onto her face.

'Bang!' A loud gunshot echoed through the air and as she looked into his eyes, it turned white, and then, Zara saw a splatter of blood erupt from Williams' chest onto her dress.

"AHHHHH!" Zara screamed as Williams' body crumpled to the ground.

Chaos erupted around her. Guests screamed and ran, and the sound of sirens filled the air.

"Williams! Williams!" Zara screamed; her voice hoarse with panic as she held his hands. "Za...ra.....I......" he tried to speak, but soon after, he let go of her hand. He was gone.

As Zara knelt beside Williams' lifeless body, she could still hear the chaos erupting around her, but her eyes were fixed on Williams' face, her mind struggling to comprehend what had just happened. She felt like she was in a nightmare, unable to wake up.

The sound of sirens grew louder with each passing second. Security guards rushed to the scene, trying to restore order. They pushed through the crowd, shouting for everyone to stay back.

Suddenly, Patricia rushed to her side, her face etched with concern. "Zara!" Bringing her back to reality. " Oh my God, are you okay?" she asked, kneeling beside her.

Zara shook her head, unable to speak. She felt like her body was numb and unresponsive.

Patricia wrapped her arms around Zara, holding her tightly. "It's going to be okay, Zara. The police and paramedics are here. They'll take care of everything."

Zara pulled back, her eyes searching Patricia's face. "What...what happened? Why did this happen?"

Patricia's expression turned somber. "I don't know, Zara. But we'll find out."

The paramedics arrived, rushing to Williams' side, and began to tend to his body. One of them turned to Zara, concern etched on his face.

"Ma'am, do you want to come with us to the hospital? We can check you out, make sure you're okay."

Zara shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "No, I'm...fine. I don't need to go to the hospital."

The paramedics exchanged a skeptical glance but didn't push the issue. "Okay, ma'am. But if you start to feel unwell, please don't hesitate to seek medical attention."

As the paramedics made their way out, Zara turned to Patricia and burst out. "Just...look... at what happened... We should have stopped when marriage came into the picture. Now see, I am a widow before I even got to be a wife."

Patricia looked at her, a frown etching on her face, "Don't say that. It wasn't your fault. I guess he had too many enemies."

"Okay...Okay." Zara nodded, trying to compose herself. But as she looked around, she saw a figure standing at the edge of the crowd, wearing a black mask that covered his face. He was staring straight at her, his eyes gleaming with an unnerving intensity.

Zara's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. 'Who was he?'

"Patricia, who is that?" Zara whispered, her eyes fixed on the masked figure.

Patricia followed her gaze, but she didn't seem to notice anything out of the ordinary. "Who's who?" she asked, confusion etched on her face.

Zara's eyes darted back to the figure, but he was gone. Vanished into thin air.

"Never mind," Zara said, shaking her head. "I must have imagined it."

"You're just shaken up." Let me get you some water", Patricia said as she left.

But Zara knew she hadn't imagined it. She had seen him, and she knew he had seen her too.

As the police began to take statements and secure the area, Zara couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being watched. She glanced around nervously, but there was no one suspicious in sight.

As Zara got up, processing the chaos around her, she gazed at her wedding dress, now stained with Williams' blood, she sighed. She made her way to the restroom, her mind reeling from the events.

But before she could reach for the door handle to the bathroom, a hand grabbed her arm and covered her mouth, pulling her to a corner and pinning her against the wall.

"Let's get you out of here," a low voice whispered in her ear.

"Let me go!" Zara begin to struggle, but a cold metal object was pressed against her temple.

"Don't make a sound," the voice growled. "Or you'll end up like your husband."

Zara's eyes widen in shock, her legs trembling. She tried to call for help, but her voice was drowned out by the noise of the chaos outside.

The gun pressed harder against her head, and Zara was forced to comply. She was dragged away from the mansion, her legs buckling beneath her.

She was thrown into a waiting car, the door slamming shut behind her. The car sped away, leaving the mansion and chaos behind.

Zara's world went dark as she was trapped, alone, and frightened, with no idea where she was being taken or what lay ahead.