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“You look beautiful, my darling.”
Lucy Chen studied her reflection through the full length mirror, carefully smoothing out the skirt of her dress.
With her hair and makeup perfectly done and an expensive dress hugging her frame, Lucy did feel beautiful.
Today was her wedding day; a day she'd dreamt of for most of her life. And here she was, with her dream dress in her dream venue. Yet, deep down she knew, something was wrong.
Guilt washed over her. Her stomach turned as she watched her mother wiping away a tear. Lucy knew her parents had invested so much into this day. She couldn't back out now. Could she?
She shook her head and forced a smile on her face. Michael was a good, kind man. It would all work out eventually.
Lucy thought back to their time spent together, desperately trying to cling onto the reasons that led her to the very spot she stood in now.
She first met Michael only a few months ago, after a gentle push from her mom to go out with their friend's son. It was the worst idea in the world but Lucy, desperate for her parents approval after years of disappointment over her career choice, would do anything to earn some of their pride back.
Surprisingly, she hadn't hated their first date.
Michael had made her laugh and seemed understanding of her strained relationship with her parents and surprisingly, quite positive about her job. It was refreshing.
Their first date quickly turned into a second, then a third and a fourth.
Their relationship quickly snowballed into something more. Regular meet ups with family, weekends away here and there. Lucy couldn't help but feel swept up by it all.
Until suddenly, Michael popped the question.
It was a happy day, surrounded by their loved ones as he got down on one knee. Uncertainty swirled around her, but seeing her mom nodding and crying behind him, she made the decision that led her here right now.
All thoughts of him had to be quickly pushed aside. They were over, she'd reminded herself at the time. There was no coming back.
“Oh my, look at the time!” Her mother gasped. “Honey, I'll see you out there. Your dad will be here soon.” She placed a kiss on Lucy's cheeks and scurried out of the room.
Lucy simply nodded, barely acknowledging her as her mind raced. At the mere thought of him, her heart pounded as she thought back on their final conversation a few weeks ago.
…
Lucy lay on her sofa, trying to unwind after a day from hell. It was one of those rare days, she wondered, whether her mom was actually right.
With her right hand curled around a mug, she lifted the left to her eye line. Would things have to change now she was getting married? Michael always insisted it wouldn't, but the look on his face this evening told her otherwise.
Lucy studied the ring and wondered, not for the first time, if she truly was making the correct decision. Her thoughts swirled, thinking through every scenario but they always settled on her mother's beaming face. She couldn't let her down, not again.
The knock on her apartment door interrupted her trail of thought.
She groaned, pulling the blanket off her and getting up from her seat. She'd finally just managed to get Michael to leave, after hours of convincing him she was fine.
She was determined to chase whoever it was away, not in the mood to have anyone else in her apartment tonight. All Lucy Chen craved, right now, was to be alone.
She slowly opened the door.
There stood Sergeant Tim Bradford. Her former Training Officer Tim Bradford.
Lucy's heart pounded. Her ex boyfriend, Tim Bradford.
“Tim.” She forced a smile on her face. “It's late, are you okay?”
He nodded, scratching the back of his neck. “Uh yeah.” His eyes travelled to land just above her head, her small frame allowing him to see into the open space behind her. “Is Michael here?”
She shook her head. “He's gone for the night. I finally managed to convince him I was fine after today. It's just the job.” She smiled weakly, knowing Tim was one of the few who understood.
He nodded, his eyes moving back to lock with her own.
“I really just came to check on you too. You really scared us for a minute there.”
Lucy flashed back to the events of the day. It was meant to be a simple welfare call.
She nodded. “I'm fine, truly.”
“Great. Good.” He shifted on his feet. “I guess.. I'll go then.”
“Uh yeah, thanks Tim.”
He nodded, his gaze struggling to meet hers. “Night then, Chen.”
“Goodn..”
He was down the corridor before she could finish the word.
Lucy scrunched her eyes, confusion plastered on her face after that interaction. She quickly shut the door.
However, before she even made it back onto the sofa, the door knocked again.
What the?
She opened it once more.
Tim pushed past her and made his way into her living room, pacing back and forth.
“Tim?” She closed the door behind him, “what the hell is going on?”
He finally turned to face her, locking their eyes for the first time that evening.
“I need to talk to you Luce.” Lucy was taken aback by the pained look on his face as he whispered her name. He hadn't called her that in a long time.
She nodded and returned to her seat on the sofa, Tim standing over her.
“I'm listening.” She spoke gently.
His eyes travelled across her face, like he was taking in every inch of it while he still had the chance.
“I was really scared today.” He told her simply.
She gave him a small smile. “I know Tim, you told me. And I-”
He breathed deeply, shaking his head.
“Lucy, listen to me.” He finally took a seat next to her, turning so he could continue looking at her. “I'm not just talking in terms of work. We were all concerned, but I mean me. I was scared.”
Lucy took in a breath but didn't respond.
“I've always been worried about you, as your Training Officer then your Sergeant, but almost losing you today… I couldn't breathe.”
She watched him closely, and whispered. “What are you trying to say?”
He moved a beat closer to her, staring directly into her eyes. “I'm saying, I felt, for a split second, what life would be like without you and it's something I never want to experience ever again.”
He got up from the sofa, continuing to pace back and forth.
“Heck, I mean I've always known I'd never wanna lose you Luce, but today.. today I decided I can't waste anymore time, living life without you.”
He finally stood still. “I'm still in love with you, Lucy Chen. And I know it got hard last time, but I love you and I can't be without you again.”
Lucy stared up at him, tears beginning to prick at the corners of her eyes. This was everything she wanted to hear from him, months ago. Her left hand suddenly weighed heavy.
She glanced down at her finger, the diamond shimmering in the light of the apartment. Tim's eyes followed hers.
“I know you've got Michael.” He continued, “and I know you may think you love him.. but I'm asking you. Please, don't marry him. I love you…”
Lucy quickly wiped away the tears that began to fall, before looking up and meeting his eyes.
“It's too late Tim…”
“Hey.” He quickly sat next to her again and took hold of her hand. “It's not too late Lucy. If you still love me, it's not too late. We can still be together.”
Lucy's mind raced, thinking of all the repercussions of what he was suggesting.
She shook her head. “I can't.”
“Do you love me?”
“Tim, listen to me…”
“Lucy, do you love me?”
“I.. look, I appreciate you coming down here to tell me how you feel-”
Tim scoffed. “You appreciate me? Luce, answer my question.”
“No!” She blurted. “No, this is not fair. I waited for you Tim, I waited for you to be ready and in a good place for a relationship and you weren't there. But now I'm finally happy, you want me back? It's not happening.
You just want what you can't have Bradford, you always have.”
He let go of her hands and slowly stood up. Lucy immediately regretted the harsh words.
“Tim.” She breathed. “Tim I'm sorry I-”
He shook his head, eyes fixed on the apartment door.
More tears fell as she studied his frame. Lucy fought everything within her not to jump up and pull him back down next to her.
He started for the door, before turning back to face her one more time. Lucy immediately noticed his own eyes brimming with tears.
“You're right. I'm just a selfish bastard. I'm sorry. But I'm glad you're happy Lucy, I truly mean that.”
He gave her one final, pained smile, before heading out the door.
The second it closed shut, Lucy pulled her blanket closer, her tears turning into quiet sobs.
…
It wasn't until she heard the knock at that door that Lucy realised she was crying. She breathed deeply, trying to gain control of herself but it was useless.
“Lucy?” The soft voice of Nyla Harper entering the room only made Lucy sob more. Ever since Lucy had taken on more undercover work, the pair had become firm friends.
She desperately tried to wipe away the tears streaming down her face but it was useless to hide them from Nyla. She knew her, all too well.
“Oh honey.” She spoke soothingly, pulling Lucy into a hug.
Lucy allowed herself to be enveloped into the warm arms of the detective.
“I.. I can't.. I can't do this.” She sobbed, her breathing erratic now.
Nyla pulled away and placed both hands on the side of Lucy's face, wiping away some of her tears.
“You don't have too.” She reassured her. “You don't have to do anything you don't want to do.”
“But my parents…”
“Will be fine.” Nyla finished for her. “It's your life, not your mom's or your dad's. It's yours to do with what you want.”
Lucy desperately tried to wipe away all her tears and nodded. It had taken her a long time to finally understand, but Nyla was right.
“Can you do me a favour?” She whispered.
—
The passenger door of Nyla's car opened before she came to a complete stop.
Lucy Chen, now forever known as the runaway bride, jumped out. Her ears still ringing from the sounds of yelling and crying.
She knew her parents may never forgive her, but right now, Lucy didn't care.
She'd apologised to Michael profusely, her only regret being hurting him. Surprisingly, he took it well. Too well actually. Turns out, Michael felt just as much pressure from his own parents.
Lucy lifted up the skirt of her dress, desperately trying to avoid it getting dirty as she rushed into the police department.
She may not have been getting married today, but she still wanted to keep her dress as nice as possible.
“Are you sure you don't want to go home and change?” Nyla had asked her, on more than one occasion. Lucy knew that was the sensible thing to do, but she was tired of always being sensible. Always doing things just to please other people.
Anyway, she had more pressing matters on her mind to worry about than entering her place of work in a wedding dress.
She felt a twinge of guilt when she finally stepped into the main office space, her eyes scanning over all her friends and coworkers. All the people she never invited.
Maybe it was because of her mothers insistence that an overwhelming police presence could be seen as threatening. But Lucy knew, deep down, she never truly believed she was getting married today. She couldn't imagine asking them to go and support her in a decision she knew she shouldn't be making.
At that moment Lucy Chen decided two things. One, she was never going to let anyone dictate her life for her again, including Vanessa Chen. And two, when she did get married, Lucy was going to make damn sure the whole department would be there.
“Bit overdressed this morning, aren't we Officer Chen?” Lucy snapped out of her thoughts to the voice of Smitty.
She rolled her eyes but let out a soft laugh. “I thought I'd try something new today, Smitty.”
“Smitty, I'm still waiting on all your paperwork, what are you-”
Lucy's head snapped up in the direction of his voice. Sergeant Bradford stood in the doorway of his office, his wide eyes on her.
“Luc…”
Her stomach flipped, sending bounds of nervous energy through her.
She slowly walked over to him, careful not to step on her dress. “I need to speak to you.” She spoke firmly.
He nodded, moving out of the way for her to enter his office.
“Get back to work.” He growled at the audience watching before closing the door.
“What's going on? Are you okay?” He pressed as soon as they were out of earshot.
Lucy shook her head and lifted her pointer finger at him.
“I need you to be quiet now.” She warned him. “You had your chance to speak weeks ago, now it's my turn.”
He nodded, leaning against the glass door, arms folded across his chest.
Lucy began pacing, her nerves not allowing her to stand still.
“I…” she began, unsure of where to start. “I..”
She stopped to look at him directly, frustration plastered across her features. “I'm so angry at you Tim.”
His brows furrowed together, his lips parting to speak.
Lucy quickly cut him off. “I said, be quiet Tim.” She snapped, desperate to get everything she was holding inside out in the open.
Tim simply nodded, allowing her to continue.
She began to pace once again. “I'm so mad. You know, everything was going great Tim. My parents were finally approving of something I did. I had a kind, steady man wanting to marry me. The rest of my life looked so.. but then you. You came into my apartment and told me you still loved me, you had no right to do that.
“You can't just drop that bombshell on me then just up and leave, that was not fair. Especially whenI still loved you, you knew I did. And I know you wanted me to say it, right then and there, but I just couldn't, okay?
“And then what? After all of that, you disappeared on me? What the hell Tim!? You change up your whole working schedule just to avoid me?
“That night changed everything for me Tim, you sucked the joy out of the wedding. I mean, look!”
She lifted her dress once again, showing him the snow white sneakers she wore underneath.
“Everyone wanted me to wear some heels, but after you came, telling me you still loved me, I found myself choosing these. Something deep inside me knew I'd be more comfortable running in these.”
Lucy groaned, taking in a deep breath. “You've done some things to piss me off Bradford but this really tops the lot. And now my mom hates me and will probably never speak to me again and it's all your fault so there.”
He studied her, his lips pressed together.
“You can speak now.” She gave him permission, trying to get her breath back.
Tim pushed himself off the door and took a step closer to her, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards. “You still love me?”
Lucy glared at him, eyes fixed on him. “That's what you got from everything I said!?”
“Yeah, yeah I get it. You're mad.” He brushed her off. “You still love me, though?”
She sighed, then simply shrugged her shoulders. A soft, gentle smile forming on her lips.
He moved a step closer to her and reached out, playing with a strand of hair that had fallen from her tight bun. “Lucy Chen, you are everything.
“And I'm sorry about disappearing. I thought I was doing the right thing… giving you space. I'm sorry about your mom, I'm sorry about ruining your wedding day.
“But I'm not sorry for that night. I'm not sorry for telling you I still love you because I do, I love you Luce. I never stopped.
“And if you let me, I'll spend the rest of my life telling you how utterly crazy you make me feel.”
Lucy felt more tears prick her eyes. She reached up, her hand resting on the back of his neck.
“Tim Bradford, I'd love nothing more.” She smiled brightly at him. “I love you. I love you more than anything. It's.. almost scary the hold you have on my heart.”
Tim beamed down at her, his arm now finding her waist, pulling her closer to him.
“Are you really sorry you ruined my wedding day?”
He chuckled softly. “Not even a little bit. But I am sorry if it's caused a rift in your family. I know how much you wanted to make them happy.”
She nodded. “I did. But not at the expense of my own happiness. Never again.”
“Good, because I'm never going to let you go again.” He whispered.
“And I'm not going anywhere.”
Finally, he leaned down, his lips finding hers.
The pair smiled within the kiss, slowly savouring this moment. Lucy caressed the back of his neck as his hands felt every inch of her waist.
The sound of applause broke the couple apart. Lucy giggled as she saw their friends watching them, beaming smiles on all their faces.
“Oh no.” She suddenly cringed, hiding her face in his chest. The realisation of the day's events dawning on her. “I've become some cliché runaway bride, haven't I?”
He pressed a soft kiss on the top of her head, laughing softly. “I mean… you did come running in here wearing a wedding dress.”
She looked up at him, her cheeks flushed red. “I look ridiculous, don't I?”
He shrugged. “I don't know how you look to them, but to me you just look absolutely stunning.”
He grabbed hold of both hands, pushing their bodies apart so he could have a full view of her again.
“I can't believe how beautiful you are. The most beautiful bride.
“It's a nice sneak peak into my future.” He whispered, eyes locked tight on hers.
Lucy gasped, feeling swarms of butterflies throughout her body.
Before she could respond, the door to the office swung open. Watch Commander, Wade Grey entered the room.
“Can someone explain to me why no one is doing any work and why one of my officers is in a wedding dress!?”