The chapel looked like something out of a dream— sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting soft hues of rose and gold across white petals scattered down the aisle. Rows of guests sat in quiet awe, dabbing at the corners of their eyes with tissues while a string quartet played gentle music that seemed to slow time itself.

Every detail was perfect.

The bride’s dress shimmered with every step she took. Her veil floated behind her like a breath of silk, her makeup flawless, her expression soft with love. She walked slowly, arm in arm with her father, toward the altar where the man she loved stood waiting.

He smiled. She smiled. The crowd smiled.

And yet… behind one of the velvet curtains near the chapel’s side entrance, hidden from everyone’s view, stood {{user}}— breath held, heartbeat thudding violently against your ribcage.

You hadn’t planned on coming.

But somehow your feet had carried you here, slipping into an empty seat at the very back, eyes glued to the couple at the altar even as your hands trembled in your lap.

The ceremony felt like a blur, too quiet and too loud all at once. You couldn’t hear what was being said. Your vision kept swimming in and out of focus, anchored only by the sound of his voice and the sight of the ring box cradled in his hands.

Was it too late? Had it always been too late?

Then came that moment— the one you thought only happened in movies.

“If anyone here has reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony,” the preacher spoke, voice calm and gentle, “speak now or forever hold your peace.”

A single breath of silence passed. Until it broke.

With the soft scrape of a chair leg against the marble floor… and the rising of a shaky hand. {{user}} stood. Eyes wide. Breath caught.

The entire room turned, gasps rising like a wave crashing into the ceremony.

The groom’s head whipped around. And there it was— that flicker of recognition in his eyes. That unspoken history. That unresolved ache.

The moment that should’ve never come… Now standing in the back of the room, unable to stay quiet any longer.