The Scapegoat Bride

The crystal chandelier's light fractured in the champagne glass, dazzling my eyes. Today is my wedding day. My name is Quincy Sullivan. I married the man I have loved for three years, Kevin Louis. The emcee's voice still echoed in my ears, offering blessings for a lifelong union. I held Kevin's hand; the warmth of his palm beneath my fingertips felt steady and reassuring. The guests' applause rose and fell like waves, smiles lighting up every face. I thought this was the beginning of my happiness. Until the sharp wail of sirens pierced the clamor of the banquet hall. Everyone's smiles froze rigid on their faces. Several people in police uniforms pushed open the door, their steps steady and their expressions solemn. "Who is Wendy Lynn?" The lead officer showed his badge, his gaze sweeping the entire room. I saw Kevin's body stiffen abruptly. The girl beside him, Wendy Lynn, whom he always called his "good friend," instantly turned pale as paper. Wendy clutched the hem of her skirt, her body trembling uncontrollably. Kevin immediately stepped in front of her, his voice barely masking his panic: "Sir, may I ask what is happening?" "At eight o'clock last night, a traffic accident occurred on Ring Road; the hit-and-run vehicle fled the scene, and the victim was killed instantly." The police's voice was devoid of emotion: "We have found that the hit-and-run vehicle is registered under Wendy Lynn's name. She must come with us for the investigation." "Impossible!" Kevin's voice suddenly rose. "Wendy is so timid; how could she possibly have committed a hit-and-run? Are you sure you're not mistaken?" Wendy hid behind Kevin, crying with tears streaming like pear blossoms in the rain: "Kevin, I didn't... I really didn't..." The guests began whispering among themselves, their eyes darting back and forth between Kevin and Wendy. I stood frozen, my mind utterly blank. The joyous atmosphere of the wedding had completely vanished, replaced by awkwardness and a heavy silence. Kevin suddenly turned around and grasped my hand. His hand was cold and trembling. "Quincy ," he looked at me with pleading eyes, "Wendy is still so young; she can't go to prison." I was stunned, unable to grasp the meaning of his words. "The police said it was eight o'clock last night," he spoke hurriedly, "You also drove my car at that time last night, didn't you?" My heart suddenly sank. Last night, the final time we met before the wedding, he walked me home. I did drive briefly at the gate of the residential complex on his behalf. "Take the fall for Wendy," he said, clutching my hand. "Just tell them you were driving and it was an accident." I stared at him in disbelief. "Kevin, do you realize what you're saying? That's a hit-and-run, and it means prison!" "I know, I know!" His voice trembled with tears. "But Quincy, Wendy's life can't end like this. I'm a lawyer. I'll find a way to lessen your sentence. At most one or two years—I promise I'll get you out." Wendy also rushed over and knelt before me. "Quincy , I beg you, please save me. My parents passed away early, and Kevin's like the only family I've got left. If I end up in jail... who's going to take care of him?" She cried her heart out, looking utterly helpless. I looked into Kevin's pleading eyes, then down at Wendy kneeling on the ground. I recalled the kindness Kevin usually showed me, and his promises of loving me forever. Gradually, my heart softened. I loved him—so much that I was willing to sacrifice everything for him. Perhaps, just as he said, I could be out in one or two years at most. For him, I will take the risk. "Alright." I heard my own voice trembling, yet it was remarkably clear. Kevin's eyes instantly lit up. He held me tightly: "Quincy , thank you, really thank you! I will never forget your kindness." I did not respond to his embrace, only feeling an icy chill throughout my body.