Avery Kane Deveraux woke up to the soft glow of morning sunlight streaming through her bedroom windows. The smell of fresh flowers filled the air, and the sound of her best friend Janice bustling around the room made her smile. Today was her wedding day, and despite the whirlwind of emotions—nerves, excitement, and a hint of lingering worry—Avery was determined to make it the happiest day of her life.
“You’re awake!” Janice exclaimed, setting down a tray of croissants and coffee. She grinned at Avery, who sat up in bed, her dark hair tumbling over her shoulders.
“Barely,” Avery joked, stretching.
“Today’s the day, Aves,” Janice said, sitting beside her. “Are you ready to marry the man of your dreams?”
Avery’s smile softened, her thoughts drifting to Shawn. He had been acting a little distant over the past few days, but she chalked it up to wedding stress. She trusted him completely, and today was about celebrating their love.
“I am,” Avery said firmly.
“Well, good, because we’ve got a lot to do,” Janice said, pulling Avery out of bed. “Hair, makeup, the dress—and I need to make sure you’re eating something. You can’t walk down the aisle on an empty stomach.”
Preparing for the Big Moment
The hours flew by as Avery’s loved ones surrounded her, helping her get ready for the most important day of her life. Her mother, Alessia, adjusted the veil on Avery’s intricately embroidered gown, while Janice fussed over her bouquet.
“You look stunning,” Alessia said, her voice filled with emotion.
“Like a queen,” Janice added with a wink.
Avery turned to the mirror, her breath catching at her own reflection. The gown hugged her figure perfectly, the delicate lace and beading shimmering with every movement. Her makeup was subtle yet elegant, and her gray eyes sparkled with a mixture of joy and anticipation.
“Shawn’s going to lose it when he sees you,” Janice said, giving her a playful nudge.
Avery laughed, though her stomach fluttered with nerves. “Let’s hope I don’t trip on the way down the aisle.”
“You won’t,” Janice said confidently. “Now, let’s get you to the altar.”
The ceremony was being held at the stunning Victorian estate they had chosen together—a place that felt like a fairy tale brought to life. The aisle was lined with white roses, and soft music played as guests filled the seats, their murmured excitement adding to the atmosphere.
Avery stood at the entrance, her arm looped through her father’s. She glanced at the altar, where Shawn was supposed to be waiting for her, and felt her heart swell with anticipation.
The music shifted, signaling the start of the procession. Avery took a deep breath as her father whispered, “You’ve got this, sweetheart,” and began walking her down the aisle.
But as she approached the altar, her smile faltered. Shawn wasn’t there.
The officiant exchanged a concerned glance with Avery as she stood at the altar, her bouquet trembling slightly in her hands. The guests began whispering among themselves, the once-lighthearted atmosphere growing tense.
“Where is he?” Avery whispered to Janice, who had rushed to her side.
“I don’t know,” Janice said, her voice low. “Maybe he’s stuck in traffic or something.”
Avery nodded, though unease prickled at her skin. Shawn wasn’t the type to be late—not for something as important as their wedding.
Minutes turned into an hour. Then two. The guests shifted uncomfortably in their seats, and some began leaving quietly.
Avery felt her chest tighten as the officiant approached her. “Ms. Deveraux, should we postpone?”
“No,” she said firmly, though her voice wavered. “He’ll be here.”
As the third hour passed, Avery stood alone in the bridal suite, her gown pooling around her feet like a forgotten dream. Janice sat beside her, holding her hand tightly.
The shrill ring of Avery’s phone broke the silence. She grabbed it immediately, hoping it was Shawn with an explanation.
“Hello?” she said, her voice tight with hope.
“Ms. Deveraux?” a deep voice responded. “This is Officer Grant with the New Haven Police Department. Are you related to Shawn Carter?”
Avery’s heart dropped, and her voice trembled. “Yes. I’m his fiancée. What’s going on?”
There was a pause on the other end, and Avery could hear the officer take a deep breath.
“I’m so sorry to inform you, but Mr. Carter was involved in a car accident early this morning. He didn’t survive.”
The words hit Avery like a freight train, knocking the air from her lungs. “No,” she whispered, shaking her head. “That can’t be true. There must be some mistake.”
“I’m very sorry for your loss, Ms. Deveraux,” the officer said gently. “We’ll need you to come down to the station to identify his belongings.”
The phone slipped from Avery’s hand, landing on the floor with a hollow thud.