Shocked and Shattered Read online

  Shocked & Shattered by Aleya Michelle

  Blurb

  Crystal Edgeworth thought she had it all...

  A rich and successful husband, a flawless modelling contract with the largest agency in the state, and of course her glamorous looks and body.

  These materialistic items will no longer mean a thing when she is thrown a shocking and heartbreaking twist of fate.

  When Crystal’s life is turned upside down and she takes on the fight of her life, who will stick around to see her through?

  When tragedy strikes, you find out who your true friends are...

  In sickness and in health were their vows, but in times of turmoil, sometimes the strong turn weak and the weak turn strong.

  Can Crystal find strength within to fight and survive?

  CHAPTER 1 – My Dream Wedding

  I slowly open my eyes to the sun’s rays shining in the spacious and stunning bay window, the calming sound of the waves crashing against the sand. The intense smell of the salt water is a beautiful way to start the day.

  It’s a gorgeous spring day; the sun is shining brilliantly, not a cloud in the clear blue sky. It is

  Picture perfect.

  Today is July twenty-first, and it’s my wedding day.

  I am marrying my high school sweetheart, Sterling Hunt, and I am over the moon with all of the glorious plans we have set in stone for the ceremony and reception. I do have my reservations about getting married; both sets of parents have encouraged and approved from early on. We have been together nine years now.

  We met when we were both fifteen, quite young and naïve. Now at twenty-four, we are both doing extremely well for ourselves. Sterling runs his father’s transport business. He is the boss of over two hundred employees, and I have a three-year modelling contract with Exquisite Edge as their poster girl.

  I love and adore my job, I get paid to get my make-up and hair done for shoots, constant outfit changes, and I’m pictured all around the world. I donate a lot of my money to various charities and I love to volunteer and help out at shelters when I am needed.

  My long blonde locks are the trademark for Redkin for the next six months, a fantastic opportunity to heighten my portfolio. Keeping my figure in shape and my skin clear by drinking litres of water are the prerequisites for my job. It definitely helps having a personal trainer and dietician on hand for myself and Sterling.

  He also keeps himself in great shape, using his work gym at lunch times.

  We are the picture perfect couple…

  Marriage is forever, after all…

  We both have extremely busy occupations. I can be travelling interstate or overseas with work commitments, and Sterling is a workaholic. He is always in the office, sometimes late into the night.

  After nine years together, I have learnt to pick my battles. Sterling is very stubborn and never lets me win an argument. One thing I really miss are our hot nights of passionate sex. Things have been lacking in that department lately. I’m sure it’s just because we don’t see each other often enough. I plan to seduce him numerous times on our honeymoon.

  My bestie, Hannah, doesn’t think very highly of Sterling. Apparently, she saw him at a club one night, very close to some random girl. She approached them and he denied it all and left. That was a hard time for me. Who was I supposed to believe, my fiancé or my best friend? He promised it wouldn’t happen again, that he wouldn’t step foot near another woman.

  He has no reason to stray. Without sounding full of myself, I keep my body in great shape. I have 30,000 followers on my modelling page on Instagram, and I have won multiple awards for New York’s most beautiful model. I can cook extremely well, clean and keep the place tidy, and I’m not one of those smothering women that won’t let her man out of her sight.

  We have our lives together and our lives separate. We trust each other, and that is all that matters. There is no reason that I shouldn’t trust him, he has committed himself to me.

  He can be extremely distant at times. He’s like a closed book, and he never talks about his work, or anything much at all to be honest. Men are from Mars, isn’t that the saying? I usually do most of the talking, but I have nothing to compare our relationship to. I mean, girls do talk more than guys do anyways.

  We passed the seven-year itch in our relationship and are still together, so that says something… right?

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  It’s the night before our big day, so I stayed the night with Hannah at our beach house. It’s unlucky to see the groom before the big day after all. Hannah is of course my maid of honour; I’d be lost without her in my life; that is without a doubt.

  We didn’t want a huge bridal party, so decided on one of each. Sterling’s best man is his oldest and best friend Lloyd. He is a bad influence, as he is the bachelor that never wants to settle down.

  I just know when they go out together to always expect the worst.

  I casually make my way into the kitchen to brew some coffee as I have my make-up artist and hair stylist coming at nine to work their magic. My facial, pedicure, and spray tan were taken care of yesterday. I’m feeling like a million dollars. I might even be worth that in life insurance too.

  My wedding dress is a Cristiano Lucci, and absolutely stunning. It’s both glamorous and timeless. The gown is A-line, with a slight flare at the hemline. My favourite part is the flattering pleated dropped bodice and sweetheart neckline, accented with beading.

  Sterling has booked the Manhattan Elite private yacht for our wedding venue, which is remarkable.

  With views of the New York skyline, we will be sailing for four hours with the ceremony on the top deck. It’s an absolute dream come true, yet I’m feeling nauseas. Of course, that is to be expected.

  “You look pretty pale, Crystal,” Hannah says to me as she joins me in the kitchen.

  “Yeah. I think it’s just wedding day jitters,” I reply and smile, now wondering if I can actually stomach the coffee that I have made.

  “I’ll make you some toast, honey. Starting on an empty stomach is not the best idea,” Hannah declares. I have always been a breakfast person, even if it is just cereal or toast. My stomach needs that lining and energy to begin each morning.

  “Thanks, Han. You know I’d be lost without you, right?” I admit to my best friend, but I’m sure she already knows and feels the same way. Her honesty can be brutal, but the truth is something I’d rather hear than a lie.

  We embrace, and it suddenly hits me that I will no longer be Crystal Edgeworth in a few hours.

  Cue the panic attack.

  “Oh, Han, I’m doing the right thing aren’t I? This is the most logical step for us. Being together nine years, marriage is the obvious next step,” I state, feeling as though the walls are closing in on me, just a little. I do love Sterling.

  “If you love him and want to spend the rest of your life with him, then it’s right.”

  The rest of my life with him, just Sterling and I forever…but why does the thought of that scare me?

  I smile and nod, unable to vocalise my feelings, so I let it be.

  I welcome the distraction when the hairdresser arrives. She styles my hair into a gorgeous, twisted crown bun. It’s a little messy, but classy, and I’ve topped it off with a diamond hair comb. It’s perfect and suits me.

  Dionne creates a flawless foundation base, dark smoky eyes, and petal pink lip liner and lipstick. My eyelashes have extensions, and have been tinted. My whole look is finished off with my something new; a tear drop diamond necklace and earrings that were a gift from Sterling.

  My parents arrive at eleven. Well, stepmother,
actually. I lost my mom in a car accident when I was five. Dad remarried when I was fourteen, but I’ve never actually bonded with Cecilia, although, we are civil to one another. It’s not like she is a witch; we are just very different people. Having no blood children of her own, I’m sure she was surprised when she became a stepmom.

  “Oh, Crystal. You look beautiful, sweetheart,” Cecilia tells me as we embrace.

  “You are a mesmerising sight,” Dad chimes in and hugs the both of us.

  “Thanks, guys,” I reply, feeling pleased with my appearance and their compliments

  Cecilia gives Dad and I a few minutes alone, and for that, I am grateful for.

  “Crystal, I have something special for you. It was your mothers, and she told me to give it to you on your wedding day,” he informs me as tears well in his eyes. My poor beautiful mother was taken way too soon.

  Dad holds out his hand and shows me a garter that is so lovely, made from lace with a blue ribbon.

  “Your mom made this from scratch for our wedding day. I am so happy you can use something of hers.”

  “Thank you, Dad. It really is amazing. God, I miss her today,” I admit to him as he pulls me in for a bear hug, showing me with one embrace that his love is deep enough for the both of them.

  “Okay, Crystal. It’s time to get this show on the road, girlfriend,” Hannah announces as she comes out, looking glamourous in her strapless purple bridesmaids dress.

  “You look breathtaking, Crys. Don’t you forget that, okay,” she tells me, giving me a quick squeeze before hurrying off.

  “Shoes, purse, and then I’m all set. Let’s do this,” I say as we excitedly head out the front to the white stretch limousine.

  The photographer has arrived and starts snapping photos. I smile for a few before I feel sick again. This time, the nausea is accompanied by dizziness. Shit, not today. Please!

  Thankfully, it passes before anyone notices.

  I climb into the limo as Hannah holds the long train of my dress. “Only the best for my Princess,” Sterling had said when we were discussing wedding cars.

  “Mrs. Hunt. That does have a nice ring to it,” Hannah muses as we drive to the dock in Manhattan, where we will board the gorgeous yacht.

  I smile and concentrate on my breathing. I take in a deep breath and hold it, then exhale and let it out. I repeat this for the next few moments, but I’m still feeling nauseas.

  “You okay?” Hannah asks me, squeezing my hand.

  “Just nauseas,” I reply, hoping the feeling would pass sooner, rather than later.

  “What would you do without me? “Hannah gloats, showing me a packet of motion sickness pills. “They are for cars, boats, planes and all moving vehicles. I couldn’t risk the bride falling ill.”

  “You are a lifesaver, Han,” I reply before swallowing down the pills.

  Ten minutes later, we arrive, and I’m definitely feeling better.

  The Ceremony

  Held on the top deck of the stunning white yacht, Hannah and I have a small waiting room to fix ourselves up and get ready for the signal. When, ‘From this moment,’ by Shania Twain starts to play, that is Hannah’s cue to start to walk down the silver isle that is elegantly lined with bright pink roses.

  “Let’s go, Princess,” Dad says to me as I link my arm through his and we make our way down the aisle. I smile widely at our guests, family, and friends, all here to celebrate with us.

  The surrounding views of the skyline, other boats in the distance and water reflections are just beautiful. There’s still not a cloud in the sky, and the water along the shoreline is a sparkling dark blue.

  The backdrop behind the minister is a white silk display with fairy lights, including an arch with a vine that stands at the front for the bridal party. The chairs are decorated with white organza and silver ribbons.

  I wanted to add more colour, but Sterling disagreed, wanting to keep it simple and classy. Here I was thinking the bride got the last say, but it was his one request, so I gave in.

  I feel so close to my dad at this moment. He has been so wonderful to me.

  Then I notice Sterling under the arch, looking so handsome and suave, but he is sweating and smiling awkwardly. The smile looks very forced and fake. I smile at him, hoping he can relax now he sees me, but instead, he looks down and rubs at his forehead.

  Is he having second thoughts? Why is the thought of marrying me so stressful?

  Dad picks up on my anxiety. “He is just nervous, Crys” he says quietly, squeezing my hand for reassurance.

  I take a deep breath and look to Hannah. She is smiling brightly at me and blows me a kiss. When I glance back at Sterling, he looks calm and normal. Thank God.

  Sterling takes my hand as Dad delivers me to him. His palm is soaked with sweat. I can’t say I’ve ever seen him so nervous.

  Our wedding vows are simple and traditional, nothing too drawn out or boring like some weddings we have attended. I was a little disappointed that he couldn’t write something from his heart.

  “You may now kiss the bride,” the minister declares. Sterling leans into me for a short, simple peck on the lips.

  Is he ever going to sweep me off my feet again, or is this what married life is all about?

  I feel tears building in my eyes, but I won’t let them escape, not today.

  The reception room on the middle deck is perfect—stylish and intimate—and I really couldn’t fault a single thing. The elegant table settings with miniature pink roses as centrepieces in glass vases are perfect. Our wedding cake is three tiers, set in traditional white and silver colours, with the bride and groom figures on top.

  The DJ keeps the background music calm as we enjoy our meals. The guests get their choice of smoked salmon or a scotch fillet steak. It’s delicious. Sterling and I devour every last piece.

  “I would like to thank you all for coming, family and friends, to celebrate our wedding,” Sterling says with ease. He has no problem with public speaking. “My beautiful wife, you look stunning, and I love you.”

  I smile, even though I feel a little deflated. I expected more than a ten-word sentence; though I am pleased he told the world he loves me.

  After all the speeches are made, we dance. I let loose with Hannah on the dance floor, and she makes me smile and laugh as per usual. Sterling and I have our first slow dance as husband and wife to the Dirty Dancing song, ‘I’ve had the time of my life.’ He keeps his arms on my back like a gentleman.

  Before I know it, it is time to throw the bouquet and remove the garter. It makes it so special that it was mom’s garter. Ironically enough, Hannah catches the bouquet of flowers, and the look of horror on her face is priceless. Marriage is not in her five-year plan. She seems to enjoy the single life. I giggle and stick my tongue out at her because I know that fate has a way of making things happen.

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  It’s not until the end of the night, thankfully, when we are hit with a severe thunder and hail storm. The yacht safely docks, but sways dangerously. It’s too wet to get off and too scary to stay on.

  Please, don’t let this be a bad omen.

  When the rain eases, we all make a run for it. I have my heels off, as I was getting blisters. Sterling has the limo waiting, but we are soaked by the time we reach it. I can’t help but laugh as I climb in, dripping wet. Sterling, however, is unimpressed. God, he constantly puts a dampener on everything.

  As he straightens out his tuxedo, he frowns and hisses angrily, “The amount of money we paid the damn yacht company, they could have organised umbrellas or a tarp to keep their top customers dry. Customer service is terrible. I’ll be writing a letter to their head office.”

  “They can’t control the weather, Sterling,” I explain, feeling frustrated with his negativity. “Can’t we focus on how perfect the rest of the night was?”

  “The majority of the ni
ght was close to perfect, but it wasn’t perfect,” he corrects me. Sterling is always the pessimist, while I am always the optimist. Opposites attract, right?

  The limousine driver takes us back to our gorgeous beach house. We are staying here a few days before we leave for our honeymoon in Bora Bora, and I am super ecstatic about heading to paradise.

  As I carefully climb out of the limo, lifting my dress and train, I feel a wave of nausea hit again, but I refuse to let it ruin my wedding night. Sex is essential.

  I am more than disappointed when Sterling doesn’t ravish me and try to strip me from my dress. Instead, he showers and climbs into bed, snoring before I can count to ten. Part of me wants to smother him with god damn pillow.

  After I slip out of my dress and undergarments, I also shower and climb into bed, naked, rubbing myself up against him. Exhaustion from the big day catches up with me and I drift off to sleep, but I’m awoken by his hardness, poking into me a few hours later. Finally.

  I wiggle back further into him as his hands roam across my fully naked body. He massages my breasts and roughly pinches my nipples, and before I know it, his finger is inside me, getting me ready for his cock. I lean forward and he takes my lead, entering my wetness with ease.