Always the Backup

Synopsis

Claire Summers was unhappy with the bridesmaid dress I had picked for her, so she went to the boutique herself and chose a white satin mermaid gown. I froze for a moment. "Isn't that a wedding dress? It doesn't seem appropriate..." My fiancé, Ryan Carter, glanced at it. "It's not that obvious. If Claire likes it, let her wear it. It looks beautiful on her." My childhood friend Ethan Brooks immediately backed him up. "Claire doesn't believe in marriage. She probably won't ever get another chance to wear a wedding dress. Just let her enjoy it this once." I wanted to say more, but Claire had already happily gone to try it on. When she walked out holding up the hem of the gown and stood beside Ryan, who was dressed in a groom's suit, they looked perfect together: a tall, charming man and a beautiful, delicate woman. The new sales assistant was quick to catch on. She rushed over with a camera and smiled. She said, "You two look amazing together! Would you mind taking a few photos for our promotional campaign? We can give you a discount." Before I could react, Ryan wrapped an arm around Claire's shoulders. Claire leaned naturally into his embrace, her eyes crinkling with happiness. They posed again and again, looking every bit like a couple deeply in love. Standing to the side, I watched them in silence. For a moment, I was so lost that I almost forgot I was the real bride-to-be. Someone tapped my arm from behind and said, "Miss, are you the bridesmaid? Could you move aside? You're blocking the light." I snapped back to reality and stepped away. Suddenly, I realized that the thing I needed to give up wasn't just the light. It was my place.