THE PAIN YOU GIVE

CHAPTER 5-Veiled Confessions

"June... please, would you calm down?" Jason exclaimed, his voice raised in frustration as he faced his girlfriend in their house the next morning. June, visibly upset, questioned him after learning about his impending marriage. "Why would I calm down, Jason, after you told me you are getting married?" she cried out, her emotions raw. "Don't you love me anymore?" she asked with sadness in her voice.

Jason pulled her into a hug, reassuring her of his love. "I still love you, June, and I wished it was you I was marrying," he confessed, his gaze searching hers for understanding.

"Why, Jason?" June sobbed, her heart heavy with confusion and hurt.

"Because I wanted to fulfill my father's dying wish," Jason explained, but June's anger flared, and she pulled away from him. "Then there should be no us," she declared angrily. "It's over, Jason!" she screamed as she headed towards the door.

Jason, desperate to make her stay, ran after her and grabbed her hand, pleading with her not to leave. "I know it hurts you, baby," he consoled her, his voice filled with remorse.

"It isn't fair, Jason," June cried out, her emotions overwhelming her.

"I know, baby," Jason replied softly as he pulled her into his embrace. "I still love you, June... please stay with me... please," he implored her.

"But what about her, Jason?" June asked, her concern evident in her expression."I will eventually divorce her soon, and things will get back to normal, baby," Jason assured her, his words meant to offer reassurance.

Reluctantly, June agreed to stay and wait for him, despite her doubts about his promises. Deep down, she still loved him, unable to let go of their history as high school sweethearts and the bond they shared.

"Chrissy... Chrissy, wake up! You can't be late on your big day. You need to hurry, everyone is at the church," Chrissy's sister's urgent voice broke through her slumber.

Startled, Chrissy jolted up from bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "What time is it, Tam?" she asked, her voice groggy with sleep. "Just hold on... How did you even get into my house?" Chrissy questioned her sister, a hint of confusion in her expression

"It's 8 a.m.," her sister replied, her tone tinged with urgency. "And secondly, you were the one who gave me the key, remember?" Ooh," Chrissy muttered in realization, "Uh-huh," Tameka responded teasingly, but she quickly became serious. "But get up; we need to get ready. We can't afford to be late any longer."

"And Dad is going to kill me," Chrissy lamented, feeling the weight of the situation."I know," Tameka replied, her tone sympathetic yet playful as she pulled Chrissy from bed.

A few minutes later, Chrissy emerged dressed in her elegant gown, her train sweeping the floor as she adorned her head with a tiara and veil, holding a bouquet of lilies in her arms."I wish Mom was alive to see this day, sis," Tameka cried, embracing her sister tightly.

"You're such a tease, Tam," Chrissy chuckled in response, her heart touched by her sister's sentiment.

"Alright, let's get going," Chrissy nodded, her excitement building as they made their way to the church together. At the church, Mr. Taylor stood outside, visibly angry as he awaited Chrissy's arrival. Tameka called out to her father, and Chrissy and her sister approached him. However, before Chrissy could even greet him, she felt a sharp slap across her cheek.

"Dad!" Tameka cried out, defending her sister. "It's not her fault she's late. She—"

"Tameka, you stay out of this!" Mr. Taylor interrupted sharply, redirecting his anger solely at Chrissy. "Now, you listen to me. Don't you dare disgrace me in front of my friends? Do you hear me? I don't know what your mom put in your head, but don't think I am going to stand there for you to disgrace me."His tone remained calm but stern as he delivered his admonition. "Your husband awaits you at the aisle. Go and get married," he instructed.