Chapter 1
“Showtime,” Lena said to herself as she looked at her image in the mirror. Her stilettos made her petite frame appear to be nearly five feet six inches. Her long hair flowed perfectly under her veil, and her Vera Wang wedding dress fit tantalizingly around her curvaceous body. She looked down at the five-karat princess cut ring on her finger; it was about to have a beautiful platinum band to go along with it. Lena smiled; she had made the right decision.
“Lena, it’s time,” Carmen said as she walked into the room. She helped Lena place the veil over her face. “Next time I talk to you, your name will be Lena Redding.” She hugged Lena, and they headed out of the room.
The procession started at the door of the chapel, which was exquisitely lit by candlelight and covered with orchids. The bridesmaids, elegantly dressed in white dresses with Tiffany-blue sashes, sauntered down the aisle, escorted by groomsmen wearing matching white tuxedos with Tiffany-blue cummerbunds.
Brandon stood in front of the altar with a huge smile on his face.
The wedding music began to play. David Hollister’s “Forever” echoed as the doors opened for Lena’s grand entrance. Everyone stood in anticipation of the auspicious moment. Gasps of awe and delight were heard throughout the quaint chapel as the beautiful bride floated down the aisle.
Lena glanced at her soon-to-be husband. Brandon’s tall, athletic frame looked stunning in his white tuxedo. She was about to marry one of the sexiest men alive, according to Essence magazine. This was the moment she had dreamed of for so long.
Lena looked to the right side of the chapel filled with her family and friends. Many of her former classmates from St. Benedict High School and some of her new sorority sisters of Chi Theta were in attendance. A few of the women dabbed at their eyes with handkerchiefs.
On her left sat Brandon’s family, his teammates, and their wives.
Finally she reached the altar as the minister began to speak. She barely heard her father’s response as he ceremoniously placed her hand in Brandon’s, kissed her on the cheek and whispered to her, “I love you, baby.”
“Is there anyone who objects to these two joining hands in Holy Matrimony?” The preacher turned with a grin toward the congregation.
Lena smiled at Brandon, who was now shedding tears.
“Lena!”
Commotion began as someone burst through the doors and into the church.
Lena’s body started to tremble at the sound of the voice. She turned around to see Denise headed toward her in jeans and a black wife-beater.
“Lena, you don’t love him. You love me!” Denise yelled as she attempted to break through the strong arms of the bodyguards struggling to hold her back.
“Denise, what are you doing?” Carmen yelled, running up to her friend.
“Bitch, have you lost your mind! I’ma kill you!” Brandon yelled, trying to break free from his groomsmen, who tried desperately to hold him back.
Denise completely ignored Brandon’s threats.
“Lena, say it! Lena, you know you love me. Say it!” Denise exclaimed.
Lena, stared at Denise with tears in her eyes. She shook her head. No. This could not be happening. This was her perfect wedding day. She had waited forever for this moment.
She looked around at the stunned faces of her family and friends and then again at Denise, whose face expressed her anguish. No. How could this be happening? How could she possibly be doing this?
Lena turned her back to Denise and looked squarely at the handsome man who was waiting to be her husband.
“Brandon.” The words, barely a whisper, seemed to be caught in her throat. “Brandon,” she said again. “I am so sorry, but it’s true. I do love her.”
She turned around and ran toward Denise, who reached out for her. As they embraced, they shared a passionate kiss.
The church was in hysterics.
“Well, if you want her, y’all can have each other,” Brandon yelled as he pulled away from his groomsmen and pushed toward Lena and Denise. “In hell!”
Two shots rang out as everything went black.