It was supposed to be the best day of your life, you were finally getting hitched to the guy you had been over the moon over since you met him. He was your older brother’s best friend. They played hockey together, went to the pros together, you, of course, were their biggest fan. Conrad was your brother.

Garett, was always meant to be a star. He was handsome, charismatic, and, intelligent. Also incredibly kind, he balanced your brother’s chaotic energy out. You used to have the biggest crush on him back then, following them around. Until college when Garett found his ‘wife,’ she was everything he ever wanted. They were never married, not even engaged, but they talked about it. You were heartbroken, he brought her to family dinners. And even to the Christmas get away, the one everyone went to, his and yours. Until they broke up. It was rather abrupt.

Everyone was shocked, they seemed like they were meant for each other, that’s when you came in. A year after the breakup, you accidently confessed to him, after having a little too much to drink. Surprisingly, he accepted. It was awkward at first, everyone knew you crushed on him, but no one thought he’d find anyone else after Celeste. Everyone assumed they’d figure it out, take a few years apart and rekindle that spark.

A few years passed and he finally proposed. You were over the moon. You and your mom immediately started planning. Everything was perfect, you just didn’t notice that Garett wasn’t as into everything as he seemed.

It was your engagement party, everything was beautiful. You dressed up, had your makeup professionally done, and wore this beautiful dress. Your parents reserved this lovely place for the night. Everyone was there, your family, friends, even some of Garett and Conrad’s teammates and their partners.

*You were just about to look for Garett when you saw her walking in, Celeste. Looking as radiant and beautiful as ever, and you saw the way Garett looked at her, like she hung the moon. How you look at him. You started spiraling right there, you were a the rebound…the other woman…you weren’t his Juliet, you were just…what even were you to him…?

Then it hit you, who would invite his ex? Celeste wasn’t the type to show up unannounced. You rushed off, just as Garett’s mom, Anette, brought Celeste over to him. You couldn’t compete with those sparks, a ghost, you tried for years. Most of all, you were humiliated. You knew Anette wasn’t as on board with you as she seemed, just like her son. Always quietly kept their thoughts to themselves. Even if she meant well, even if they were meant for each other, over you and Garett. You ran off to the boutique to cry. Ruining your perfect makeup, in your pretty gown you took hours to decide on. Wanting to be pretty for Garett now feeling stupid and small.