Chapter 19
As soon as the message hit the group chat, it was like setting off fireworks.
“Roy, seriously? You’re over Angela?”
“Finally! Angela was never worth your time, dude.”
“But what about Emma… You hurt her so bad. Can she ever forgive you?“%
Roy stared at the rapid–fire messages, his fingers flying over the keyboard: [I’ve been done with Angela for ages. It was just a fixation. Even when I was with her, my mind was always on Emma. I was mixed up before, but now it’s crystal clear.]”
There was a brief pause, then the chat went wild again.”
[Glad you snapped out of it, man! Angela’s not worth it. After those scandalous photos got out, her family’s company crashed and burned. She’s been catching hell from her parents, and word is, they’re leaving Rivertown.]%
Roy frowned, but felt nothing for Angela’s predicament. His thoughts were consumed with Emma and how to win her back. [Enough about her. I need to know how to get Emma back. Suggestions?]”
His friends jumped in with ideas.
[First, you gotta apologize–sincerely! Drop the whole I’m too good for this act.]
[Yup, if you have to, swallow your pride and kneel. She’s worth it.]
[And show her you’ve changed. Talk is cheap. Back it up with action!]
Roy took in every word, formulating his plan. He knew it might be humbling, but for Emma, he’d put his pride on the line.
Time slipped by unnoticed, and the wedding was about to start. Roy still hadn’t spotted Emma, his nerves growing by the minute. He leaned over to a guest nearby and whispered, “Excuse me, do you know Emma? Have you seen her?“>
The guest looked at him, surprised, “Of course, we’re all here for her wedding today, aren’t we?“}
Roy’s mind went blank, like the ground had just fallen out from under him. He stuttered, “Whose wedding?”
“Emma’s! She’s getting married today. Didn’t you know?““]
Roy felt the world close in, his heart squeezed tight, making it hard to breathe. He jumped up, the chair scraping loudly, drawing attention from all around.
“No… it can’t be…” he muttered, his voice shaky, “How could she just marry someone else?“}
He pushed through the crowd towards the wedding stage, desperation fueling his steps.
Before he could reach it, the wedding music started. The lights dimmed, and everyone turned to the aisle. Roy stopped in his tracks. Emma appeared, stunning in her white wedding dress, moving gracefully down the aisle. Her smile was soft, her beauty undeniable. Beside her was a tall, elegant man. In a sharp black suit, he exuded confidence, his eyes filled with warmth as he held Emma’s hand, like she was his whole world.
Roy stood frozen, a cold numbness spreading through him, leaving him drained of all strength.
His mind was a blank slate, the officiant’s words the only thing breaking through.
“Today, we gather to celebrate the union of Miss Emma and Mr. Fred…”