Lest Expectation

Paige was out for about two hours and Jackie couldn't help getting worried. Sooner than later, her eyes flickered open.

"Ma'am," a familiar voice rasped her ears as her vision cleared, bringing to view– Jackie. She thought she had seen Nolan on the other side of the bed but it appeared to be her Doctor. She wasn't surprised though.

"How are you feeling, Paige?" Dr. Stanford asked, watching as Jackie helped her sit up. Resting against the bed.

"Fine, I will say..." she was skeptical– not sure why she blacked out. She had been taking her drugs religiously as far as she could remember. Jackie would even testify.

Both Paige and Stanford's gaze traveled to Jackie who was standing on opposite sides from Stanford. As if to ask for her opinion. Impulsively, she nodded– reading Paige's face.

Stanford's eyes went back to Paige and sighed, "Should I write a Doctor's report for you?"

Paige's brows creased, not sure where he was heading to. "Why?" she was quizzical, scrutinizing his face for an answer while he pulled a liquid drug from a small bottle into the string but he was blank.

"Well.." he snapped, taking her arm as he aimed for her shoulder. "Perhaps it will help you pace down. Especially with excruciating activities. It's getting in the way of your treatment." He injected her.

Rising to his full length, his gaze met with Paige's. As rebellious as she was, she was rather quieter than expected. As if to agree with him.

"What are you thinking ?" he asked. One could see clearly that her chest was hot with troubled feelings but she quickly masked it with a smile. Knowing well how Standford can easily read through her. "Are you worried about something ?" he guessed but Paige quickly denied it.

Well acquainted with Paige's stubbornness, he didn't press any further. Given detailed instructions to Jackie, he left– warning Paige what's ahead if she strains herself beyond.

She knew this more than anybody but she just wanted to compensate her family for all they had gone through because of her. Especially, Itzel and Nolan for all their love and support.

----

"What do you plan on doing with Paige after the marriage?" Itzel glanced at Nolan who was driving. Just to be sure of her place with him.

"You know I am doing all this because your mother asked me to," he recalled, balancing his gaze between Itzel and the road ahead. " It's just for a year and it will be over," he assured.

"Does she know?"

Nolan smirked at the question as they gave each other a knowing look. "Do you think she can handle it?"

"She's sure going to do what she is good at. Running away." Itzel highlighted.

The drive to Broadway, Itzel's location for her shoot took about 30 minutes. It seemed like everybody was waiting for her when Nolan pulled up in front of the HEYDAY building.

"Here we are," he announced, watching from a distance the setup props and staff in wait for the star of the day. Pressing her lips on his, she gave him a quick kiss.

"Thank you," she said, stepping out of the car.

"I'll have a chauffeur bring your car over." he voiced, watching her slam the door shut.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

The passing week saw Paige doing almost everything by herself with Nolan's usual excuses. As Pretentious as Itzel could be, she was by her side. Assisting the best way she could as always with cunning intentions.

Finally, the D-day was here. Paige couldn't help her excitement. The day before started with a surprise bridal shower which Itzel put together for her. It was perfect and she loved it.

The Stewarts' house saw everyone putting things in place for the event at hand. Their luxurious backyard transformed into an enchanted, fairytale-inspired vibe that's worthy of a modern-day Cinderella. The venue was filled with floral-covered trellises, exquisite gold and white table settings, and plenty of twinkling candle decor to set the mood.

Up in Paige's room, the makeup artist was almost done. A smile spread across her face, watching her image in the mirror. She was adorned in a vintage lace off-shoulder Basque ball gown.

"You look so beautiful, Paige, " Itzel commented– hugging her sister from behind. Breaking from the hug, Paige turned to face Itzel, her smile broader than before.

"Thank you. You're looking good yourself. Just the perfect bride's maid." she remarked and they both giggled. After a few minutes, her mother joined them– highlighting a few things for a final touch-up. Which was quickly taken care of.

Paige was now left by herself. She glanced down through the glass window where she stood– staring at the beautiful setup. Just like what she had dreamed of. It was just perfect. The mid-morning sky was bright with a promising start.

After a while of waiting, they came for her. All eyes flared with admiration as she walked down the aisle hand in hand with her father. Smiling at the man at the end in wait for her. She couldn't be anymore happier.

The exchanging of vows and the wedding procession took almost an hour. With family and friends taking pictures here and there. The reception was the ice on the cake. Everything played out well beyond her expectations.

----

The evening sun cast long shadows on the ground. The slanting rays of the setting sun gave a warm orange tinge to the sky. Soon, the night sky was aglow with bright city lights.

Paige realized for the first time, Nolan's absence among the cluster of people. Her eyes searched around but he was nowhere to be seen. Noticing her mother in a conversation with some guests, she trod over to her.

She smiled at the guests with an apologetic gaze as she neared them, hooking her mother by the arm as she leaned to her ear. "Have you seen Nolan?" she whispered.

Impulsively, Emelia shook her head– her eyes lurking around as well. "He might probably have gone in," she gestured towards the main house. Paige smiled at the guest for the last time before sauntering off.

Strolling into the house, she first went to the hall– thinking he might be there but it was empty. Just when she was about to take up the stairs, a beep from her phone made her halt in her tracks.

She lifted it to her gaze and it was a message notification from an unfamiliar ID. "What's this?" she muttered, clicking on the message drop.

Her eyes heightened in shock and she felt her body freeze the moment the file opened. "W– what..." She staggered, her legs weak as she began to shake with anxiety. She couldn't believe what she had just seen. "I– Itzel can't do this to me," she mumbled.

Suddenly finding her energy, she stumbles to Itzel's room just to be sure it isn't an illusion. As if on cue, the door flew open the moment she pushed it– revealing an empty room.

Without hesitation, she sped out. Racing down the stairs as she dragged her dress along.