Divorce After Wedding Fiasco

Why is it that even when I’ve done nothing wrong, they already see me as guilty of the worst offenses? My throat feels bitter, and there's a weight pressing down as if I'm swallowing shards of glass.

At precisely eight o'clock, the bridal party gathered outside our new home to play entrance games. "Let's start with a toast!" Devin Berry handed two small glasses of whiskey to Clark Davis and Raven Gilbert, grinning mischievously.

Their faces flushed as they linked arms, bringing their faces close together. Clark’s Adam's apple moved with elegance as he swallowed. A memory surfaced—whether it was the first time he met my family or during Thanksgiving dinners over the past seven years, he never touched alcohol. No matter how much my dad and relatives encouraged him to enjoy a drink with the in-laws, he always refused with a firm face, saying, "I'm a doctor; alcohol affects the nervous system and causes tremors."

Yet here was Clark, brow furrowed as he quickly downed his drink. Without hesitating at the burn, he grabbed Raven's unfinished glass and emptied it. "This stuff packs a punch; I’ll drink hers too."

As soon as the glasses were put away, Devin held up a piece of chocolate tied to a string, with a mysterious smile. "Clark, Raven, let's see how well you work together. Reaching my bride's door depends on you."

Amidst the cheers, Clark and Raven faced each other, leaning forward to reach the dangling sweet. Raven’s cheeks were flushed, and even the usually stoic Clark had ears tinged with red.

As their faces drew closer, the knot in my chest tightened. Under my intense gaze, the chocolate softened from the warmth of their mouths. When their lips finally met, Clark jerked back, quickly pulling away. But I saw it—Raven's seemingly accidental, light lick against his lips.

Devin tossed the barely-eaten chocolate aside, shouting, "Congrats on the wedding! May your love be sweet and joyful! You've passed the test; open the door!"

My legs felt heavy as lead, and I trailed behind the crowd. The noise around me was overwhelming, yet inside, I felt only emptiness. Clark, standing tall amid the group, suddenly turned to look at me. I saw a flicker of worry, guilt, and hesitation in his eyes.

I pressed my nails into my palms and forced a smile his way. Clark relaxed his tense expression, returning my smile with a gentle one of his own.