Juliet's wedding dress arrived hours earlier than expected—and somehow, that alone felt like a warning.
The box sat in the middle of the room, untouched for a full minute, as if opening it might change something… or reveal something that couldn't be undone.
When Amanda finally lifted the lid, her breath caught.
The gown shimmered.
White. Radiant. Covered in stones that caught the light like fragments of stars. It wasn't just beautiful—it was too perfect, like it belonged to a fairytale that demanded a price.
"This dress…" Amanda whispered, her fingers trembling as she brushed the fabric. "It's like something a princess would wear."
Juliet smiled, but something in her eyes flickered—just for a second.
"I told you it would be worth it."
Amanda suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I'm happy for you, big sis… I really am," she said, her voice breaking. "I just… I wish Mom and Dad were here. They should be the ones seeing you like this…"
Tears streamed down her face.
Juliet held her gently, forcing calm into her voice.
"Hey… don't cry. They're watching. I know they are. And today… they're smiling."
But even as she said it, a strange chill crept down her spine—as though someone else was watching too.
Then—
A knock.
Three slow, deliberate taps.
Both sisters froze.
"Hello, ladies… Can I come in?"
A male voice.
Amanda's expression hardened instantly.
"No!" she snapped, louder than necessary.
She rushed out, slamming the door behind her.
Standing there… was James.
But something felt off.
"I knew it was you," Amanda said, folding her arms. "You shouldn't be here."
James smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Can I at least see my bride?" he asked casually. "Just for a second."
"No," Amanda said firmly. "You know the rules. It's bad luck."
For a moment, James just stared at her.
Not arguing. Not smiling.
Just… staring.
Then—
The door creaked open behind them.
"Here I am."
Juliet stepped out.
But she wasn't wearing the dress.
Not anymore.
"The gown is beautiful," she said softly, her gaze fixed on James. "But you'll have to wait."
She walked up to him, her expression unreadable now.
"Thank you… for everything you've done."
She leaned in and kissed him.
And in that brief moment—
Amanda noticed it.
James didn't close his eyes.
He wasn't kissing her back.
He was looking past Juliet… straight at his workers.
With a look that made her blood run cold.
A look that said—
There's a surprise for Juliet
And just then, from inside the room—
A loud tearing sound echoed.
The sisters turned sharply.
The wedding dress…
…was still inside.
And no one else was supposed to be there.
But there were car honks.
Amanda and Juliet were shocked.
They walked out to see what's going on.
James had just bought a brand new car for his fiancee.
Amanda shouted.
I knew it.
I knew there was a surprise coming up when you two were kissing each other.
Juliet began crying out of excitement.
Babe,this is huge, I'm grateful.
I will do anything for you, James said.
You know I love you,I love you too baby.