From Cocoon to Butterfly: Meeting the Beautiful Self

As the wedding reached its peak, the emcee’s voice came through the microphone. “Mr. Edward Shawn, do you take Ms. Celina Moses to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you stand by her through thick and thin, whether she’s rich or poor, healthy or ill, for the rest of your life?”

Edward, my fiance, hesitated, scanning the crowd as if searching for someone.

He let out a quiet sigh, his eyes betraying his deep disappointment.

“I …”

Before he could finish, the doors to the auditorium burst open.

I saw Zoey, dressed in a striking red gown, and a wave of dread hit me.

Isn’t she traveling with her wealthy boyfriend?

With tears welling up in her eyes, Zoey looked at Edward. In no time, tears started streaming down her face. She lifted the skirt of her dress and ran over, throwing herself into his arms.

“I’m so sorry. I never realized you were the one who loved me the most. Now I see that I’ve fallen for you,” she confessed.

As she cried and poured her heart out, I looked around and saw everyone in the audience with amused, almost gleeful expressions, which made me even more embarrassed.

But Edward just held Zoey effortlessly, gently patting her back, and said with a soft smile, “Don’t cry. Your makeup will get smeared by your tears.”

It was a tone full of love I’d never heard from him before.

Zoey, my sister, couldn't help but chuckle at his comfort. Her face was still streaked with tears, but her red lips curved into a smile. She looked so heart-breakingly fragile.

Watching them hurt. I looked up at Edward and asked slowly, "Edward, are you still going through with the wedding?"

"Edward, I don't want to lose you again. I can't imagine a future without you. Don't marry her, okay?" My sister snuggled into his arms, acting all helpless. She pointed at me and cried like I was the bad guy ruining their happiness.

Edward hugged her tighter, the veins on his hand standing out. He looked at her with a tenderness I'd never seen before.

He reassured her softly, "Zoey, don't worry. I'll always be here. As long as you want, we won't be apart."

He couldn't hide how happy he was to have her back. Then he looked at me, annoyed. "Zoey isn't in a good state today. Let's talk about the wedding in a few days."

"What? There are so many relatives and friends here. Have you cared about my feelings?" I asked.

I really didn't get it. What does Zoey's state have to do with my wedding?

"Don't you understand? Zoey has always been the only one in my heart. It's always been that way," Edward explained.

A bitter smile spread across my face. I looked up and glared at Zoey. She had been competing with me for everything since we were kids.

Well, you don’t love me. Then I don’t want you.

I took off the veil from my head and placed it on Zoey's head before I announced, "Alright, there won't be another wedding for us. Since you two are in love, go ahead and get married. I wish you both happiness."

Then I turned around and walked out of the auditorium without looking back.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Zoey. Her red dress and the white veil, combined with her triumphant smile, looked so strange.