“I saw you two,” Matt spat.
“Laughing, leaning in, like it was more than just work. Don’t lie to me.”
“Nothing happened,” Emma said firmly, meeting his glare. “You’re letting your jealousy cloud your judgment.”
“Don’t insult me, Emma.
You wanted it to happen. Admit it,” Matt hissed.
Emma drew a deep breath, the weight of the moment pressing on her chest.
“You know what, Matt? I’m done.
I’m done with your jealousy, your accusations, your lack of trust. I can’t marry someone who doesn’t believe in me.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd outside as Emma stepped out into the aisle. She held her head high, her voice steady as she addressed the room.
“I’m sorry, everyone.
There won’t be a wedding today.”
Emma stood outside Ryan’s apartment, her heart racing as she raised her hand to knock.
The hallway smelled of fresh paint, and the muffled sounds of a guitar strumming echoed faintly from a nearby unit. She hesitated for a moment, clutching the strap of her bag tightly, then knocked firmly three times.
The door opened, and Ryan stood there, looking stunned. His blue eyes widened as he took her in.
“Emma?” he said, his voice a mix of surprise and confusion.
She took a deep breath. “I called off the wedding,” she blurted, her voice shaking slightly.
Ryan blinked, his expression unreadable. “Why?” he asked softly, stepping back to let her in.
Emma stepped inside, the familiar scent of Ryan’s cologne wrapping around her.
She turned to face him, her voice steady despite the storm in her chest.
“Because I deserve to be with someone who truly sees me,” she said, her words deliberate. “And because I love you too.”
Ryan stared at her for a moment, his surprise softening into something warmer—hope, maybe. Slowly, a smile spread across his face.
“You mean that?”
Emma nodded, tears shimmering in her eyes. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”
Without hesitation, Ryan closed the distance between them, pulling her into his arms. Their laughter mingled as he kissed her, the tension melting away.
For the first time, Emma felt free, finally choosing love that had been there, quietly waiting for her, all along.
