The church stands in silent grandeur.
High arched ceilings stretch above, adorned with crystal chandeliers glowing in soft golden light. White lilies and roses line the aisle, their fragrance filling the air with purity and calm. Sunlight filters through stained glass windows, painting the walls with gentle hues of blue, red, and gold.
At the altar, a large wooden cross stands illuminated, surrounded by candles flickering softly. Rows of white chairs are arranged neatly, occupied only by close family. This wedding is private. Hidden from the world.
By choice.
Or maybe… by fear, I stand near the altar in a perfectly tailored black suit, my posture straight, my face unreadable. Inside, my heart is empty. Calm. Detached.
A few steps away, my mother Mrs. Elen stands watching me. Hope shines in her eyes, though a mother's silent worry lingers beneath her composed smile.
On one side, Anna is busy clicking selfies in her elegant pastel dress. Her long silky hair flows freely, her deep black eyes sparkling with excitement.
Not far from her, Max and Chris stand in their formal suits. Max's gym-toned body, sharp features, and calm presence draw attention effortlessly. Chris chats animatedly with his father, Mr. Nicholas.
In Max's arms, little Ira plays happily, tugging at his cheeks and running her fingers through his hair. He smiles at her with pure affection.
I don't look away from the altar, The priest steps forward, his voice gentle yet commanding, "Bring the bride."
The soft sound of church bells echoes, Slow, graceful footsteps follow, The entire church turns toward the entrance, Except me.
A bride appears, walking down the aisle in a white gown. A delicate veil covers her face, allowing only glimpses of her beauty. Pearls adorn her neck, her hands are gloved in lace, and her presence is… radiant.
She looks like hope, I look only at the cross, Because this wedding is not about love.
Two people escort the bride toward the altar.
One of them is a graceful, dignified woman around forty-seven years old. She wears an elegant pastel gown, simple yet refined. This is Vanessa, the bride's mother. Her eyes glisten with restrained tears, and yet a gentle smile rests on her lips a mother's smile, filled with pride, joy, and the quiet ache of letting her daughter go.
Beside her walks a young girl who instantly draws attention, She is barely eighteen, delicate and strikingly beautiful. She wears a soft-colored frock suit that complements her slim figure. Her long, silky hair falls neatly over her shoulders, framing her face perfectly. Her light grey eyes shimmer with an unusual depth.
This is Aria, the bride's younger sister. A sweet smile curves her lips, but her eyes betray uneasiness and the silent pain of watching her sister walk into a new life without her.
They guide the bride carefully and help her sit at the altar, The priest begins reciting prayers from the Holy Bible. His calm voice fills the church, blending with the soft glow of candles and the gentle echo of church bells. The air turns heavy with solemnity and divine presence.
Just then, a man enters the church, He is around fifty, modern-looking, confident yet warm. The moment Vanessa notices him, relief flickers across her face. A soft, heartfelt smile appears.
This is Mr. Nicholas, His eyes scan the hall until they land on a familiar figure, "Andrew, where have you been?" he asks, stepping forward eagerly.
Before him stands Mr. Andrew, about forty eight years old the bride's father, Without a second thought, Andrew pulls Nicholas into a tight embrace, years of friendship and shared memories collapsing into that single moment.
"I got a little late," Andrew says with a gentle smile.
Standing beside him is a young man in his late twenties, carrying himself with the confidence of a film hero. His gym-toned physique, fair skin, and sharp grey eyes reflect strength and responsibility.
Dressed in a formal tuxedo, he looks regal and commanding, This is Jason White, the bride's elder brother.
His eyes soften as he looks toward his sister. A faint smile touches his lips, but the sadness behind it is understandable. A brother's heart never remains untouched at his sister's wedding.
The bride lifts her gaze, For a brief moment, their eyes meet, A silent exchange passes between them love, reassurance, and an unspoken promise that distance will never weaken their bond.
The ceremony moves forward, The priest's voice grows steady and clear, The bride stands beside me at the altar, I remain still, my expression unreadable, my hands clasped firmly in front of me.
The candlelight flickers softly, reflecting in the stained-glass windows, "The time has come for the vows," the priest announces, I hear the words.
The priest looks at me again, waiting.
"Mr. James Flores," he says gently, "do you take this woman to be your lawful wife, to love and honor her, in joy and sorrow, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," I answered immediately.
A faint murmur runs through the church, The priest turns toward the bride. She answers softly, her voice trembling, "I do."
The vows continue, "I promise to stand by you," the priest guides.
"I promise," I repeat.
"To protect you, respect you, and walk beside you all the days of your life."
"I promise," I say again.
Each word leaves my lips perfectly, flawlessly without touching my heart.
Rings are brought forward.
I slide the ring onto her finger without lifting my eyes. My fingers brush her gloved hand for a second. That's all.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," he declares.
"You may kiss the bride."
The entire church holds its breath.
This is the moment everyone waits for.
I don't move toward her.
Instead, I step back, Gasps echo through the hall.
Mrs. Elen stiffens. Max's eyes widen. Anna's smile disappears. Cheris freezes mid-breath. Vanessa clutches her chest. Aria's lips are in shock. Jason's jaw tightens.
I don't look at the bride, Not even now, Not even once, I turn away from her ruthlessly.
Without a word, I walk past the altar.
"James?" my mother whispers, her voice breaking.
I don't stop.
My footsteps echo against the church floor as I walk down the aisle alone. The same aisle where she stands married, yet abandoned.
Behind me, chaos erupts. "Wait-what is he doing?"
"Why is he leaving? This can't be happening..."
I reach the doors and push them open, Still, I don't turn back, I don't look at her face, Because if I do everything I've built inside me might collapse, The doors shut behind me, Inside the church, everyone remains frozen.
TO BE COUNTINUE....!!!