The Past and The Future

Let me regale you with the tale of my wedding day, an event that unfolded in the grandeur of the 17th century. Picture, if you will, a scene of unparalleled opulence, where every detail spoke of luxury and extravagance.

The cathedral was stunning, filled with riches and history. Its tall spires reached for the sky and were decorated with beautiful designs. Inside, the atmosphere was grand and impressive, making our gathering feel special and memorable.

In the midst of a congregation of emperors, empresses, and royalty hailing from every corner of the world, the ambiance crackled with an undeniable sense of regal presence.

The entrance to the grand church was a breathtaking sight, adorned with majestic floral arches draped with rare blossoms and lush ivy, creating a tapestry of natural beauty.

As guests entered the grand hall, they were greeted by a lavish aisle adorned with plush carpets, inviting them to walk with grace. Towering candelabras cast a golden light, illuminating the marble floor and creating a celestial atmosphere.

The pews were dressed in beautiful shiny white and blue silk fabrics, adding to the regal aura of the space.

Pop stood tall, his presence was exuding both solemnity and joy as he stood before the majestic statue of Jesus.

Beside him, the groom stood with pride like a reminiscent of an emperor on his throne. Flanked by his two best men. His aura was radiated composure and readiness for the vows to come.

The groom's attire evoked the regal splendor of an emperor's ceremonial garb, adorned with befitting a royal wedding. His ensemble comprised a pristine white suit, meticulously tailored and adorned with intricate golden motifs tracing along the edges and adorning the lapels.

Each detail of his attire spoke of refinement, from the golden embroidery that shimmered in the light to the ornate buttons that gleamed like precious jewels.

His trousers, sleek and tailored, flowed seamlessly into polished leather shoes that echoed the regal theme with subtle golden accents.

A resplendent golden cape that billowed behind him like a regal banner. Crafted from the finest silk and embellished with intricate patterns of shimmering gold thread, the cape added an extra layer of grandeur to his ensemble.

Perched atop his head, the groom wore a crown befitting his status as the sovereign of this grand occasion. Crafted from the finest gold and adorned with glittering jewels.

In the hushed reverence of the room, all eyes were fixed upon the entrance, where the bride's impending arrival held the promise of etching a timeless moment into the hearts and minds of all who awaited her presence.

With a gentle hush descending upon the congregation, I appeared, adorned in a gown of the most exquisite silk, its intricate embroidery sparkling with threads of gold and silver.

As I glided down the aisle toward my beloved groom, I couldn't help but feel like an ethereal vision brought to life. And there, at the place typically reserved for my father, stood the grand duke himself.

His commanding presence radiated an authority, he was a worthy substitute for my absent father on this momentous occasion.

Beside me, my sister, adorned in her finest attire, held the end of my long wedding veil with gentle reverence. Her presence behind me lent a sense of support and companionship, a silent reminder that I was not alone on this journey towards matrimony.

Together, we traversed the aisle, each step bringing me closer to the one I loved and the new chapter of life that awaited me.

An uncontrollable smile adorned my face, a reflection of the overwhelming happiness that surged within me. The groom, waiting at the altar, wore a smile of his own – it was a testament to the profound joy that seeing his soon-to-be-bride brought him.

In the midst of the joyful festivities, a disconcerting change came over the groom's best man, who had been a steady presence throughout the celebration.

His once amiable smile contorted into a sinister grin, casting an eerie shadow over the merriment. A sense of foreboding gripped me, I felt uncomfortable. My body was shivering from from an unknown fear.

Before I could fully grasp the gravity of the situation or articulate my growing unease, the festivities took a ghastly turn.

The groom who had dressed in a magnificent white suit embellished with intricate golden designs for our special day, now appeared in a haunting shadow. His once immaculate attire bore the ominous mark of red stains.

A sinister betrayal unfolded as the man standing beside the groom thrust a dagger into the back of my groom. The joyous occasion shattered in an instant, replaced by the gasps of horrified spectators.

The once-celebratory atmosphere turned sinister. The ominous smile adorned the assailant's face. His eyes were locked onto mine.I stood rooted to the spot, unable to comprehend the surreal scene unfolding before my eyes.

My sister, who had sensed something mysterious before me, dropped my veil and hurried towards the groom, her instincts warning her of impending danger. However, her brave attempt was too late, as the knife had already struck the groom's heart.

She struggled to halt the assailant's advances, but he proved too strong for her, while others were in shocked, standing in their places. In a desperate bid, she sank her teeth into his hand, hoping to loosen his grip on the deadly weapon.

Despite her efforts, the assailant's sinister grin remained, his gaze shifted to my sister. And then, in a chilling twist, he vanished into thin air, leaving behind my groom drenched in blood while I stood in shock, unable to comprehend what had just happened..

The unfolding of this incident was so rapid that it left us all frozen in shock, suspended in that moment of disbelief.

****

'I pondered if my parents had deliberately shielded me, anticipating this exact outcome. Were they foreseeing my downfall?'

"I loved him with all my heart and yet he killed him.... "WHY?"

Clutching the gear lever, I shifted into drive and pressed the accelerator. The car descended into the deep ditch.

*******

The grandeur of the 21st-century wedding of Syrvoski's surpassed even the most extravagant Hollywood film festivals, a spectacle of opulence and magnificence that left all who attended in awe.

The sprawling grand palace, resplendent in its architectural majesty, served as the breathtaking backdrop for the celebration of a lifetime.

As guests arrived, they were greeted by a procession of dignitaries and high-ranking officials from around the globe, their presence lending an air of international prestige to the affair.

Ministers, presidents, and even influential figures from the shadowy world of organized crime mingled among the elite, their power and influence evident in every graceful step.

Adding to the allure were the chaebols, the titans of industry and finance whose vast wealth and influence rivaled that of royalty.

Dressed in designer suits and gowns dripping with jewels, they moved through the crowd like modern-day kings and queens, their presence a testament to the opulence of the occasion.

Inside the palace, the halls were transformed into a veritable palace of dreams, with towering arrangements of ivory and gold adorning every corner.

Massive crystal chandeliers hung from the ceilings, casting a warm, golden glow over the proceedings, while intricate floral sculptures dazzled the eye at every turn.

Tables groaned under the weight of golden cutlery and sparkling crystal. Exquisite floral centerpieces adorned each table, their delicate petals reflecting the soft glow of candlelight.

Guests were entertained by world-class musicians and dancers, their performances was a testament to the beauty and diversity of the human spirit. The air was alive with laughter and music, the joy of the occasion was infectious and boundless.

It was the wedding my groom had orchestrated with meticulous care, a day he had anticipated with unparalleled excitement and longing. He had waited for this day with an enduring patience than anyone can imagine.

The bridal gown shimmered with an ethereal glow, a vision in white adorned. The modern silhouette hugged my curves elegantly, while intricate lacework cascaded down the bodice, reminiscent of delicate golden vines. The skirt flowed gracefully, layers of chiffon and satin catching the light and casting a radiant sheen.

With each step, I seemed to glide like a celestial being, my ensemble a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary allure were befitting the grandeur of this occasion.

As I made my way down the aisle with my father, I could see the joy radiating from his eyes, a testament to the depth of his love and the magnitude of this moment.

Dressed in a resplendent suit of luxurious white and gold, he stood at the altar, his stance confident and proud, a perfect complement to the Syrvoski tradition. Every detail of his attire spoke of elegance and refinement, a reflection of the regal lineage we were about to unite.

As I approached, his gaze never wavered, his eyes locked on mine with unwavering devotion. In that moment, surrounded by the splendor of our surroundings and the warmth of our loved ones, I knew that this was the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, one filled with love, laughter, and endless possibility.

As I walked towards my groom, a sense of foreboding washed over me, freezing everyone in place as if time itself had come to a standstill.

Dancers hung mid-air, frozen in elegant poses, while others remained suspended in various stages of movement. Sensing danger, I turned to see a crimson fog creeping towards me, sending shivers down my spine. like history repeating infront of my eyes.

As I gazed upon my groom, a chilling wave of fear washed over me, stirring haunting memories of a dark past. Without hesitation, I flung aside the bouquet of flowers that had adorned my hands, casting them to the floor in my frantic rush.

Clutching the hem of my gown tightly, I dashed forward with all the urgency I could muster, driven by an instinctual need to reach him, to protect him from whatever unseen peril lurked in the shadows.

Each step was a desperate plea, a silent prayer for his safety, as I raced towards him with a heart heavy.

But my worst fears were realized as I reached him, my groom lying on the ground, his once-vibrant attire stained with his own blood. A knife protruded from his chest.

That knife I had seen it before. With a strangled cry, I rushed to his side, my hands trembling as I cradled his head in my lap.

Desperation clawed at my chest as I begged him to stay, to cling to life with every fiber of his being.

But even as I pleaded, I felt the inexorable pull of death drawing him away from me. His breaths grew shallow, his gaze flickering with fading light.

"Do not dare to close your eyes. You promised me life together." I screamed.

And as he slipped away from me, his eyes locked with mine one last time, filled with love and sorrow.

In that moment, my heart shattered into a million pieces, consumed by grief and disbelief.

I was consumed by a profound sense of helplessness. Tears streamed down my face unchecked as I cried out into the deafening silence, my voice echoing with the raw anguish of a soul shattered by loss.

And amidst the anguish, the perpetrator stood, that monster, he laughed, a chilling reminder of the darkness that lurked in the shadows.

With chilling finality, it whispered in my ear: "Welcome to hell, love. I've kept my word."

"Who are you?"

Chapter end