“Janice…?” Dave’s voice wavered from the altar, his happiness dissolving into confusion.

I stood up, trembling, and met his eyes. I couldn’t find the words to explain.

Everyone remained frozen, staring at the man dressed as the bride. The tension in the air was palpable, as if everything was about to implode.

Then, the imposter smirked, pulling the veil and wig off with a dramatic flourish. The church erupted into gasps of confusion as short, dark hair was revealed beneath.

“Surprise,” the man said smugly. “You didn’t even notice, did you?”

Dave staggered backward, his face pale. “What… what is this? Where’s Shanize?”

The man, who had been Dave’s best man, chuckled. “She’s gone, Dave. Left days ago. But don’t worry, she asked me to do this.”

The church murmured in disbelief, but the best man’s smug expression didn’t falter. “She wanted you to know what it feels like to be blindsided.”

Dave’s face twisted in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“She found out, Dave,” the best man said with a sneer. “About you and Vanessa, the bridesmaid. Shanize knew.”

The air left the room. Dave’s face drained of color, and the horror in his eyes was unmistakable. “No… no, that’s not true.”

“Oh, it is,” the best man continued, his tone dripping with malice. “She could’ve called off the wedding, but where’s the fun in that? She wanted everyone to see the real you.”

Chaos broke out. Guests whispered frantically, some standing to leave, while others stared in disbelief at the scene unfolding before them. I glanced over at Vanessa, her face pale and hands trembling.

Dave’s voice rose in desperation. “This isn’t happening!”

But the best man stepped closer, his voice sharp. “It’s happening, Dave. You betrayed her, and now you’re paying for it.”

The room erupted in chaos. Dave looked at me, pleading for understanding. “Janice, please…”

I shook my head, heartbroken. “Dave, what have you done?”

The church fell silent as the best man’s cold voice cut through. “This is your punishment, Dave. For what you did to her.”

With that, he walked away, leaving Dave standing alone—broken, exposed, and shattered.