10th Commandment | Revamped

Chapter 30

Wedding Day

It was the big day—wedding bells by the serene lake. Everything was enchanting... but it all unfolded in a whirlwind.

Then came the moment:

“If anyone has just cause to oppose this union, speak now or forever hold your peace!”

Suddenly, four FBI agents stormed in. “Hold it right there! Everyone stay put; this is a federal matter. Fantasia, you’re under arrest for murder. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law!”

“What? No!” Judy shrieked, astonished. “What’s happening? I’m innocent! My innocence was proven! What is going on?”

They snapped handcuffs around her wrists and dragged her out of the venue, leaving the guests bewildered and the bride in tears.

They shoved her into the back of a car and blindfolded her. Infuriated, she hurled insults and threats, but they silenced her with a light tape on her lips. She realized it was smarter to conserve her energy for the real fight ahead.

The drive felt endless, taking an hour before they pulled her out and into an eerie house deep in the woods.

They plopped her into a chair and yanked off the blindfold.

She was utterly isolated... The agents exited, and the sound of a car fading away echoed in her ears. She made a move to leave as well...

“Going somewhere?” a familiar voice sneered, making her turn around. “You orchestrated this? This is illegal!” Fantasia exclaimed. “You want to discuss legality? Sit down; we need to have a chat,” Taraji demanded.

“Take off these cuffs.”

“Not happening yet.”

Annoyed, Fantasia slumped back into the chair. “What am I even doing here? I was supposed to be getting married!”

“Oh really? Father...”

From behind her, a priest appeared.

“You really want to get married? Well, here’s a priest for us!” Taraji smirked. Fantasia let out a laugh.

“Have you completely lost it? Marry you? You’re toxic.”

“True, but you care about me more than her. The only way you’ll get to her is over my dead body.” Taraji tossed a set of keys and a gun onto the table. “I know you’re skilled enough to get yourself free, and once you do, you can take me out if you want—with my gun.” She added a pair of gloves to the mix. “Just make it look like suicide. The hired priest is gone. You have 15 minutes,” she warned.

“Are you out of your mind?”

“14 minutes!” Taraji checked her watch.

Fantasia shifted her body, and the key slid to the side of the chair. She cautiously got up, bent down, and snatched it from the ground. Once her cuffs were off, she tossed them aside and stood tall.

Their eyes locked. “Two minutes left. Impressive. Don’t forget the gloves!” Taraji pointed. Fantasia slid them on. “Perfect. Now the gun,” Taraji instructed. Fantasia picked it up, checked the bullets, and chambered it—three bullets total, and they both knew it.

“Why am I doing this again?” she asked.

“To prove that you don’t love me and that you want her instead. The only path to marrying her is with me out of the picture.” Taraji explained.

“You’re insane!” Fantasia shot back.

“Crazy for you,” Taraji replied, her tone heavy.

“Taraji, you’re delusional. I’m going to marry her no matter what. I’m getting out of here, and if anyone sneaks up on me, I will pull the trigger—so back off!”