The homeless girl stole food at a wedding and the groom said, Wait, I know you!
The security guard gripped her arm so tightly he nearly tore her shirt. But Lucy didnt flinch. She never cried. Not when her parents died. Not when she spent three years sleeping on the streets of London. And certainly not now. How had this homeless girl ended up stealing from a lavish wedding? Lets find out together.
Let me go, she rasped, her dark eyes flashing with a fury that made the burly guard hesitate. Inside the opulent marquee, silence fell. Two hundred well-dressed guests in expensive suits and glittering jewels turned to stare at the scrawny girl in ripped jeans and a stained hoodie. In her free hand, she clutched a plate of roast beef shed snatched from the buffet. Thief! someone shouted. Call the police! another shrieked.
Then a voice cut through the air like a knife. Wait. Everyone turned. It was the groom, Edward, tall and handsome in his immaculate black tuxedo. This was supposed to be the happiest day of his life, but something in his gaze looked differentsad, or perhaps angry.
Let her go, he ordered the guard. But sir, she stole the man stammered. Edward studied Lucy properly, beyond her dirty clothes, beyond her gaunt frame. When their eyes met, his heart lurched.
Whats your name? he asked, barely breathing.
Lucy, she replied, standing tall. She felt no shame. Shed been hungry, and now shed eaten. That was all.
Lucy he repeated, as if the name burned his lips. How old are you?
Twenty-four.
Then came Sophie, the bride, in her lace wedding gown, her face flushed with rage. Edward, what on earth are you doing? This is our day. Make her return the food and leave. But Edward ignored her, his gaze still locked on Lucy.
Where are you from? he pressed.
What does it matter? she shot back, though something about him felt unsettlingly familiar.
It matters, he whispered. More than you know.
Granny Margaret, Edwards grandmother, a petite woman with a presence that filled the room, stepped forward. Edward, this should be discussed inside
No, he said sharply. Lucy, do you remember anything from before the streets?
Lucys heart pounded. Why was he asking this?
I was in an orphanage in Manchester. My parents died in a car crash when I was six. Whats it to you?
Sophie grabbed his arm. Edward, youre scaring me. Whats going on? But he shook her off and moved closer to Lucy, so near she could see his hands trembling.
Show me your left shoulder, he said.
What? she recoiled.
Please.
Something in his voice convinced her. Slowly, Lucy tugged down her collar. There, on her shoulder, was a small crescent-shaped scar. Edward went pale, as if hed seen a ghost.
Good Lord he muttered. Its you.
Sophie screamed. Whats happening?! Granny Margaret covered her mouth. It cant be
It is, Edward said, tears streaming down his face. Granny, look at her. Really look.
The old woman studied Lucyher dark eyes, her defiant stance even surrounded by strangers, that scar
Is someone going to tell me what the hell is going on? Lucy demanded, though her voice wavered now.
Edward turned to the guests. This wedding cant go on. Because she is my sister.
Gasps erupted. Sophie collapsed into sobs, but Lucy stood frozen. Impossible. My brother died with my parents. Thats what they told me.
Granny Margaret shook her head slowly. Edward was told youd died. And you were told hed died. Life deceived us all.
Edward pulled Lucy into a fierce hug. I remember you. We played in the garden of our house in Cornwall. I taught you to climb the apple trees
Lucy felt dizzy. Suddenly, blurry images surfaceda patio with flower pots, the scent of roses, laughter But she couldnt be sure.
I dont remember.
Granny Margaret stepped in. After the accident, social services separated you. The records were lost. We searched for years
I never stopped looking for you, Edward whispered, squeezing her hand. Never.
Lucy glanced aroundthe lavish marquee, the stunned guests, Sophie in tearsand suddenly, the ground seemed to shift beneath her. Was it possible? After eighteen years?
What now? she asked, her voice breaking.
Edward gave a bittersweet smile. Now the good part begins.
Things grew complicated when Sophie learned her wedding was canceled over a long-lost sister. But with time, even she came to accept that sometimes, family finds you when you least expect it.
Granny Margaret gave Lucy her old bedroom, still adorned with posters of Peter Rabbit. Edward spent evenings recounting childhood stories, trying to spark her memories.
It wasnt easy. Some nights, Lucy dreamed of the streets, of the bitter freedom of having no one. Some days, she argued with Edward because it all felt too perfect, as if she didnt deserve it.
But a year later, as she helped Granny Margaret bake hot cross buns for Easter, Lucy realized something: family isnt just who youre born toits who you find when youve stopped hoping. And sometimes, just sometimes, life gives you second chances when youre hungriest.
Even if you have to steal them first.
