I Decided Not to Marry

Synopsis

The wedding cars were stuck outside, and I was upstairs in our new place, busy making a fool of myself. I went to wash my hands in my wedding dress, but the water splashed up from the sink, soaking my collarbone and ruining my makeup. When I turned to grab the shawl from the closet, I stood on my tiptoes, but still couldn't reach the rod. The groomsmen were making a racket outside, but James Foster's secretary, Emily Monroe, just walked right in. She was dressed in a white suit and flats, and with ease, she reached up and handed me the shawl. "The rod's just the right height. I hang my coats here all the time," Emily said. I looked up, startled. "All the time?" James's expression shifted, but he quickly put on a smile to defuse the situation. "Emily was just overseeing the renovations. She's only been here a few times." But Emily's next words were even softer. "I suggested raising the island counter. He said you don't cook much, so we just went with what works for me." The whole room went dead silent. I stared at the giant wedding photo on the wall, and suddenly, I felt like I was just a sticker slapped onto someone else's life. James pulled me into his arms. "Don't ruin the mood on our big day. I'll get you a step stool for next time," he said. I pushed him away. "This whole place is made for her. So why don't you just let her be the bride?" I said.