Weddings are typically joyous occasions, but as Shanize approached the altar, an unsettling feeling settled over me. Something felt off, and I couldn’t shake the sensation. Gathering my courage, I decided to investigate.

Shanize’s steps seemed labored, her dress flowing oddly. When she finally reached the altar, I could no longer resist my curiosity. Heart racing, I bent down and lifted the hem of her gown, revealing polished men’s shoes. Confused, I glanced up and realized the shocking truth—a man in a wig and veil stood before me. Panic surged as I locked eyes with Dave, the groom, whose expression shifted from joy to confusion.

“Janice?” he asked, his voice trembling. The entire congregation fell silent. The imposter slowly removed the veil, revealing short, dark hair beneath. The room erupted into whispers.

“Surprise! You didn’t even notice, did you?” the man taunted. Dave, visibly shaken, demanded, “Where’s Shanize?”

“Oh, she’s gone. She left days ago. Don’t worry; she asked me to do this,” the man replied with a smirk. “She wanted you to experience this moment.”

The whispers grew louder, and I stood there, numb, grappling with the absurdity of it all. How could Dave’s best man be involved in this bizarre deception?

“Dave, what did you do to her?” he stammered, panic rising in his voice. The best man raised a hand for silence. “She’s fine. She wanted you to know what it feels like to be blindsided.”

“What are you talking about?” Dave shook his head in disbelief.

“About you and Vanessa,” the best man grinned, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. “She found out about your affair a few days ago. She could have canceled the wedding, but where’s the fun in that? She wanted everyone to see the real you.”

Gasps filled the room. I glanced at Vanessa, one of the bridesmaids, who sat pale and trembling a few rows back. Dave’s face turned ghostly as he shook his head in denial. “No… that’s not true.”

“Oh, it is,” the best man said, his voice dripping with malice. “You betrayed her, and now you’re paying for it.”

Chaos erupted, guests murmuring in disbelief. In a desperate attempt, Dave reached for me. “Janice, please. This isn’t what it looks like.” I could only stare back, heart sinking. “Dave… what have you done?”

With that, the best man turned and walked away, leaving Dave standing alone, his world crumbling around him.