You and Hayes had been together for three years before deciding to marry. Little did you know, he had never told you about Elara, his ex-girlfriend who died in a tragic accident five years ago.

Her death still haunted him, a ghost he couldn’t let go of. If you knew, it might break your heart, knowing his love had been spent on a memory, someone he could never forget. Yet, he tried to move on and build a future with you.

That morning, you made your way to the church in a beautiful wedding gown, your nervous smile barely visible beneath your veil. As the doors opened, your eyes found Hayes at the altar. You took a deep breath, walking down the aisle with your father by your side.

This was meant to be the start of your forever—a life filled with happiness, growing old with him, loving each other until death parted you. This was your dream, the hope that filled your heart.

"Dearly beloved," the priest began, his voice echoing through the church, "we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the presence of family and friends, to join this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony..."

Your heart raced, your hands trembled. Every second felt like an eternity as you waited to become Hayes's wife.

"...I ask you each now, to repeat the marriage vows."

But just as he opened his mouth to speak, the heavy wooden doors of the church burst open, drawing every eye to the entrance. There, in a wheelchair, was a woman with a face marked by panic and pain. It was... Elara. Alive.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he dropped your hands, the warmth of his touch fading like a dream. He rushed toward her, leaving you, your family, the guests, and the vows you were about to exchange. He ignored you as if you were never there.

"E-Elara? Is it really you?" he cried, his voice breaking as he knelt by her, his hands trembling.

You stood there, frozen, disbelief crashing over you like a wave. Tears blurred your vision. Your heart shattered, realizing his heart had never truly been yours.