“Thank you, Ryan.
Really. I don’t know what I’d do without you right now.”
The air shifted. Ryan’s playful demeanor gave way to something deeper.
He turned to face her fully, his voice low and sincere.
“Emma… you’re incredible, you know that? You always have been.”
“Ryan…” Her voice wavered, the weight of his words pulling her heart in conflicting directions.
He stepped closer, his gaze steady. Without thinking, he leaned in.
The world seemed to pause, their shared laughter replaced by a quiet intensity.
For a fleeting moment, Emma closed her eyes, her heart racing.
Then she pulled back, her breath hitching.
“No,” she said, her voice firm. “I can’t do this. I have feelings for you, but I can’t betray Matt’s trust.
It wouldn’t be right.”
Ryan stepped back immediately, regret shadowing his face. “You’re right. I’m sorry.
I shouldn’t have—”
“It’s okay,” she interrupted, forcing a small smile. “Let’s just… focus on the wedding, alright?”
Unbeknownst to them, Matt stood outside, watching through the window. His hands clenched at his sides, his jaw tight.
Without a word, he turned away, his expression dark and unreadable.
The sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows bathed the room in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Emma stood before the full-length mirror in her dressing room, smoothing invisible wrinkles from her gown.
The dress was perfect—elegant, timeless, and exactly what she’d dreamed of since she was a little girl.
But the knot in her stomach wouldn’t go away.
“Where’s Ryan?” Emma asked, glancing over her shoulder at one of her bridesmaids, who was adjusting her makeup in the corner.
The bridesmaid shrugged. “I haven’t seen him all morning. Maybe he’s running around, finalizing details?”
Emma frowned.
Ryan never missed a detail, and he was never late.
Her gaze drifted to the small table by the window where a cream-colored envelope rested. Her name was written across the front in familiar, bold handwriting.
With trembling hands, Emma picked it up and slid her finger under the seal. Her heart raced as she unfolded the note.
Emma, I can’t be there today.
Watching you marry someone else is more than I can handle. I’ve loved you since the day we met, and I always will. Your fiancé isn’t right for you… But you deserve someone who can give you everything you need.
Be happy. Ryan
Her breath hitched, and tears welled up, smudging the ink as she clutched the letter.
How had it come to this? She’d thought Ryan could handle being here, even if it meant seeing her with Matt.
But now…
The door burst open, and Matt stormed in, his face a thundercloud. “Where’s Ryan?” he demanded, his voice sharp.
Emma turned slowly, her expression calm despite the turmoil inside. “He’s gone.”
Matt’s eyes narrowed, suspicion darkening his features.
“Gone? Or hiding after what I saw?”
Emma stiffened. “What do you mean, what you saw?”
“I saw you two,” Matt spat.
“Laughing, leaning in, like it was more than just work. Don’t lie to me.”
“Nothing happened,” Emma said firmly, meeting his glare. “You’re letting your jealousy cloud your judgment.”
“Don’t insult me, Emma.
You wanted it to happen. Admit it,” Matt hissed.
Emma drew a deep breath, the weight of the moment pressing on her chest.
“You know what, Matt? I’m done.
I’m done with your jealousy, your accusations, your lack of trust. I can’t marry someone who doesn’t believe in me.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd outside as Emma stepped out into the aisle. She held her head high, her voice steady as she addressed the room.
“I’m sorry, everyone.
There won’t be a wedding today.”
Emma stood outside Ryan’s apartment, her heart racing as she raised her hand to knock.
The hallway smelled of fresh paint, and the muffled sounds of a guitar strumming echoed faintly from a nearby unit. She hesitated for a moment, clutching the strap of her bag tightly, then knocked firmly three times.
The door opened, and Ryan stood there, looking stunned. His blue eyes widened as he took her in.
“Emma?” he said, his voice a mix of surprise and confusion.
She took a deep breath. “I called off the wedding,” she blurted, her voice shaking slightly.
Ryan blinked, his expression unreadable. “Why?” he asked softly, stepping back to let her in.
Emma stepped inside, the familiar scent of Ryan’s cologne wrapping around her.
She turned to face him, her voice steady despite the storm in her chest.
“Because I deserve to be with someone who truly sees me,” she said, her words deliberate. “And because I love you too.”
Ryan stared at her for a moment, his surprise softening into something warmer—hope, maybe. Slowly, a smile spread across his face.
“You mean that?”
Emma nodded, tears shimmering in her eyes. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”
Without hesitation, Ryan closed the distance between them, pulling her into his arms. Their laughter mingled as he kissed her, the tension melting away.
For the first time, Emma felt free, finally choosing love that had been there, quietly waiting for her, all along.
