Wedding Shenanigans

I looked up to see Olivia’s high heel grinding against it.

"If I can’t have it, no one can."

The crowd gasped.

I clenched my fists, just about to speak when—

"Enough." Quentin’s voice was firm.

I turned to him in shock.

Guilt flickered in his eyes before he looked away and—without hesitation—kicked my wedding ring into the lake.

I stared blankly as it vanished beneath the water.

Once upon a time, he had cherished that ring, transported it across seven countries, and proposed to me under the northern lights. Now, he discarded it like trash.

Olivia giggled and wrapped her arms around him. "Quentin, you know I hate when my things get tainted by others."

"I know, I know." Quentin patted her head with a loving smile.

She turned to me, blinking in surprise. "Natalie! Why are you still sitting on the ground? Oh dear, I did steal your ring… How about this—"

She suddenly picked up a soda can tab and held it out excitedly. "Here! Let’s use this as your wedding ring instead! Just like in those TV dramas! So romantic, right?"

I took the soda can with shaking hands. The laughter in her eyes stoked my fury. I lifted the can, ready to splash its contents on her—

However, before I could, Quentin shielded her with his body. His groomsmen grabbed my arms, holding me back.

"Natalie, have you lost your mind?!"

"She’s just a bit delusional from the memory loss. Don’t take it personally!"

"Yeah, today’s your wedding! Don’t be so petty."

I stopped struggling. A wave of exhaustion washed over me.

Quentin glared at me, storming forward and snatching the soda can from my hand. "Enough. If you don’t want to marry, then don’t! Picking on someone who lost her memory—how low can you be? I can’t believe I ever thought you were kind. Apologize to Liv. Now."

I stood there, numb, as everyone rushed to comfort Olivia. Turning away, I ran.

By the time I returned to the dressing room, my emotions were under control, but what I saw shattered me.

Quentin was on the couch, holding Olivia in his arms. A smear of red on his lips hinted at what they had just done.

"Quentin, where’s the groom? Did Natalie get abandoned at the altar?" Olivia asked curiously.

I froze in the doorway, gripping the frame so hard my knuckles turned white.

One last chance.

I locked eyes with Quentin. My heart screamed, ‘Say it. Say you’re the groom. If you do, I’ll forgive everything.’

He noticed my gaze and stiffened.

Olivia pouted, biting his lip. "Tell me, Quentin!"

I shook my head desperately. Don’t answer. Just don’t answer—

Quentin lowered his eyes, smiled, and whispered, "Liv, you know him."

"Oh? Who is it?"

"Ryan Pickett."

At that moment, something inside me shattered.