After she ran away in her wedding dress, I fell in love with someone else

Ashley said she owed me a wedding. On the day of the "make-up" ceremony, she showed up in her wedding dress, then bolted to go to her supposedly suicidal younger brother.

The officiant gaped, the guests gawked. I swallowed the pain and smoothly took the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today is my and Ashley's divorce ceremony! Enjoy the food and drinks!"

Later, she stood in front of my car, still in her wedding dress, sobbing and begging for another chance. I held my partner's hand and politely said, "No thanks. Don't want to upset your brother who’s waiting for you at home."

1.

The orchestra swelled, and the banquet hall doors swung open. Ashley, radiant in white, walked towards me. My eyes stung. It had been a long, hard road, and seeing her there made it finally feel real.

But the roses in her hands trembled, and beneath the flowing gown, I saw sneakers. Was she planning something? Where was she really going, dressed like that?

The closer she got, the clearer her anxiety became. The only thing that could make her this anxious was her precious little brother, Ethan.

The blood drained from my face. I forced a smile, pleading with my eyes. Just this once, please don't leave me.

The officiant chuckled, "Well, the groom's speechless! Our bride must be truly stunning!"

The guests laughed, but I saw the panic rising in Ashley's eyes.

"Our bride and groom have been through so much. So, before the vows, let's hear from the bride!"

Cheers erupted, but Ashley suddenly flipped back her veil. "I'm so sorry, Jake! Something happened to Ethan. I have to go!"

Ethan was her adopted brother, raised alongside her. Ever since Ashley and I got together, he'd developed "severe depression." We even postponed the original wedding because of it. A year into our marriage, she finally decided to give me the ceremony I deserved. And now, in front of everyone, she was abandoning me again.

How pathetic. I'd always be second best to Ethan.

She dropped her bouquet and, in full view of everyone, hiked up her skirt and sprinted down the aisle, a runaway bride in sneakers.

The air thickened. The officiant stood dumbfounded. A hush fell over the guests, followed by a wave of murmurs.

Ashley's parents scrambled to their feet, apologizing to relatives and shooting me apologetic looks. I had no family to worry about.

Pushing down the rising tide of pain, a wave of weariness washed over me. This was it. It was over.

The thought grew stronger. I ripped off the gardenia boutonniere, a symbol of everlasting devotion, and grabbed the officiant's microphone. Two sharp taps silenced the room.

She wanted to go to Ethan? Fine! I wouldn't stop her again.

Clearing my throat, I managed a smile that I hoped looked composed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome! Today, you are attending my and Ashley's divorce ceremony! Thank you all for coming. Enjoy yourselves!"

The murmurs intensified. I tightened my grip on the microphone.

"As you just saw, Ashley made a dramatic exit. T...