From Now On, We Part Ways Forever

Chapter 4

3 days later, I set the wedding for October 18th.

I sent invitations to everyone at once, including Ryan, some old classmates, Ethan, and Isabelle.

Less than 10 minutes after the invitations went out, Ethan called.

"Danielle, what is this supposed to mean?"

"It's written on the invitation."

"You're really having a wedding? When did I ever agree to marry you?"

"I never said you were the groom."

The other end went silent for 2 seconds.

"Then who are you marrying?"

"Danielle." His voice hardened. "Can you stop this? You invited all these people. What are you going to do when I don't show up?"

"I was never counting on you to come."

"You..."

He drew a deep breath.

"Fine. Let me make this perfectly clear. I am not marrying you. You're making this huge spectacle, and in the end you'll be standing alone at the altar. If that doesn't embarrass you, it embarrasses me."

I ignored him and hung up.

A few more messages arrived.

Ethan: Danielle, don't force me.

Ethan: I'll go with Izzy that day, but I will not marry you.

Ethan: If you insist on going through with this, don't blame me for humiliating you in front of everyone.

*****

On the day of the wedding, Ryan arrived first.

He saw me standing alone by the entrance greeting guests and paused.

"Dani, where's the groom?"

"On his way."

"Oh, okay."

He didn't think anything of it and went inside to help greet the guests.

The guests arrived one after another.

I stood on the stage, looking out over a room full of smiling faces.

Only two people weren't smiling.

Ethan and Isabelle were sitting in the third row.

Ethan wore a white suit, and Isabelle wore a white dress. Sitting side by side, they looked like the bride and groom themselves.

The guests began whispering.

"Who are those two? They look good together."

"No idea. Honestly, they look like they're the ones getting married."

"The groom still isn't here. That guy couldn't be the groom, could he?"

"But the woman beside him..."

"Shh. Keep your voice down."

They were speaking quietly, but every word still reached the stage.

I tightened my grip on my bouquet and said nothing.

It was time for the ceremony to begin.

The officiant looked at me.

I nodded.

He cleared his throat and raised the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the ceremony is about to begin. Please welcome the groom."

Everyone turned toward the entrance to the ballroom.