Detroit: Bride’s Secret Affair With Best Man Led To HIV & Murder At Wedding…| True Crime

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Son, you’ve known Monica for 2 years.

She’s a good girl, hardworking, kind.

A wedding is very stressful for any woman.

There is so much to organize, check, and coordinate.

I’m sure her head is spinning from all the preparations.

You yourself said that she wanted everything to be perfect.

Braden shook his head and put his cup on the table.

No, Dad.

It’s not about the organization.

I mean something else.

She’s been avoiding me.

We used to see each other almost every day.

She would call me at lunch.

We would make plans for the evening.

But for the last 3 weeks, she’s been constantly busy.

She’s either stuck at work, meeting up with friends, or sorting out issues with her dress.

And when we do see each other, she doesn’t look me in the eye like she used to.

I feel like she’s hiding something from me.

Patricia exchanged glances with her husband.

She wanted to reassure her son, but she herself felt uneasy.

A mother’s heart is rarely wrong.

Braden, have you tried to talk to her seriously about this? Ask her directly if something is bothering you? I’ve tried, Mom.

She jokes about it or changes the subject.

She says I’m overthinking things and that everything will fall into place after the wedding, but I can’t shake this feeling.

It’s as if a door has been closed in front of me, and I can no longer see into her life.

Ronald sank heavily onto the sofa next to his son.

He placed his large hand on Braden’s knee.

Listen to me carefully, son.

If you have serious doubts, it’s better to sort them out now than to regret it later.

Marriage is for life.

You have to be sure about the person you’re tying your fate to.

If you feel like Monica is hiding something, go see her right now and talk to her.

Don’t put it off until tomorrow or the day after.

Figure everything out before you stand at the altar.

Braden looked at his father with gratitude.

Ronald always knew how to find the right words.

Braden knew his father was right.

He couldn’t spend another night with this weight on his chest.

He needed to see Monica and get some answers.

He got up from the sofa, hugged his mother, shook his father’s hand, and headed for the door.

Patricia called after him from the doorway.

Braden, be careful on the road, and remember, no matter what happens, we’re always on your side.

Braden nodded and stepped out into the darkness.

He got into his car, an old sedan he had bought 3 years ago, and started the engine.

The drive to Monica’s house took about 20 minutes.

She rented an apartment in the south of the city, not far from the hospital where she worked.

Braden turned on the radio, but turned it off after a minute.

He needed silence to collect his thoughts.

When he pulled up to Monica’s house, it was around 10:00 in the evening.

The light in her window was on.

Braden went up to the third floor and rang the doorbell.

A few seconds later, the door opened and Monica King appeared on the threshold.

She was a beautiful 27-year-old woman with dark curly hair and expressive brown eyes.

Now those eyes looked at Braden with surprise and slight concern.

Braid, what are you doing here? We agreed not to see each other until tomorrow.

It’s tradition the groom shouldn’t see the bride before the wedding.

Braden stepped inside the apartment without waiting for an invitation.

Monica closed the door behind him and leaned against it, crossing her arms over her chest.

She was wearing sweatpants and a loose t-shirt.

Her hair was pulled back in a messy bun.

Monica, I need to talk to you right now.

I can’t wait any longer.

She frowned, but there was something in her eyes that Braden couldn’t quite place.

Fear.

Guilt.

He wasn’t sure.

What do you want to talk about, Bray? Everything’s fine.

Tomorrow’s a big day.

You need to get some sleep.

Braden moved closer, looking her straight in the eye.

Is everything okay between us, Monica? Is there something I need to know? I feel like you’ve been hiding something from me for the past few weeks.

You’ve changed.

We hardly talk.

You avoid me.

If there are any problems, tell me now, please.

Monica looked away.

She walked into the living room and sat down on the sofa.

Braden followed her but remained standing.

Braden, you’re exaggerating.

Yes, I’ve been busy, but that’s only because I wanted our wedding to be perfect.

I worked overtime so I could take time off for our honeymoon.

I met with the planners, the florists, and checked the final details.

That’s normal before such an important day.

You’re just nervous and I understand that, but trust me, everything is fine.

Tomorrow we’ll be husband and wife and all these worries will be behind us.

” She stood up and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Her face was close to his.

She smiled, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“Trust me, Bray.

Everything will be fine.

I love you.

Tomorrow will be the happiest day of our lives.

Braden hugged her back, but the feeling of unease did not go away.

He could feel the tension in her body and see how she avoided his gaze.

Something was wrong, but he couldn’t figure out what it was.

Monica pulled away first.

“Go home, Braden.

You need to rest.

See you tomorrow at church.

” Braden nodded slowly.

He knew he wouldn’t get any more answers today.

He kissed Monica on the forehead and left the apartment.

As he descended the stairs, he looked back.

The door was already closed.

The way back seemed even longer.

Braden turned on the radio, but he couldn’t hear the music.

Monica’s words, her gaze, her tense smile were spinning around in his head.

She was lying to him.

He was sure of it.

But why and about what? When he parked near his parents’ house, his phone vibrated in his pocket.

Braden took it out and saw a message from an unknown number.

He opened it and read, “Your best friend didn’t tell you everything.

Tomorrow morning, your eyes will be opened.

” Braden reread the message several times.

His heartbeat faster.

Who wrote this? What was it about? His best friend was Cole Landry, his best man, the person he had been friends with since school.

What could Cole be hiding from him? Braden tried to call the number back, but heard an automated message saying that the number was not in service.

He saved the message and got out of the car.

His parents were already asleep in the house.

Braden went up to his old room on the second floor and sat down on the bed, still fully clothed.

He held the phone in his hands, rereading the message over and over.

Tomorrow morning, his eyes would be opened.

What did that mean? Someone wanted to tell him something, but not now.

Tomorrow in the morning, on his wedding day, Braden spent the rest of the night awake.

He lay in bed staring at the ceiling trying to figure out what was going on.

Monica was hiding something.

Cole was hiding something.

And someone knew about it and wanted Braden to know, too.

Tomorrow.

The clock on the wall ticked away the minutes until morning.

Braden closed his eyes, but sleep would not come.

His father’s words echoed in his head.

If you feel like she’s hiding something, find out.

Tomorrow, he would find out.

He would definitely find out.

The morning of April 14th began with a dim light shining through the curtains in Braden’s room.

He hadn’t slept all night, lying on his bed fully clothed, staring at the ceiling and rereading the mysterious message.

When the clock struck 6:00 in the morning, he heard the floorboards creek downstairs.

His parents were awake.

It was his wedding day, the day that was supposed to be the happiest of his life.

But instead of joyful excitement, Braden felt only anxiety and heaviness in his chest.

He got out of bed, went to the bathroom, and stared at his reflection in the mirror for a long time.

His eyes were red from lack of sleep, and stubble was visible on his face.

Braden washed his face with cold water, trying to pull himself together, but the fatigue remained.

He changed into a clean shirt and jeans and went downstairs where his parents were already waiting for him.

Patricia was setting the table for breakfast.

Eggs and bacon were frying on the stove.

Bread was toasting in the toaster.

And a large mug of freshly brewed coffee stood on the table.

She turned around when she heard her son’s footsteps, and her face immediately showed concern.

Braden, sweetie, you look terrible.

Did you even sleep last night? She walked over to him, examining his face.

You have such dark circles under your eyes.

This isn’t good.

Today is your wedding day.

Ronald was sitting at the table with a newspaper in his hands, but he put it down when Braden entered the kitchen.

He also noticed his son’s condition and frowned.

What happened after you came back from Monica’s? You didn’t even come in to see us.

You went straight up to your room.

Did the conversation go badly? Braden poured himself some coffee and sat down at the table.

He didn’t know what to say to his parents.

He couldn’t tell them about the strange message he had received late last night.

They would start asking questions he couldn’t answer.

It was better to keep quiet, at least until he figured out what was going on.

I’m just nervous, Dad.

Monica said that everything is fine, that I’m thinking too much.

She’s probably right, but I couldn’t sleep all night, tossing and turning, thinking about tomorrow.

I mean, today.

I guess that’s normal before a wedding, right? Patricia patted him on the shoulder and placed a plate of eggs and bacon in front of him.

Of course, it’s normal, sweetie.

Every groom is nervous.

Your father couldn’t sleep before our wedding either.

He paced around the room all night like a caged bear.

She smiled, remembering that day.

But as soon as we stood at the altar, all the excitement went away.

Only joy and love remain.

You’ll see.

Today will be a wonderful day.

Braden nodded, picked up his fork, and began to eat.

Even though he had no appetite, he ate mechanically, trying not to think about the message, about the words, “Your best friend didn’t tell you everything.

” What could Cole be hiding? They had been friends for so many years and had been through a lot together.

Cole was there when Braden’s grandmother died, when he lost his first job, when he first saw Monica.

Cole had never betrayed him, or had he? Ronald cleared his throat, getting his son’s attention.

Braden, the wedding starts at noon.

We need to leave by 11:00 to get to the church and get ready.

Your suit is in the closet.

I checked it yesterday.

Everything is fine.

You need to shave, get yourself ready, and put on your suit.

We still have a few hours, so take your time.

Don’t rush.

Braden glanced at the clock on the wall.

It was4 to 7.

He still had 4 hours before departure.

4 hours of uncertainty.

4 hours of waiting for his eyes to open.

Whoever wrote that message promised that everything would be clear in the morning.

But when exactly? Braden finished his coffee and got up from the table.

I’m going to shave and get myself ready.

Thanks for breakfast, Mom.

Patricia hugged him, holding him close.

I’m so proud of you, son.

Monica is a good girl, and you’ll be happy together.

I know it.

Braden went upstairs and into the bathroom.

He lthered his face and began to shave, looking at his reflection.

His hands were shaking slightly and he cut himself.

A drop of blood ran down his cheek.

Braden applied a napkin, stopped the bleeding, and finished shaving.

Then he took a shower, hoping the hot water would wash away his fatigue and anxiety.

But when he got out of the shower, the anxiety was still there.

He returned to his room and sat on the bed, picking up his phone.

No new messages.

Braden opened yesterday’s message and reread it.

Tomorrow morning, your eyes will open.

Morning had already come.

Where were the answers? At 8:00, Braden began to get dressed.

He put on a white shirt and fastened the cuff links Ronald had given him for his last birthday.

He put on his suit pants, then his vest.

He left his tie for later.

He didn’t want to feel suffocated before it was time.

He went downstairs where his parents had also changed into their festive attire.

Patricia was wearing an elegant dark blue dress and Ronald was wearing a formal gray suit.

You look very handsome, son, Ronald said approaching him and adjusting his shirt collar.

A real groom.

Monica will be happy to see you today.

Braden tried to smile but it came out forced.

Patricia bustled about in the kitchen, checking that she had everything she needed.

Gifts for the newlyweds, documents, a camera.

Ronald sat down in an armchair and turned on the TV, flipping through the channels in search of news.

Braden stood by the window, looking out at the street.

It was quiet and empty.

A few cars drove by.

A dog barked somewhere in the distance.

At 8, Braden’s phone vibrated.

He pulled it out of his pocket so quickly that he almost dropped it.

A new message from the same unknown number appeared on the screen.

Go out into the yard.

Braden’s heart beat faster.

This was it.

Now he would find out the truth.

He put his phone back in his pocket and turned to his parents.

I need to go outside for a minute.

Get some fresh air.

It’s too stuffy in here.

Patricia turned away from the kitchen counter.

But you just got dressed, Bray.

It’s cool outside.

Don’t catch a cold.

Maybe we should open a window.

No, Mom.

I really need to go out.

Just walk around, get some air.

I’ll be back soon.

Ronald looked at his son intently, but said nothing.

He nodded and returned to the television.

Braden went out the back door, which led to the yard.

The yard was small, enclosed by an old wooden fence.

In the corner stood a large tree under which Braden had played as a child.

Now his gaze fell on a figure standing by the fence.

It was a young black woman about 25 years old, thin with short dark hair.

She was dressed in a simple jacket and jeans and was holding a small bag in her hands.

When she saw Braden, she gestured for him to follow her.

She walked out the gate and headed for a vacant lot a few meters from the house.

Braden glanced back at the house, made sure his parents weren’t looking out the window, and followed the woman.

The vacant lot was an abandoned plot, overgrown with tall grass and bushes.

At one time, there had been plans to build a new house here, but construction never began.

The woman stopped in the middle of the vacant lot, away from the road and prying eyes.

Braden approached her, feeling the tension reach its peak.

Who are you? Did you write me those messages?” he asked, unable to hide the irritation and anxiety in his voice.

The woman looked at him with a calm but sad gaze.

Her eyes revealed the pain she had been carrying for a long time.

“My name is Elsa Stewart.

Yes, I wrote to you.

I’m sorry I have to do this on a day like this, but I had no choice.

You need to know the truth about the man you consider your best friend and the woman you are about to marry in a few hours.

” Braden frowned, crossing his arms over his chest.

What are you talking about? What truth? Who are you and where did you get my number? Elsa opened her bag and took out several printed photos.

She handed them to Braden, but he didn’t take them yet, waiting for an explanation.

I work as a cashier at a grocery store on the east side.

Just a regular girl living a regular life.

A year ago, I met a man at a bar.

His name was Cole Landry.

We started dating.

Nothing serious, just spending time together, going to the movies, going for walks.

After 2 weeks, we slept together a few times.

I thought there was something between us, that it could grow into something more, but then he just disappeared.

He stopped answering my calls and messages.

I tried to find him, but to no avail.

Braden listened without interrupting.

Cole’s name sounded like a blow, so it really was about his friend.

Elsa continued, her voice becoming harsher, filled with bitterness.

A month after Cole disappeared, I started feeling sick.

I had a fever, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.

I went to the doctor and got tested, and I got a result that turned my whole life upside down.

I tested HIV positive.

I was in shock.

I didn’t understand how this could have happened.

I had always been careful.

I had only had one partner before Cole, and we were both healthy.

The only explanation was Cole.

Braden felt the ground slip away beneath his feet.

HIV? Cole? It couldn’t be true.

Wait, are you saying that Cole Landry infected you with HIV? That’s a serious accusation.

Do you have any evidence? Elsa nodded, tears glistening in her eyes, but she held them back.

I filed a report with the police.

I wanted him to be held accountable, but the case was closed due to lack of evidence.

Cole denied that he knew about his status.

He said he had never been tested, that if he was sick, he had no idea.

The law is on his side.

To prove intentional infection, you have to prove that he knew about his illness and deliberately concealed it.

But he had no medical records.

My lawyer said the case was lost before it even began.

The police closed it after 2 months.

Braden ran his hand over his face.

This was too much.

Cole, his best friend, the man he had known for so many years, could be infected with HIV.

And he never told him about it.

It was impossible.

But Elsa was standing in front of him.

And there was such pain, such sincerity in her words that there was no room for doubt.

Let’s say it’s true.

But why did you come to me? Why today on my wedding day? Elsa looked him straight in the eye.

Because after the police closed the case, I decided that Cole shouldn’t go unpunished.

I started watching him, not constantly, but from time to time.

I wanted to understand who he really was, what he was doing, whether he was still destroying other people’s lives.

And 3 weeks ago, I saw him in a restaurant on the outskirts of town.

He was sitting at a table with a woman.

They weren’t just friends.

They were kissing and holding hands.

I took a few photos with my phone and then I recognized the woman.

It was Monica King, your fiance.

Braden froze.

The world around him began to spin.

Monica Cole together.

It couldn’t be true.

No, it was some kind of mistake.

Some kind of misunderstanding.

You’re lying.

Monica wouldn’t.

Cole couldn’t.

They know each other, of course.

Cole is my friend, but there was never anything between them.

You’re wrong.

Elsa handed him the photos.

And this time, Braden took them with trembling hands.

The first photo, Cole and Monica sitting at a table in a restaurant, their faces close together, laughing.

The second photo, they are kissing passionately, uninhibitedly.

The third photo, they are leaving the restaurant.

Cole has his arm around Monica’s waist.

The fourth photo.

They are entering a cheap motel on the outskirts of town.

Braden couldn’t take his eyes off the photos.

It was them without a doubt.

Cole and Monica.

At that moment, something inside him broke.

Everything he believed in, everything he relied on collapsed in an instant.

“I kept watching them,” Elsa continued in a low voice.

They met at least twice more that I saw, always at this motel, always in secret.

Apparently, they were having an affair.

And if they slept together, which is obvious, then Monica may also be infected.

Cole not only betrayed you as a friend, he may have infected your fiance with a deadly disease that she may not even be aware of.

Braden crouched down, unable to stand.

The photos fell from his hands to the ground.

He felt rage growing inside him, mixed with pain and despair.

How could they? How could Monica betray him like this? How could Cole, his best friend, sleep with his fianceé, and keep quiet about a disease that could kill her? Elsa sat down next to him, gathered the photos, and handed them back to him.

You need to know who these people really are.

You need to know who you’re about to tie your life to.

I know it hurts.

Believe me, I understand that pain better than anyone.

But the truth must be revealed.

Cole destroyed my life and the police couldn’t do anything about it.

But you can.

You can punish him however you see fit.

He must not go unpunished.

He has no right to continue destroying other people’s lives.

Braden raised his head and looked at Elsa.

There was hope in her eyes.

Hope for justice that neither the police nor the courts could give her.

What do you want from me? He asked horarssely.

I want you to know the truth.

I want Cole to answer for what he did.

Not just to me, but to you and Monica.

He’s a liar.

He’s a traitor.

And he’s dangerous.

What you do with this information is up to you.

But I couldn’t keep quiet.

You deserve to know before you stand at the altar.

Elsa stood up, picked up her bag, and took a step back.

I’m leaving these photos with you.

Do with them what you will.

You have my number if you need to get in touch.

I’m sorry it turned out this way, but the truth must always come out, no matter how painful it is.

She turned and walked away, leaving Braden alone in the vacant lot with the photos in his hands.

He sat there for several minutes, unable to move, unable to think.

Then he slowly got up, hid the photos in his jacket’s inside pocket, and walked back to the house.

When he entered through the back door, his parents were in the living room.

Patricia was putting the last few things in her bag, and Ronald was checking the car keys.

They turned around when they heard Braden’s footsteps.

“Well, did you get some fresh air?” Patricia asked with a smile.

“Are you feeling better?” Braden nodded without looking her in the eye.

“Yes, Mom.

Much better.

I need to get something upstairs.

I’ll be quick.

” He went up to his room, closed the door, and walked over to the closet.

On the top shelf, behind boxes of old stuff, was a small safe.

It was Ronald’s safe, where he kept important documents and a gun he had bought many years ago for self-defense.

Braden knew the code.

His father had given it to him in case something happened.

Braden opened the safe, took out the gun, an old 38 caliber revolver, and checked the cylinder.

There were six bullets.

He hid the gun in another inside pocket of his jacket, closed the safe, and went downstairs.

His face was impassive, but inside he was raging with fury and pain.

Cole and Monica had betrayed him.

They had destroyed everything he believed in, and today they would pay for it.

Ronald glanced at his watch.

It’s time to go, son.

The church is waiting.

Your bride is waiting.

Are you ready? Braden looked at his father and nodded.

Yes, Dad.

I’m ready.

Let’s go to the church.

They left the house, got into Ronald’s car, and drove through the streets of Detroit towards St.

Paul’s Church.

Braden sat in the back seat, his hand on the pocket where the gun lay.

The photos were in another pocket, a reminder of the betrayal.

Patricia said something about how beautifully the church was decorated, but Braden didn’t hear her.

He had only one thing on his mind.

Today, it would all end.

Cole and Monica would get what they deserved.

At the altar, where they were supposed to exchange vows of fidelity, something completely different would happen.

Something terrible and irreversible.

St.

Paul’s Church stood on a quiet street in northern Detroit.

It was an old stone building with a tall bell tower and stained glass windows built at the beginning of the 20th century.

Several generations of families from the neighborhood had come here to get married.

Today, the church was decorated with white ribbons and flowers, and the parking lot in front of it was filled with guests cars.

People in festive attire entered the church, smiling and whispering to each other.

No one suspected that this day would end in tragedy.

Ronald’s car pulled up to the church at exactly/4 to 12.

Braden sat motionless in the back seat, staring at the building in front of him.

His hand rested on the pocket where his gun was.

The photos burned his skin through the fabric of his jacket in the second pocket.

Everything he had felt over the past few hours, rage, pain, betrayal, merged into one cold decision.

Today, the truth would come out.

Today, they would answer for everything.

Ronald parked and turned off the engine.

He turned to his son with a smile.

Well, here we are.

Your new life starts right now, son.

I know you’re nervous, but everything will be fine.

Monica loves you and you’ll be happy.

Patricia turned around too, reaching out and squeezing Braden’s shoulder.

We’re so proud of you, sweetheart.

Today is the most important day of your life.

Enjoy every minute of it.

Braden didn’t answer.

He just nodded and got out of the car.

Ronald and Patricia followed him, exchanging puzzled glances.

Something was wrong with their son, but they couldn’t figure out what it was.

They decided it was just nerves and walked toward the church entrance.

A small group of people had gathered at the entrance.

Braden recognized them immediately.

Cole Landry stood at the steps in a formal black suit with a white flower in his button hole.

He was a tall man in his 30s with short hair and a broad smile.

Next to him stood Monica in a snow white wedding dress.

Her hair was styled in an elegant updo and her face glowed with happiness.

Next to her was her mother, Vivien King, a 52-year-old woman in an elegant beige suit.

She was smiling as she talked to Monica about something.

When Cole saw Braden, his face lit up with joy.

He took a step forward, extending his hand for a handshake.

Braden, finally, buddy, I was starting to worry you’d be late for your own wedding.

Are you ready to be a married man? Monica turned to the groom and her smile grew even wider.

She took a step toward him, extending her arms.

Braden, I’m so happy to see you.

I know we agreed not to see each other before the ceremony, but I couldn’t wait.

You look so handsome in that suit.

Braden stopped a few steps away from them.

His face was stony, his eyes cold.

He didn’t respond to Cole’s greeting or smile at Monica.

Instead, he slowly took the photos out of his pocket and held them out.

“Explain this to me,” he said in a quiet but firm voice.

Cole frowned, not understanding what was going on.

He took the photos and glanced at them.

His face instantly palded.

His smile disappeared.

His hands trembled.

Monica looked over his shoulder and saw the images.

She gasped, recoiling and pressing her hand to her mouth.

Braden, it’s not what you think.

I can explain, she began, but her voice trembled with fear.

Viven moved closer, trying to understand what was happening.

What’s going on, Braden? Why are you looking at my daughter like that? What’s in those photos? Braden paid no attention to Vivien.

His gaze was fixed on Cole and Monica.

Ronald and Patricia moved closer, sensing that something was wrong.

How long? Braden asked louder, his voice echoing across the square in front of the church.

How long has your affair been going on? How long have you been lying to my face, pretending to be my friends? The guests standing at the church entrance fell silent, turning toward the source of the shouting.

Several people came out of the church, drawn by the loud voices.

A crowd began to gather at the entrance.

Everyone staring at the groom, the bride, and the best man.

Cole dropped the photos, his hands still shaking.

He tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come.

Bray, listen.

It was a mistake.

We didn’t mean to.

It just happened.

Happened.

Braden stepped closer, his face contorted with rage.

You kissed in the restaurant by accident.

You went to a motel by accident? How many times, Cole? How many times did you sleep with my bride behind my back? Monica burst into tears.

Tears streaming down her face, smearing her makeup.

She stepped toward Braden, reaching out her hands, trying to touch him.

Braden, please forgive me.

I don’t know what came over me.

It was stupid.

I love you.

Only you.

It didn’t mean anything.

Braden recoiled from her as if she were a leper.

The crowd of guests grew as more and more people came out of the church trying to understand what was happening.

Whispers and exclamations of surprise filled the air.

Viven grabbed her daughter’s hand, trying to pull her away from Braden.

Monica, what’s going on? What is he talking about? What affair.

Patricia approached her son, placing her hand on his shoulder.

Braden, dear, calm down.

Let’s talk about this calmly.

But Braden didn’t hear his mother.

All his rage, all his pain was focused on one thing.

He slowly unbuttoned his jacket and took out a gun.

The crowd gasped.

Several women screamed.

The men stepped back, shielding their children and wives.

Someone grabbed a phone trying to call the police.

Braden pointed the gun at Cole.

His hand was steady without trembling.

Cole raised his hands, his face white as chalk.

Braden, don’t do this, please.

We can talk about it.

I’m your friend.

We’ve been through a lot together.

Friend? Braden’s voice was icy.

Friends don’t sleep with each other’s fiances.

Friends don’t lie.

Tell everyone the truth, Cole.

Tell them why you did it.

Cole looked down, unable to meet Braden’s gaze.

I don’t know.

It just happened.

We met by chance at a bar 3 weeks ago.

She was alone.

We had a few drinks.

One thing led to another.

Monica sobbed even louder, falling to her knees.

Braden, I wanted to experience something new before the wedding.

I was scared that I would be with one person for the rest of my life.

I wanted to feel passion.

It was a mistake.

A huge mistake.

I didn’t want to hurt you.

How many times? Braden asked, his voice becoming quieter, but even more frightening.

Monica raised her head, looking at him through her tears.

Three times we met three times.

The last time was 2 weeks ago.

I swore to myself that I would never do it again.

That after the wedding, everything would be different.

Braden looked at Cole, who was still standing with his hands raised.

Tell her, Cole.

Tell Monica what you’ve been hiding from her.

What you should have told her before you slept with her.

Cole frowned, not understanding what he was talking about.

But then his face changed and fear appeared in his eyes.

Bray, how did you speak? Braden shouted and the crowd gasped.

Cole lowered his hands, his shoulders slumping.

He looked at Monica, then looked away.

I’m HIV positive, he said quietly, but in the silence that had fallen around them, everyone heard his words.

Monica froze.

Her face became as pale as Coohl’s.

She slowly got to her feet, taking a step back.

What? No.

No, that’s not true.

You’re joking.

Cole shook his head.

I found out a year ago.

I didn’t want to tell anyone.

I was afraid everyone would turn away from me.

I’m on medication.

My viral load is low.

I thought the risk was minimal.

Monica screamed, clutching her head.

Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you keep quiet? We didn’t use protection.

You could have infected me.

How could you keep quiet about this? Cole didn’t answer.

He just stood there with his head bowed like a man sentenced to death.

Vivien ran to her daughter and hugged her.

But Monica pushed her mother away.

Her screams turned into sobs, and she fell to her knees, covering her face with her hands.

Braden looked at them both, at the man he considered his best friend, at the woman he loved and wanted to marry.

Both had betrayed him.

Both had lied.

Both had ruined his life.

And at that moment, something inside him finally broke.

The shot rang out so loudly that several people in the crowd covered their ears.

Cole flew backward from the impact of the bullet in his chest and fell onto the steps of the church.

Blood began to spread across the white stone.

His eyes were wide open, staring at the sky, but there was no life in them anymore.

The crowd erupted in screams, people scattered, some falling, tripping over each other.

Patricia screamed.

Ronald tried to grab his son’s hand, but Braden was already moving forward.

Monica jumped to her feet and ran toward the church.

her wedding dress billowing behind her.

She flew through the open doors, screaming in horror.

Braden followed her.

The guests parted before him, pressing themselves against the walls.

Inside the church, it was quiet and empty.

All the guests had run outside when they heard the gunshot.

Monica ran down the center aisle between the rows of pews, tripping over the long hem of her dress.

She reached the altar and stopped, turning to face Braden.

Braden walked slowly, his gun lowered at his side.

His footsteps echoed under the high arches of the church.

Monica stood at the altar where in a few minutes they were to exchange vows.

Her face was contorted with horror.

Her makeup smeared with tears, her dress stained with dust.

Braden, please don’t do this.

I beg you.

I want to live.

Please.

Braden stopped a few feet away from her.

He raised his gun and pointed it at her.

Monica covered her face with her hands, sobbing.

I loved you.

I really did.

It was a mistake.

One terrible mistake.

Don’t kill me, please.

Braden looked at her at the woman he had promised his life to.

At the woman who had betrayed him with his best friend, at the woman who had lied to him again and again.

and he pulled the trigger.

The second shot rang out in the silence of the church.

Monica fell onto her back, her body collapsing right in front of the altar.

Her white dress quickly turned red.

Her eyes stared at the painted ceiling, but she could no longer see anything.

Braden lowered the gun.

He stood in the center of the church, surrounded by empty rows of pews.

Monica laid dead in front of him at the altar where she was supposed to become his wife.

Outside there were screams and the sound of sirens in the distance.

The police were already on their way.

It was over.

Braden looked at the gun in his hand, then placed it on the nearest pew.

He knelt down right where he stood and covered his face with his hands.

The silence of the church engulfed him.

On April 14th, 2024, at St.

Paul’s church.

Two people died on a day that was supposed to be the beginning of a new life.

Instead, it became the end of everything.