Jessica was a beautiful, vibrant young woman, born and raised by her grandmother in a quiet countryside town. Her upbringing had been full of love, discipline, and warmth. After completing college, she moved to the city to pursue greater career opportunities.
There, fate introduced her to Richard.
From the moment their eyes met, they connected. Richard was everything Jessica had ever hoped for—kind, respectful, intelligent, and endlessly charming. The love between them grew swiftly and deeply, as if their souls had known each other long before they met.
When the holidays approached, Jessica found herself yearning for home and the comforting presence of her grandmother. This year, the family had planned a grand reunion, and Jessica decided to invite Richard and his mother, Susan, to join her for the holidays. She was eager to introduce them to the people who had shaped her.
They flew into Jessica's hometown and were warmly welcomed at the airport by her Aunt Veronica. The car ride through the winding country roads was filled with laughter and small talk as they neared the familiar home Jessica had missed so much.
Jessica's grandmother, standing eagerly at the front porch, greeted them with open arms. Hugs, excitement, and cheerful greetings filled the air. Jessica introduced Richard and Susan to her extended family—uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews—who had already gathered at the house.
That evening, the family shared a hearty dinner, full of warmth and laughter. The love in the room was tangible. But something beneath the surface stirred.
The following afternoon was bright and lively. The adults chatted and prepared food under the covered patio while the children ran around the yard, their laughter echoing like music. Jessica gently took Richard's hand and whispered, "Come with me—I want to show you something."
They strolled down the familiar path toward the serene lake that bordered her grandmother's property. It was quiet except for the gentle rustle of leaves and the melodic chirping of birds. Jessica smiled as she watched Richard take in the view she had grown up with.
"It's even more beautiful than I imagined," he said softly, eyes fixed on the glimmering water.
Then, Richard turned to face her. His eyes were filled with affection and sincerity. "Jessica," he began, taking a deep breath, "I love you more than words can ever explain. From the moment I met you, I knew you were the one, and I've always wanted to see the place that shaped the woman you've become. With trembling hands and a heart pounding with hope, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box and knelt before her. "Jessica,"he said softly,
"Will you marry me?"
Overwhelmed with joy, Jessica nodded instantly with a radiant smile. "Yes! Yes, I will!"
As Richard gently slid the ring on her finger, something strange happened. The gentle rhythm of the lake suddenly shifted. The sound of the waters grew louder, deeper—as if something ancient had been disturbed. Dark clouds rolled in without warning, casting a shadow over the once-bright sky. Thunder rumbled, and a cold wind sliced through the air like a warning.
At the far edge of the lake, a tall, still figure stood watching them—silent, unmoving.
Jessica and Richard felt a sudden chill run through their bodies, an eerie sensation as though unseen eyes were upon them. Uneasy, they decided to return to the house.
Back at Jessica's grandmother's home, the atmosphere had also changed. The lighthearted chatter died down as the skies darkened. The older members of the family exchanged knowing glances, their faces tight with concern.
"Where's Jessica and Richard?" Susan asked, noticing their absence.
Just then, the couple walked in, hands intertwined and faces glowing. "We're engaged!" Jessica beamed, lifting her hand to show the ring.
Susan rushed forward to embrace them, tears of joy in her eyes,
but across the room,Jessica's grandmother dropped the plate she was holding, the porcelain shattering as it hit the floor. She staggered, almost collapsing before Jessica's cousin rushed to steady her and guide her to the sofa.
The room fell into stunned silence.
Jessica, alarmed, dropped to her knees before her grandmother. "Granny, are you okay?"
Her grandmother's hands trembled in Jessica's. "No child," she whispered, shaking her head. "You don't understand the implications of what you've done."
Jessica was puzzled and said . "What do you mean? It's just an engagement …"
Suddenly, thunder boomed again, louder this time. Rain began to pour in torrents outside, the wind howling as though the world itself had taken a breath and begun to weep.
Jessica's grandmother slowly stood and walked to the window. She parted the curtain just slightly—and froze.
Staring back at her from across the field stood the ghost of a bride in a decaying white gown. Her hollow eyes glowed faintly beneath the veil.
Granny's voice dropped to a whisper. "She's here."
She turned around, her face pale and terrified.
"You've awakened her."