Chapter 1. The Wedding

Louis Bailey, a twenty-four-year-old young billionaire, and Olivia McGregor's first love, was despondent after he arrogantly broke up with her for being pregnant for him against his wish.

“What came over me? How did I think of hurting my Olivia?” He lamented as he searched thoroughly for her in Kent unsuccessfully.

To avoid leaving any stone unturned, he decided to attend an Exhibition in Cairo, her parents' place of work hoping that she could be with them but his search was fruitless.

Meanwhile, his twenty-five years old cousin, Denise Bailey had informed him of his upcoming wedding and requested that he should serve as his Best Man.

“I would have been getting married by now if I didn't goof up,” he thought bitterly but promised to be available.

“I got it, Big Brother. Congratulations in advance,” he complimented him despite his heavy heart.

“Thank you for the compliment, Last born. How will you do that? Your exhibition in Cairo is still ongoing.”

“You don't have to worry about that. I will take a break because of you.”

“Oh! That is good to hear. I am counting on you.”

“You have my words. Congratulations once again.”

“Thank you for your wishes. I hope you are aware that you are the next in line,” he informed him.

Denise's words reminded him of his hopelessness and hit his heart like a tornado. He concealed his predicament and answered, "Yes, Big Brother. I am working towards it.”

“I like that. I hope it will be very soon.”

“You have just said my mind. It won't be long.”

“It is all right. Take care of yourself.”

“I will.”

“Goodbye.”

“Bye.”

“Oh! I have failed my family,” he mumbled after the call.

On the wedding day, he arrived at Heathrow Airport and chartered a cab to Dover just to save some time. He got to Denise's house by 11:45 AM and did not bother to shower or wait for the makeup artist. He dressed up quickly and left for the registry with Denise's car.

“A few minutes late won't be harmful,” he assured himself.

Notwithstanding, he got to the registry a few minutes after noon as he anticipated and walked in vivaciously with his white suit and mumbled happily, 'At last, I am here.'

However, to his dismay, the registrar joyously announced, “You may kiss the bride.”

'Wow! So soon?' He thought and looked at his time.

It was 12:16 PM. Nevertheless, he joined the witnesses in clapping as the couple engaged in a fervid kiss. He took advantage of the clapping session to look around to see the people present. He saw his father, Mr. Arthur Bailey, and Denise's mother, Mrs. Nichole Bailey, and smiled happily.

Likewise, he also saw other familiar faces, especially Julie, his elder sister, who was a few seats away from him, and gave them a nod. At that point, he saw the couple he least expected to be there, the couple he had been looking for in Cairo and beyond.

'What is happening?' He thought and looked further.

They were sitting on the seat dedicated to the bride's parents. He was almost arrested in Cairo because of Mr. and Mrs. McGregor. Now, he was aghast.

'Why are they here?' He asked himself.

At that moment, many questions clouded his mind and he could not think of how to get the answer. Now, the kissing session had ended, and the happy couple faced the audience.

The Registrar faced the audience as well and announced, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Denise and Olivia Bailey - the latest couple in town.”

The audience clapped merrily. Now, Louis was able to see the bride. She was smiling heartily in her white apparel, just as he saw her in his dream.

He could not say anything apart from, "Olivia?”

Then, he blinked his eyes several times and took a deep breath before looking at her again.

“This is Olivia, no doubt,” he concluded and walked out of the registry in despondency.

Now, all he could think of was to inform Dr. Kadon Quain, the only person who knew his plight.

'I need to let Dr. Quain know about this. At least, I owe him that,' he resolved and fought back his tears.

Although he was not aware whether it was the right thing to do, but in his befuddled state, that was the only thing that came to his mind. Then, he called his line and it connected at once.

“Hello, Mr. Bailey. Good to hear from you,” Dr. Quain greeted him enthusiastically.

“Hello, Dr. Quain. I feel you should be aware of this. I have found the lady that I'm looking for.”

He was happy that the problem which almost took his life had been resolved and responded cheerfully, “Oh! That is …?”

Louis was so eager to pour out his mind and interrupted him, “She got married today to my cousin brother, Denise. See you later.”

(Cut)

After he cut the call, he conducted himself impeccably, which was strange to him, too. He could now make meaning out of the dream he had some nights ago.

“So, Denise was the man with the white apparel?” He muttered, got into the car, drove it back to Denise's house.

Then, he entered the house while Denise's domestic staff members, John and Caleb cast him a questioning look and asked, “Welcome back, Mr. Bailey. Is the ceremony over?”

He only smiled dryly at them without a word and walked to the guest room. Then, he pulled off the white suit and hung it on the thick wooden hanger to let it get some fresh air. Afterward, he dressed up in his clothes, picked up his belongings and left. They looked at him until he disappeared from their sight.

At The Registry.

When Dr. Quain's phone rang, he picked it up. The sound was swallowed by the clapping from the audience, which did not cause him any embarrassment. The people around him watched as he walked out of the door to speak with the caller.

To their surprise, his phone fell off his hand. He picked it up immediately and tried to call back, but he could not due to the impact of the fall. Therefore, he had to switch it off and turn it on again. But before he could call again, Louis, had switched off his phone and was on his way back to the Heathrow Airport to catch up with the 3 O'Clock flight back to Cairo.

Now, Dr. Quain was visibly restless. At that moment, the couple, and some witnesses were signing the register. At last, the Registrar handed over the certificate to them.

Then, he looked at the bride who was smiling happily again and asked himself, 'Is she not aware that she had killed someone? The man who loved her so much.'

Meanwhile, nothing made sense at the ceremony to him anymore, and he decided to leave. He walked to Mr. Bailey, his boss who just got off from the signing of the register, and requested, “Excuse me, Boss. I would love to be on my way, please."