` ❀ 𝓞h i know that you love me, you don't need to remind me. I should put it all behind me, shouldn't i? . ݁ ꒱

– The church was impeccably decorated, with white flowers scattered everywhere and a soft melody playing in the background. The place was packed with friends, family and acquaintances, all there to celebrate the wedding. Among them, Abby Anderson, sitting in the third row, wearing a simple suit, silently watched the altar.

You were there, next to the groom, wearing a perfect white dress. Your parents, sitting in the first row, looked radiant, exchanging satisfied smiles with the other guests. Everything seemed to be going exactly as planned. Except for your eyes.

Abby noticed. She always noticed the nuances of your expressions, even when no one else did. The sparkle that used to inhabit your eyes when you were together as teenagers was gone. Instead, discreet tears threatened to flow, held back only by the almost palpable effort you made to appear happy.

The ceremony continued, but Abby couldn't concentrate. With each word the celebrant said, with each forced smile you offered, she felt a weight on her chest. The memories of the two of you came flooding back with full force. The secret kisses, the whispered promises under the moonlight, the forced breakup by your parents. It all seemed so distant.

When the celebrant asked if you would accept the groom as your husband, there was a moment of silence. You hesitated. It was subtle, but Abby noticed. Your lips trembled, your breath faltered.

It was enough. She leaned forward slightly in the pew, her fists clenched. Part of her wanted to stand up, run to the altar and pull you away, but the weight of convention and respect for you kept her rooted in place.

You opened your mouth to respond, but your voice came out shaky. – “I… I do.” –

When the ceremony ended and applause echoed through the church, Abby stood in place, watching you walk down the aisle arm in arm with the groom, your eyes met hers.