Intertwined Souls

Chapter 21 (part 3)

On the morning of Beth's wedding, she sat on the edge of her bed, her wedding dress laid out before her—a beautiful garment that felt more like a shroud.

Beth had spent the night staring out the window, waiting, hoping for any sign of Ann's return. But the sunrise only confirmed her deepest fear: Ann was not coming. She felt betrayed, abandoned at the moment she needed Ann the most. The pain was so intense, so overwhelming, it was as if a part of her had been hollowed out, leaving a gaping wound.

Her reflection in the mirror was a stranger's—hollow eyes, pale skin, a forced composure that couldn't hide the turmoil inside. She whispered to her reflection, "She didn't come..."

Her mind replayed every moment and every promise. Ann's words, "Beth is Ann, and Ann is Beth," now felt like a cruel joke. The hope that had once lit her face now seemed foolish; a child's dream shattered by the harsh light of reality.

Beth's thoughts were a whirlwind of hurt and confusion. "Was it all just lies?" she murmured, her voice breaking. "Did she even get my letter? Or was I just... not worth coming back for?"

She could hear the bustle downstairs, the house stirring to life as preparations for the wedding continued. Each cheerful voice, every note of celebration, felt like a dagger in her heart. She was expected to walk down those stairs, to greet her future with a smile, but how could she when her soul felt like it was being torn apart?

The door to her room opened gently, and Robin peeked in. His face fell when he saw her sitting there, lost in her despair. "Beth," he started, his voice full of concern, but Beth barely looked at him.

"Is it time?" she asked, her voice hollow.

"Not yet, but... Beth, you need to get ready," Robin said, stepping into the room. He saw the pain etched on her face. "Beth, I... I wish there was something I could do to change this."

Beth shook her head slowly, her hands gripping the fabric of her dress. "It's too late, brother. She's not coming." Her voice was a mix of hurt, agony and deep sorrow. "I believed she'd come. That she'd save me from this. But I was a fool. I'm still a fool, clinging to a shred of hope."

Robin moved closer, his heart aching for his sister. "Beth, maybe she tried—"

"No," Beth cut him off fiercely, a tear trailing down her cheek. "If Ann knew, she'd be here. She promised she'd always be here when I needed her the most. And yet, here I am, on the day I lose myself completely, and she's nowhere to be found."

Robin took a step toward her, his own heart heavy. "Beth, maybe... maybe this is for the best. Maybe—"

"Best?" Beth interrupted, her voice rising in anguish. "How can this be for the best, brother? The love of my life is out there, while I'm here, being dressed up like a doll for a life I never wanted!"

Robin reached out, trying to comfort her, but she pulled away, looking intensely into Robin's eyes. "You don't understand! You all think this is just some... some phase. But Ann and I, we... we're everything, brother, everything I want. And now, it's all being ripped away because she didn't come back."

She stood up, her body trembling. "I waited, brother. I waited, believing she'd come to save me from this... this farce. But she didn't. And now, I'm supposed to walk down that aisle and pretend? Pretend that I'm happy?"

Robin sighed, struggling to find the right words. "Beth, I'm so sorry. I wish there was something I could do to make this easier for you."

Beth's glare was intense. "I just want to wake up from this nightmare. I want Ann to walk through that door right now and tell me it's all going to be okay. But that's not going to happen, is it?"