Isla

I walked out of the corridor, adjusting my blazer with shaking fingers, trying to calm the burn still crawling up my neck. My lips still tingled. Silas had really- God, I couldn't even think it without my stomach twisting. One more minute in that room and I might've forgotten where I was. He had that effect on me, like he knew every button to push until my brain fizzed.

But I'm not here as his girlfriend. I'm here to work.

Ava spotted me before I reached the hall. She stood near the grand double doors, camera strap looped around her neck, her blonde curls bouncing as she waved.

"There you are!" she hissed. "They're about to make their entrance."

I nodded, swallowing air. "Perfect. Let's make it smooth, yeah? You focus on the entrance. Ben, you handle wide shots from the left aisle."

I adjusted my own camera, checking the battery, pretending the flush in my cheeks came from the rush of work. Not from the fact that my boyfriend had just kissed me leaving me breathless against a wall.

Silas always had that playful charm in him - the kind that made my pulse forget logic. Seeing him in that crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled and hair slick, had done something to me. The memory made me smile despite myself.

Ava nudged my arm. "You okay? You look like you just got caught doing something sinful."

I laughed weakly. "Just pre-show nerves."

The wedding planner waved from the front. "Positions! They're walking in!"

The room hushed, a sea of pastel dresses and murmured anticipation. Soft golden lights reflected off the chandeliers, scattering stars across the marble floor. I lifted my camera to my eye, letting the lens focus where my heart couldn't.

Music swelled. The doors opened.

And then -

Silas stepped in.

For a moment, my brain refused to understand what my eyes were showing me.

He walked down the aisle in a fitted black tuxedo, hair perfectly styled, smile smooth and practiced. The kind of smile I'd memorized, the kind that had whispered I love you against my neck just few minutes ago.

The guests clapped. My hands trembled.

I blinked hard, adjusting the lens. Maybe I was imagining it, maybe my glasses were fogged. Maybe it was one of those lookalikes that happened at every event. But then-

He turned. And our eyes met.

That single glance punched the air from my lungs.

He didn't falter. Didn't freeze. He just winked.

A cold rush spilled down my spine, melting into disbelief.

What is he doing here? Must be one of the groom's best man right?

The applause swelled louder, and I forced my camera to stay up, my finger mechanically pressing the shutter. 

Click. Click. Click.

Ava whispered, "He's cute, right? The groom, I mean."

Groom?

The word barely made it through the sound roaring in my ears.

The next second, the bride appeared, arm linked with her father's. The gown was ivory lace, trailing like mist. Her veil shimmered beneath the lights. She looked radiant.

She looked... happy. And she was walking straight toward him.

I couldn't breathe.

The shutter kept clicking as if my camera was mocking me.

Silas reached out, took the bride's hand, and smiled the same soft smile that used to undo me. The one that used to mean home.

It didn't mean home anymore.

I lowered my camera slowly, vision blurring behind my glasses. My heart stuttered between shock and a pain too heavy to name. The noise of clapping guests faded into a low, cruel hum. Ava was saying something beside me, but it was like I'd slipped underwater.

The officiant began speaking. Silas never looked back.

My fingers tightened around the camera until my knuckles went white. "No," I whispered under my breath. "No, that's not-he wouldn't..."

But the evidence stood at the altar, smiling, holding another woman's hand.

He'd helped me get this job. He'd told me last week, "You deserve a big break, baby."

And now I realized what kind of break it was - breaking me.

My chest rose and fell too fast. I took a step back, bumping into one of the decorative pillars. The flowers trembled, scattering petals that landed on my shoes like tiny white ghosts. Each petal felt like a quiet little mockery - like the universe itself whispering, you didn't see this coming?

My camera slipped slightly in my hand. The lens pointed at the floor. My breath came in short, uneven gasps, the edges of the hall starting to blur as if my mind couldn't decide what was real anymore.

Eight years. Eight years of building him up, of believing every soft apology, every late-night promise whispered into my hair. Eight years of telling myself we were endgame.

And here I was, reduced to a background extra in the story of his happily ever after.

My vision wavered, tears burning the corners of my eyes. I blinked them back furiously - I can't cry here. Not in front of everyone. Not while the flash of my camera might still catch my reflection in a guest's phone.

I forced myself to lift the camera again, to do what I came here for. To work. But how could I?

The lens trembled as I focused.

Silas was laughing now, his hand brushing a stray curl from the bride's face. His lips moved, mouthing something I couldn't hear. But I'd seen those lips enough times to know the words. "You're beautiful."

The same ones he'd told me this morning.

The room tilted slightly. My throat ached. The applause was thunder in my ears as they exchanged vows. Each word the officiant spoke - commitment, forever, loyalty - twisted the knife deeper.

The bride's voice trembled with emotion as she repeated the words. 

I swallowed hard. The taste of metal filled my mouth.

He didn't even glance my way. Not once.

He just kept smiling, holding her like she was the only woman he'd ever loved.

And maybe she was - maybe I'd just been the practice run, the bed warmer, the placeholder until he found someone who fit the kind of life he actually wanted.

I stepped back, one foot, then another. The camera dangled and I took every strength in me to shove it into my bag. The hall spun. I slipped out through the side door before the music could start again, the laughter chasing me out like a cruel echo.

The corridor was dim, lined with mirrors that caught fragments of my reflection - the smeared lipstick, the glassy eyes, the trembling mouth. I didn't look like me anymore. I looked like someone cracked right down the center.

Outside, the night hit me cold. I walked until the noise faded, until I was behind the venue near the catering trucks. 

Only then did I let myself bend forward, clutching my stomach as the first sob tore out of me.

I gasped between breaths, trying to muffle the sound, but it kept coming.

Isla

Rain began to fall, heavy and unrelenting, turning the ground wet.

My glasses fogged instantly, blurring the neon reflections of cars passing by. Every step I took was unsure, wobbling, my heels splashing through puddles on the uneven pavement behind the venue. My hands shook, not just from cold, but from shock, humiliation, and heartbreak. The scene inside the hall replayed endlessly behind my closed eyes: Silas's smirk, that impossible wink, his hand in hers, the kiss. I could still feel the sting of betrayal burning under my skin.

I stumbled toward the narrow alley behind the catering trucks, barely noticing the litter-cigarette butts, discarded napkins, half-empty cups-scattered across the slick ground. 

It was lonely and quiet here.

"Hey... hey there," a voice hissed from the darkness. I froze, my chest tightening. Two men emerged from the shadows, their shapes looming, wet jackets clinging to their frames. The rain made them gleam in the light, and their slow approach sent a jolt of panic through me.

I swallowed hard and tried to keep walking. Ignore them. Just get to shelter.

"Lost, baby girl?" another sneered, stepping closer. My heels splashed in a puddle, heart hammering. I forced my gaze straight ahead, desperate for anything familiar. A small shelter, a corner of the alley between two catering trucks loomed like a beacon. I moved faster, trying to keep my trembling hands under control.

And then I collided with something solid, immovable.

The impact knocked the breath out of me. A cigarette clattered to the ground, sending a thin ribbon of smoke curling upward. My body pressed against someone taller, broader, and commanding. I hadn't seen his face, but the cut of his coat, the strength in his shoulders, and the sharp, intoxicating scent of cologne told me everything I needed to know: he was dangerous. Calm, untouchable, and unshakable.

The two men froze, confusion flashing across their faces. For a moment, neither they nor I moved. Then, slowly, almost reluctantly, they backed away, muttering under their breath. Fear had claimed them the moment he appeared.

I leaned against him, trembling, trying to catch my breath. My pulse thundered in my ears. My knees felt weak. My hands clutched the straps of my bag so tightly my fingers were white. I opened my mouth to speak, to thank him, but before the words could form, he shifted, hands in pockets, shoulders straight, and started back toward the wedding hall. The smoke from his cigarette trailed behind him like a phantom, leaving me frozen in awe and fear.

I pressed myself against the brick wall, shivering, wet, and raw. My tears mixed with the rain streaking my face, leaving salty trails across my cheeks. Every heartbeat felt too loud. Every drop of water against my skin is too sharp. And yet, beneath the fear, something stirred, curiosity, something magnetic I couldn't explain.

My phone buzzed, cutting through the cacophony of rain and my spiraling thoughts. I fumbled for it, checking to see if it's anything important before typing with trembling fingers:

Me: Round up everything yourself, Ava. I'm leaving-taking a break.

Ava: Is everything alright? I'll send the photos I took, and Ben's too. Have a nice weekend.

I ignored the concern in her tone, before proceeding to text Sienna, my best friend:

Me:  I'll be in Dustfield soon.

Almost instantly, she called me, I hesitated a few minutes before picking.

Sienna's voice rang out. "Isla? Hey... weren't you supposed to be at the wedding? What happened?"

I took a shaky breath, blinking the rain from my eyes. "Something happened," I whispered, voice cracking. "I'll explain when I get there." Then I hung up.

Shoving the phone back into my bag, I exhaled slowly, trying to center myself. I couldn't stop the trembling in my hands or the tears still streaming down my face, but I pushed myself upright. The alley stretched on before me, wet and narrow, shadows pooling along the walls. Each step toward my car was a battle against the wave of despair that threatened to drag me under.

As I walked, I realized the two men hadn't completely disappeared. They lingered at the end of the alley, muttering and gesturing toward me. My stomach sank. Not again... I quickened my pace, eyes darting to the slick pavement, puddles reflecting the city lights.

Then, without warning, the stranger reappeared. He emerged from the shadows, cigarette once again between his fingers. I hadn't seen him move-he simply appeared, a guardian between me and the men. His height dwarfed me, and though I couldn't see his face, the presence of him filled the alley. The cologne, sharp and commanding, wrapped me whole, extremely intoxicating. The men hesitated, looked at each other, then backed away, disappearing into the night.

I exhaled, letting my body slump slightly against the wall. Relief and lingering fear warred within me. Just as I was about to speak again, he turned, this time he walked back towards his car. 

I fumbled for my phone again, desperate to ground myself. Fingers slippery from rain, I typed a quick message to Sienna, pressing send before I could second-guess it:

"I'm leaving. See you soon"

Isla 

The drive to Dustfield was long and silent. Rain pelted the windshield, blurring streetlights into golden smears. My chest ached, and tears refused to stop. Every blink smeared them further, leaving streaks across my cheeks. My thoughts were a tangled mess of betrayal, fear, and curiosity. 

After an hour and some minutes, I arrived at Sienna's seaside home. I drove straight into the driveway,  parked and proceeded to walk towards the door.

The door swung open before I could even knock. Sienna's eyes went wide, taking in my soaked clothes, clinging hair, and shivering frame.

"Isla! Oh my God, come here!" She pulled me into a fierce hug, pressing me against her warm chest. I could feel the tremor in my body, my wet hair sticking to her sweater. "You're freezing! Look at you! What happened out there?"

I didn't answer, just let her guide me inside. She helped me peel off my drenched blazer, scolding softly, "God, you're a mess. You need a shower. Now. Hot water. And after that, tea. What do you want? Lemon, ginger... or chamomile? Something to warm you from the inside."

I nodded, my lips trembling. I could barely form words. She pulled me towards the bathroom, never letting go of my hand. Once I was in the bathroom, she left the faucet running, the steam and warmth enveloping me. I sank into the bath, letting the water chase away the cold, the fear, and the heartbreak.

Minutes later she arrived with the tea.

I took a sip, letting the warmth spread through my chest. My hands shook, and I felt tears brimming behind my eyes again. Sienna stood against the wall beside me, her hand brushing mine. "Okay, babe. Spill. What did he do this time to make you leave your job and run here?"

The question made the floodgates open. My voice was raw, shaking, as I whispered, "He... Silas... got married today."

Sienna's eyebrows shot up. "Silas? Got married?"

As if trying to piece my words together, Sienna froze mid-sip, her eyes narrowing. "Wait... what?"

I nodded, sniffling. "Yes. Today."

She blinked, incredulous. "So... you're telling me that the gig he helped you get, the big wedding event you were photographing-was his wedding?"

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat nearly choking me. "Yes... I... I had to cover the photos. I didn't know... until it was too late."

For a moment, Sienna's face was blank. Then it cracked open in pure, unfiltered fury. Her hands flew up, fists clenching, her voice trembling with outrage.

"That dick head!" she spat. "You covered his wedding? And he... he... Don't tell me you guys had sex this morning before he left the house?"

I flinched, but the words tumbled out anyway. "He... he almost... before the ceremony. I had to leave. I couldn't-"

Sienna slammed her own tea cup down, the clatter echoing in the bathroom. "How dare he! How dare he do this to you! You didn't deserve this. Not ever! That arrogant, selfish... dick!"

My face crumbled at those words...how could I not see this coming?

Her face softened slightly as she grabbed my hands again, holding them tight. "I've never liked him, Isla. From the very beginning. And now... now I see why. That man has no idea what it means to love anyone but himself."

I let out a shaky laugh, wiping my face with the back of my hand. "At first I thought maybe... maybe I was imagining things, you know my poor eye sight. But...even when I removed my glasses today...I saw the whole truth, my sight wasn't playing tricks on me, Sienna."

Sienna shook her head, her voice low and dangerous, like she wanted to march into Seattle herself and give Silas a piece of her mind. "Truth? The truth is he's a cheating, lying dick who's lucky he got away with anything all these years. And he had the audacity to do this while marrying someone else? I swear, Isla, if I ever see him..."

I wiped my eyes, splashing water on my cheeks, trying to chase away the tears. "I get it, Sienna. Really. You've always been right. About everything. Maybe you're even... jealous? That's it, isn't it?" I let a small, bitter laugh escape. "Maybe you never liked him because you wanted me for yourself."

Her face froze for a fraction of a second before she softened. "Jealous? Isla... don't be ridiculous. I've got nothing to do with him or you in that way. You don't...That dick! I can't believe he had the audacity! Who does that to someone they say they love?"

"I... I trusted him," I whispered, voice breaking. "I can't believe he could do something this cruel to me. I thought... I thought our love was forever. And now... now I'm just... nothing."

"Nothing?" she hissed, fuming. "You're everything, Isla! You're amazing! And him? He's... he's a selfish, arrogant-ugh, I just want to-ugh!" She flailed dramatically, pacing back and forth. "I swear, if I ever set my eyes on him, I will make sure I knock all his teeth out..."

I tried to smile weakly through my tears. "Sienna... please. Just... Can we breathe for a second?"

She softened, coming over to sit beside the tub. "Okay, fine. Breathe. But you know what? You're not alone, never alone with me. And that dick? He's lost you. Can't you see? You're free. You don't need him."

We sat in silence for a few moments, the only sound the faint drip of water from the tap and the steam rising from the tea Sienna had poured. I let the warmth seep into me, feeling a fragile comfort in her presence.

Just as I was gathering the strength to continue, the low rumble of a car engine rolled into the driveway. My head snapped up, heart skipping a beat.

"Who?" I asked, wary. My eyes darted toward the window. From what I knew, Sienna's parents were still in Michigan.

Sienna walked to the window, peering out with a small smile. "Zayne," she said casually, almost mischievously. "He's in town."

I frowned at the name. "Zayne?"

"Oh, Sienna's older brother," I muttered under my breath. I'd never seen him before, but from the way Sienna had described him over the years, he wasn't exactly... appealing. Always annoying, overbearing, a bit of a know-it-all. Honestly, I'd never cared enough to meet him.

Sienna smirked at me from the window. "Yep. That's him. Don't worry-you'll meet him soon enough. Try not to roll your eyes too hard."