The morning of the wedding dawned crisp and bright, but Ryan felt none of the warmth the day promised. The mansion’s grand halls bustled with activity—florists arranging extravagant bouquets, caterers setting up golden platters of food, and Brenda’s meticulously hired coordinators issuing instructions.
Ryan sat in his dressing room, staring blankly at his reflection in the mirror. His tailored tuxedo fit him perfectly, a picture of elegance, but his eyes told a different story. They were tired, hollow. Caleb’s giggles floated in from the next room, a reminder of the boy who had become his anchor in this storm.
“Ryan, you’re up,” a groomsman called, poking his head into the room.
He stood, adjusting his cuffs with mechanical precision. Each step toward the altar felt heavier than the last. The grand hall was packed, every pew filled with influential faces from their social circles. Brenda had spared no expense, ensuring the event would be talked about for years.
When Brenda appeared at the end of the aisle, the room fell silent. Her gown sparkled under the soft light, her veil trailing behind her like a cloud. She walked with confidence, her smile triumphant. To everyone else, she looked like a queen. To Ryan, she looked like a woman holding all the strings in his life.
As the ceremony began, Ryan’s thoughts drifted to Amelia. He pictured her at home, maybe with the twins or maybe alone, and wondered if she even thought of him today. He shook the thought away, forcing himself to focus as the officiant spoke.
“Do you, Ryan Davis, take Brenda Caldwell…”
Ryan’s throat tightened. His eyes darted to Caleb, who was perched on the edge of a pew in the front row, watching with wide, innocent eyes. He steadied his breath and forced the words out. “I do.”
Brenda’s smile widened, her grip on his hand firm as they exchanged rings. The room erupted in applause when the officiant pronounced them husband and wife. As Brenda leaned in for their kiss, Ryan pressed his lips to hers, but the act felt hollow.
I’m doing this for him, he thought again, glancing at Caleb. But even as he convinced himself, regret coiled in his chest like a snake.