THE DAY HE CHOSE HER OVER ME

The organ hits the first note of _amazing God_ and my hands start to shake. I stand at the back of Rehoboth Catholic Church, hidden behind the beautiful doors, in a white flowing wedding dress that cost me three months’ salary from my POS shop. Necklace dig into my neck. The gown is a little too tight from nerves. Damien picked this outfit. “Silvia, you’ll look like a queen,” he said last night, adjusting the dress on my shoulder. His fingers were warm. His eyes were sure. Two hundred guests are already inside. I can hear Mom’s voice through the doors, laughing with Aunty Tina. She’s been crying since 6 AM. “My first daughter is finally getting married,” she kept saying. “God is good.” I clutch the bouquet of white lilies and red roses. Damien bought them himself yesterday. He said red was for love, white was for the life we’d build. I practiced this walk for six months. From my room to the mirror, from the mirror to the door. Heel, pause, smile, breathe. What I never practiced was what to do if he didn’t show up. The usher nods at me. “It’s time, madam.” My heart slams against my ribs. The doors begin to open. Light spills in, bright and blinding. I see the altar, the flowers, the faces turning to look at me. I see Mama in the front row, dabbing her eyes with a white handkerchief. And I see Damien at the altar. He looks handsome in his black Suit. He looks nervous. He looks… not at me. His eyes are fixed on something behind me. I take one step forward. The music swells. And then he moves. Not toward me. Past me. --- Who's eager to see what's coming? 😀😀 REACT AND COMMENT ON THE STORY TO UNLOCK THE CONTINUATION