Chapter 2
Alex's tone grew impatient. "Emily, why are you acting up again on a day like this? Isn't this the wedding you wanted?"
I pulled out my phone and booked the next available flight to Southvale.
I shot back, "Sure, I was the one who wanted this wedding. But Alex, is it me standing by your side as the bride today?"
After a few seconds of silence, Alex muttered under his breath, "Damn it. Emily, how many times do I have to tell you? There's nothing going on between me and Sophie.
"She's been my best friend since we were kids. She's totally against marriage. What's the harm in letting her experience a wedding for once?
"Why do you always have to make such a big deal out of everything?"
I retorted, "Alex, am I making a big deal out of everything, or are you so blatantly biased you can't even be bothered to hide it anymore?"
There was no reply.
The only thing left was the cold, repetitive beeping from the phone.
Alex never bothered to explain things or try to make it up to me.
He always saw me as soft-hearted, so whenever I got upset, he thought it was no big deal.
He assumed I'd bounce back on my own.
But Sophie was different.
She'd get pissed, she'd blow up at him, and when Alex tried to humble himself and make it up to her, she'd smack him right in the face.
As he put it, Sophie was the type who'd blow up at the smallest slight. She wouldn't take crap from anyone, not even for a second.
So in the end, he made me shoulder all his grievances.
The group chat was flooding with messages again.
Staring at the ticket booking page, I still couldn't resist and opened the group chat.
Chloe had uploaded a ton of photos of the hotel decorations, the bride's makeup and hair, and even a picture of Sophie in a wedding dress, pinning a boutonniere on Alex.
Only then did it hit me that the lisianthus I'd picked out for Alex had been replaced with red roses, Sophie's favorite.
Not only had the boutonniere been swapped out, but even the whole wedding venue I'd meticulously planned to be soft and inviting had been turned into something bold and extravagant.
I finally realized that this wedding had been for Sophie from the very beginning.
The irony hit me like a cold wave, leaving my heart heavy and bitter.
I scrolled through one photo after another.
The first photo showed Sophie walking down the aisle on her father's arm, and as Alex took her hand, tears of joy welled up in her eyes.
The second photo had Sophie at the altar, gazing at Alex with so much emotion as he said his vows. Then they hugged, kissed, and exchanged rings.
The third photo showed Sophie hugging Alex's parents while smiling sweetly.
I felt like some outsider, sneaking around in the shadows, watching someone else live out their happiness—except the bitter truth was, this was supposed to be my wedding.
Chloe called and asked, "Emily, Alex and Sophie are busy toasting the guests right now. They wanted me to check if you've left yet.
"Alex said Sophie's having a great time, so he thinks you should come a bit later.
"But if you're already on your way, just hang out at the hotel entrance or wait in the car until Sophie's part wraps up..."
"Chloe, you knew about this all along, didn't you?" I cut her off.
"What?" Chloe asked, sounding confused.
"You knew this wedding was for Sophie, didn't you? You knew from the start, right?" I pressed.