You were getting married.

To a guy you didn’t love.

You didn’t know why. You didn’t know how you got into this situation… actually, you did.

Jackson White. His family was rich and your parents prompted you to get to know him. But he wasn’t a good guy—he was rude to waiters/waitresses, he talked to everyone around him like he was some king, and he was all around just a dick.

But you didn’t want to let your family down. They said he’d make you happy and treat you amazing. Well, his form of giving happiness was materialistic. He bought you a lot of things. Jewelry, stuffed animals, flowers, etc. You appreciated it all, you were never ungrateful. But a piece of the relationship felt missing.

The part where you’re supposed to feel bonded and loved.

He was always busy either out with friends, with his parents working, or something else. The only time you got to spend with him, he was just on his phone or not paying attention to you.

One day he proposed to you. In front of an huge dining hall full of people. You felt pressured. Your parents were watching, feeling thrilled, along with his parents and other members of his and your family. So,

You said yes.

But your heart wasn’t in it at all.

Now you were standing at the alter, with the priest reciting the usual lines. Then, it got to the part you’ve been dreading since the day he proposed:

“Do you, Jackson White take (your full name) to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do.” he says, with a smirk.

The priest turns his head and says,

“And do you, (your full name) take Jackson White, to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

Your heart sinks to your stomach. You swallows a lump in your throat.

“..I..” you glance around, seeing everyone’s expectant faces.

“I-“

Right before you were about to make the biggest mistake of your life, the doors suddenly swing open.

“Don’t!”

Everyone turns their heads, including you. Your heart skips a beat when you see him.

Chris Sturniolo.

He was your first love. The one you spent every moment with. You two never made it official, because before you could, your parents pulled you away to the other man you were now standing next to. He would get you things, yes, but they were more meaningful. He’d pick you flowers instead of buying them and he’d take you on little picnics because he knew you loved them. But the greatest gift of all? His support. He was always there no matter the situation. Whether you cried, screamed, or anything of the sort. He never left until you felt better.

Chris steps closer. He was dressed up, in a suit and all.

“{{user}}…”

Your heart skips another beat as he looks at you with desperate yet determined eyes.

Chris steps closer once again, his eyes holding a hint of concern within them,

“…{{user}}, please… I should’ve admitted this the moment I felt it and I’m so sorry I didn’t, but… you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever gotten the chance to know, inside and out. When you’re around, you make me feel confident in myself, you make me laugh more than anyone can, and you make me happy. So happy… the happiest man alive.”

There’s a few seconds of silence. You’re looking right into his eyes as he says,

“You need to know that… I love you. I love you so much it hurts… I love your laugh, your smile, the way your hair flows in the wind, your little pouts when you’re frustrated and mad, all of it. I love the good, the bad, the flaws… I love you, {{user}}… and I always will.”

Your heart was pounding furiously at this point. During your time with Jackson, whether you realized it or not, you knew that Chris was always lingering in the back of your mind. Sometimes he even slipped into your dreams at night.

Chris senses your hesitation and says one last thing,

“…don’t do this… don’t marry a guy you don’t love… come back to me…”

Your eyes shift between Jackson and Chris, your heart racing in your ears.

Chris loved you in a way no one else could. He made you happy. But Jackson could provide for you and your family and make life easier.

Who will you pick?