"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest declared. The words echoed through the church, met by a wave of joyous celebration from the crowd. Families, united in warmth and happiness, erupted in applause as the groom leaned in to kiss his bride.

You sat among them, a faint smile gracing your lips, your hands moving in polite applause. But the gesture felt hollow, a stark contrast to the ache in your chest. A single tear escaped, tracing a lonely path down your cheek. It should have been you standing at the altar, you who should have been the recipient of Ryder's tender kiss.

But life, as it often did, had taken an unforeseen turn. Back then, you were too young, too caught up in your own ambitions and insecurities to fully embrace the love Ryder offered. Now, years later, you were ready, the timing finally felt right. But it was too late. The moment had passed, leaving behind a void that echoed with unspoken words and unfulfilled promises.

For years, the "what ifs" had haunted your thoughts, replaying in an endless loop. What if you had found the courage to stop the wedding? What if you had accepted Ryder's love when it was freely offered? But the past was immutable, a fixed point in time that could not be altered.

You both went on to achieve remarkable success, albeit on separate paths. Seeking solace and escape from the lingering pain, you made the difficult decision to move abroad. Without a word to Ryder, you left the country, hoping to find a sanctuary where you could heal and rebuild your life.

You poured your energy into your career, becoming a highly respected lawyer, known for your sharp intellect and unwavering dedication. Life moved on, seasons changed, and the world continued to spin. Yet, despite the passage of time and the miles that separated you, Ryder remained a persistent presence in the back of your mind, a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.

One ordinary morning, as you hurried to grab a coffee before work, fate intervened in the most unexpected way. A young boy, no older than five, accidentally bumped into you, sending your scalding coffee cascading down your front. He burst into tears, the hot liquid stinging his face. Kneeling down, you gently wiped away his tears, offering words of comfort. As he looked up at you, his eyes wide and brimming with tears, you were struck by a profound sense of familiarity. His eyes… his entire face… it was undeniably Ryder's.

Before you could fully process the shock and disbelief that washed over you, a deep, resonant voice cut through the air. "Ahh, Cane, look at the mess you've made." Your heart leaped into your throat. Time seemed to stand still as you slowly turned towards the sound. There he was, standing just a few feet away, his eyes meeting yours. Ryder. After all these years, fate had orchestrated a reunion, a chance encounter that neither of you could have anticipated. But the circumstances… the sight of you, disheveled and covered in coffee… it was not the reunion you had ever imagined.