Chapter 5
The night before the wedding, an unusual tension hung in the air, mixed with anticipation that seemed to make even breathing feel different.
When I arrived at the rehearsal, Nolan was already there, leaning against the altar with an unreadable expression in his eyes that seemed to hold depths I couldn’t quite fathom.
Skylar was there too, wearing a snow–white custom wedding gown. As she glided toward the altar, each step seemed to radiate joy and dreams of the future. The sight made something twist inside my chest, but I kept my expression neutral.
Nolan gently lifted her veil, and they shared a smile that seemed to make time stand still.
“What a beautiful moment,” I thought to myself, wishing I had a camera to capture it – though I
wasn’t entirely sure why I wanted to preserve this particular memory.
The officiant walked over, beaming at the pair. “So these must be tomorrow’s bride and groom! You two look perfect together.”
I caught the flash of discomfort in Nolan’s eyes as he opened his mouth to speak, but then his gaze met mine, and his smile froze in place.
Skylar, however, showed no sign of embarrassment. Instead, she twirled in the wedding dress with even more confidence, showing off its perfect fit. “What do you think, Lily? Beautiful, isn’t it?” Her tone carried a hint of challenge beneath its triumphant surface.
“It’s lovely,” I replied, keeping my voice carefully neutral. She lifted her chin slightly, continuing to spin on the altar platform as if she owned the entire stage.
Nolan cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to ease the tension. “Lily, don’t get the wrong idea. Skylar just wanted to try on the dress because she thought it was pretty.” His voice carried an undercurrent of anxiety that he couldn’t quite hide.
I like it so much, you can have the
a small smile. “No misunderstanding at all. Skylar, if you
I swear I meant those words with complete sincerity. Seeing her in that wedding dress gave me an unexpected sense of relief.
But Skylar reacted as if I’d slapped her. Her eyes suddenly welled with tears. “Lily, please don’t be angry. I just wanted to try it on because it’s so beautiful. I wasn’t trying to steal it, I… I’ll take it off right now.”
Before anyone could respond, she ran toward the backstage area, wiping at her eyes.
Nolan turned to me, his expression darkening. He shot me a disapproving look before rushing after
her.
I let out a soft sigh, feeling frustrated. Why did no one believe me when I told the truth?
I felt someone’s gaze on me and turned to give the officiant an apologetic smile, trying to salvage what was left of the atmosphere.
But the rehearsal never got back on track that day. Skylar’s tears and Nolan’s displeasure cast a
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over everything, turning what should have been a joyful practice run into an exercise in
awkwardness.
That evening. Nolan’s call came through, his voice thick with disapproval. “Lily, what you said today. was way out of line. Skylar’s really upset – I’m staying here with her tonight.”
I could hear the exhaustion in his voice, but the accusation cut deeper.
“Just head straight to the hotel from home tomorrow,” he continued. “Don’t wait for me.”
“Fine.” I replied flatly, ending the call before letting out a bitter laugh that echoed in my empty room. Honestly, I couldn’t see what she had to cry about. And him not coming home? That was actually a relief – like a weight lifting from my shoulders.
I busied myself double–checking my luggage and booking a ride service, trying to ignore the hollow feeling in my chest. Everything needed to be perfect for tomorrow, even if nothing else in my life
was.
Early the next morning. I headed to the airport, my suitcase feeling lighter than the heavy thoughts weighing on my mind.
I had barely settled into my airplane seat when Nolan’s name lit up my phone screen again, his call
chasing me even here, thousands of feet above the ground.
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