THE WEDDING DAY

It was Saturday, the fifteenth of October—the day I would meet Axel after thirteen long years, but also the day he would devote his life to someone else. Realization hit me like a sledgehammer to the head. The sound of the wind whispered in my ears, urging me to bury my unrequited love for him.

Melancholy consumed me, and my emotions flickered like a thunderbolt. I knew he had moved on long ago, yet I was still trapped in the illusion of my teenage dream.

After calling Rachel to pick me up, I waited on the couch, wearing a sapphire blue cocktail dress that complemented my Italian bob haircut. My makeup was minimal—I wanted to keep things simple.

As soon as Rachel arrived, I left my house, got into her car, and we drove off.

"Girl, you look so beautiful," she praised.

"Or should I say, you ate and left no crumbs?" she added, and we both laughed.

"Thank you, Rach. You look gorgeous too," I replied.

Rachel wore a white and cream strapless dress that perfectly complemented her flawless tan skin and caramel-brown hair, styled in a side-curl updo.

"By the way, how did Axel reach out to you?" I asked randomly.

"Actually, he followed me on Instagram last week and DM'd me. He asked for my address so he could send me a wedding invitation and told me to give you one," she answered.

"Isn't it weird? After all this time, he comes back and holds his wedding here. Didn't his parents move away too?" I said.

"Girl, I was shocked too when he messaged me, and the moment he said to give you an invite, I knew it would stir up your mind, haha," 

"The audacity to invite me, but never say sorry."

"You sound so bitter. You know, after attending this, your heart will be set free."

After a thirty-minute drive, we arrived at our destination. As soon as we parked, we stepped out of the car. I was in awe of the state-of-the-art Catholic Church standing before me—vast and magnificent. We followed the elegantly dressed guests into the chapel.

Just as we approached the open front door, I froze for a moment. Someone familiar had crossed my vision—Aunt Fey, Axel's mother.

"Jean?" she exclaimed, her eyes widening with delight. She swiftly approached me and embraced me warmly. 

"I haven't seen you in so long. How are you? You are still as beautiful as ever. I'm so glad you came, darling."

"I'm good Aunt, I missed you," I said with a heartfelt smile.

"Aw, I missed you too! Axel told me you're a doctor now?" she said, and I felt a punch in the gut.

"Yes, Aunt, I'm a Cardiothoracic surgeon at Bennett Memorial Hospital."

"I'm so proud of you, Jean. Even back then, I knew you'd reach your dream and get to where you are now. I've always been rooting for you," she beamed, and our conversation quickly shifted to small talk.

I don't know if I still hold a grudge, but there was a time when it ran deep—toward Axel's parents. When Axel ghosted me and didn't contact me for three months, I went to their house, hoping for some kind of update. But his father said they hadn't heard anything either, because military training confiscates phones. 

Six months later, I went back, still hoping for answers, but they had already left. They had moved out of the city permanently. I felt betrayed. They didn't even tell me they were leaving, that they were moving. It felt like they had planned to disappear without a word, as if I didn't matter. I was their son's girlfriend—didn't they think of that?

Rachel and I entered and chose seats in the front row.

With each passing minute, more guests filled the vacant seats, a testament to how well-planned this event was. The decorations and setting were exquisite, a flawless blend of art and style.

The ceremony began, and before I knew it, the priest was standing at the altar while a soft, melodic jazz tune played in the background.

My heart pounds in my chest, each beat a drum of nervous anticipation, and I feel the tremor in every part of my bones. It's been so long since I last saw Axel, and I'm unprepared for the way my body will betray me if our eyes meet again.

The venue is full, the air thick with hushed whispers, and the ceremony begins, marking the start of something I can hardly bear to witness.

As the entrance procession began, the guests fell silent and turned their heads toward the aisle.

I saw Axel first.

Time seemed to freeze, and everything moved in slow motion. He looked as handsome as ever, gleaming in his grey tuxedo. My chest tightened, and my heart pounded harder with every passing second. After so many years, I was finally seeing him again. 

He was the man of my dreams. 

Once, I believed he would be the love of my life, my future husband—the one I would spend forever with. But fate had other plans. Today, he was marrying someone else.

I turned to look at the bride. She was beautiful, ethereal, angelic in her white bridal gown.

For a fleeting moment, I wished I were her.

The excitement and joy on her face were undeniable. They complemented each other perfectly. 

They looked happy.

"In the name of God, I, Axel McKlein, take you, Rose Hernandez, to be my wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."

"Groom, you may now kiss the bride," the priest announced.

Applause erupted as Axel leaned in and kissed her. I watched every detailed from the front row, my heart sinking. His lips touched hers, his eyes filled with joy.

My lips ached for that kiss. 

My heart ached even more.

The pain was inevitable.

I watched as people celebrated, their faces glowing with happiness, especially his parents. It felt like the classic wedding of all time, the kind you see in movies. 

When the ceremony finally ended, all I wanted was to escape, to be anywhere but here.

 I turned to Rachel. "Let's go home. I still have errands to run," I said, standing abruptly, eager to leave the scene that stirred too many memories.

"Are you sure you don't want to talk to Axel? Maybe just congratulate him?" she asked.

I hesitated. But at that moment, all I wanted was to leave. I needed to go home, get some rest, and let the day pass.

I was coming to terms with the fact that his marriage was the closure I needed. My fantasy had finally come to an end.

It was time to bury the lingering feelings I had kept for so long. I had a life to live, and it was time to move on.

I gathered myself, exhaling deeply, focusing on the positive. I watched as the crowd swarmed around them, offering congratulations and love. Rachel and I stood up from our seats, ready to leave. Just as we were about to step outside, a familiar voice called my name.

"Jean?" 

I stopped and turned around. 

It was him.

As he approached, it felt like the first time I had seen him. He still looked as handsome as ever, but I forced myself to stop, to reset everything inside.

"Oh... It's been a long time. Thank you for coming," he said with a grin, pulling me into a brief hug.

"How are you? It's been ages since we last met. And Rachel—I missed you and your endless jokes," he added.

"We missed you too," Rachel replied.

For a moment, I was speechless. I struggled to find my words, but I forced myself to stay composed. How could he act this way—as if he hadn't wronged me, as if he hadn't hurt me? How could someone stand in front of you, speak to you, like nothing had ever happened?

"Hey, congrats." I forced a smile.

"It's been thirteen years Axel. You look great in that tuxedo. Best of luck in this new chapter of your life," I said with feigned enthusiasm.

"Thank you, Jean. But I have to get back inside. Can I get your phone number instead? Or your Social Media?" he asked quickly as if he's rushing.

It shocked me. Why? You reached out to Rachel to give me an invitation, and now I'm here, everything is done. You're asking for my number—what else do you need from me? I questioned myself in my head, swirling in confusion and disbelief.

I paused for a sec, but somehow, I managed to respond.

"Sure. It's Dr. Jean_Williams."

"Got it! Jean, thanks again for coming. And Rachel, too. Have a safe drive, you two." He turned and hurried back inside.

I stood there, stunned, my mind racing with thoughts.

Rachel turned to me, "Girl, why did he ask for your Instagram?"

The same question echoed in my mind. We're exes now, and he's married. 

What's the point?