Betrayal by love

The ocean stretched endlessly under the bright morning sun, its surface glittering like diamonds. Soft clouds drifted across the blue sky, framing the scene in serene beauty. It was nearly 10 o'clock, and the ship was filled with joy and excitement. Everyone had cheerful smiles, their happiness brightening up the wedding ceremony. The staff moved quickly, arranging food and drinks neatly to make sure everything looked perfect.

Damien and his father Blackwood were excited about Serena's wedding day.

"She finally found someone," Blackwood said with a smile. "You're happy for her, right?"

Damien nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. "Yeah, Dad. It's a big day for her."

Inside one of the ship's luxurious cabins, the groom, William, was putting on the final touches to his outfit. His father, James, entered the room with a beaming smile. "My boy, you're getting married today! Are you happy? You're finally going to marry your crush." 

William couldn't help but smile. "Yes, Dad. This is the best day of my life." 

Just then, his mother entered the room, holding a single rose. She pinned it to his coat and kissed him gently on the cheek. "You look so handsome, sweetheart. I can't take my eyes off you." speaks with tears.

William laughed nervously. "Mom don't cry. If you cry, I'll start crying too." 

She wiped her eyes quickly and smiled. "Alright, alright. No tears. Now, let's go. It's time for the ceremony. The guests are waiting." 

William, his mom, and his dad headed to the top deck, where the ceremony was about to begin. The bright ocean in the background made everything look magical. Guests gathered around, waiting eagerly for the bride. William stood at the altar, trying to stay calm, but his excitement showed in his every movement. 

Damien stood with his close friend Emiko, casually chatting as the minutes ticked. But soon, the whispers began. The bride was late.

James walked over to Emiko and asked calmly, "Where's Serena, we are getting late?" 

"Oh, James, Damien's father already went to check on her," Emiko replied calmly. 

Blackwood was standing outside Serena's room, knocking gently on the door. "Serena, it's getting late! Come on, dear. Everyone is waiting for you." 

But there was no response on the other side of the room. 

He frowned and pulled out his phone from his pocket, calling Damien. "Son, Serena isn't answering, and her door is locked," he said, concern visible in his voice. 

Damien responded quickly. "Okay, Dad. I'll be there in a minute." 

He and Emiko hurried to Serena's room, where his father stood waiting. 

"Did she say anything? Have you tried calling her phone?" Damien asked, sounding nervous. 

"Yes, son, but her phone is ringing inside the room, and she's not answering," Blackwood replied, looking worried. 

Damien knocked on the door himself. "Serena? It's Damien. Open the door!" Still no answer. 

He turned to Emiko. "Can you go and get the spare key from the management office?" 

Emiko nodded immediately. "Wait here. I'll be back as soon as I can." She rushed down the stairs to the management office. 

When she reached the office, she said fast, "We need the spare key for room 505." 

The officer looked at her curiously. "What's the purpose, ma'am?" 

Emiko replied hurriedly without a second thought, "The bride is inside, and she isn't answering. We need to check on her." 

The officer understood her urgency and handed her the key. Without wasting a second, Emiko ran back upstairs to room 505.

She handed him the key, and Damien's hands shook slightly as he unlocked the door. When he pushed it open, the room was empty. 

"Where is she?" Damien asked, his voice filled with confusion. 

Emiko stepped inside and looked around. "I don't know," she said softly. 

Damien walked toward the bathroom door, his heart pounding faster with every step. He knocked lightly, then pushed the door open. 

What he saw inside left everyone completely shocked. 

After seeing Serena had escaped through the window, Damien stood frozen, unable to process what had just happened. His mind was blank, and his body refused to move. 

"What the hell did she do?" he shouted, his voice shaking. 

His eyes turned to Emiko, "How could you let this happen?! I know you already knew about her escape plan, right?" 

Emiko looked back at him with fear. "I don't understand, Honey. What are you talking about? I have not seen her since morning and was busy welcoming guests." 

Damien can't control his frustration, "How can I explain this? The bride just ran away right out the damn window!" 

He paced around the room, trying to make sense of it all. "You know how rich these guys are! They'll never let this go, and now she's gone." 

His voice cracked, "How could my sister do this to me? How could she betray us like this?" 

The sound of hurried footsteps interrupted the silence. William's parents arrived; their faces filled with worry.

As Damien stood frozen by the empty room, William's parents arrived, their expressions already anxious. 

William's mother looked around nervously. "Where's the bride?" she asked, her voice shaking.

Blackwood, standing near the table, spotted a folded piece of paper. "There's a letter here," he said, picking it up. 

Everyone fell silent as he opened it and began reading. His face darkened with every word. 

Damien stepped closer. "What does it say, Dad?" 

Blackwood read aloud "This is Serena. I hope you're the one who finds this, Dami. 

I can't marry William. Even though I respect him and his family, my heart belongs to someone else. I'm in love with your friend, Ethan. I… I'm already six weeks pregnant. 

I know you'll understand my situation, and I'm sorry for doing this to you and everyone. Please don't try to find me, I left last night. by Serena." 

A heavy silence filled the room as Damien stared at the letter, his mind racing with anger. William's mother had tears in her eyes. "Pregnant? With Ethan's child? Did she leave last night? "James shouted. Why didn't anyone notice?" Damien lowered his head, unable to face them. 

James's face turned red with fury as he slammed the letter onto the table and grabbed Damien's father by the collar of his shirt. "What the hell is this, Blackwood? We arranged this marriage with her consent, didn't we? She agreed to this! Then what's the meaning of this letter?!" 

Before Blackwood could respond, Damien stepped forward, his anger peak. He grabbed James's wrist and yanked his hand away from his father's shirt. "Show some respect, James!" Damien growled, his voice sharp as a knife.

Damien with anger glared at James "You can be angry all you want, but you will not lay your hands on him." 

Blackwood straightened his shirt, his face tense but calm. "James, I understand you're upset, but let's we can fix it." 

James's hand shook as he pointed the gun. Upset?!" James roared, cutting him off. "You think I'm just upset? I'm furious! Do you have any idea what this has done to my family? My son's life is ruined because of your sister! You all lied to us, humiliated us!"

Emiko, standing to the side, gasped, her hands covering her mouth. "James, please stop! This isn't the way! Put the gun down!" she pleaded, her voice cracking.

The tension in the room was suffocating, every second stretching into an eternity.

"You think this is just about humiliation?" James growled, his finger tightening on the trigger. "It's about justice!"

Before anyone could react, a deafening gunshot echoed through the room.