C05
Derick said he’d be out on a business trip for two days and didn’t want to be disturbed before the wedding. I didn’t call him out; I just mumbled an acknowledgment and shut the door.
On the wedding day, there was no bridal procession, no family or friends in attendance. The large, old mansion wasn’t decorated at all. Not a single thing represent wedding on sight. When I arrived in a simple white dress, I found the lively Larsen family gathered around Becky, chatting animatedly. They glanced at me–disinterested, even. No one made an effort to approach, especially Mrs. Montgomery who was sitting at the head of the table.
In the past, I would’ve gone out of my way to win her approval, even if it meant enduring countless humiliations. But now, I understood: if Derick truly wanted to marry me, he wouldn’t allow me to be treated with such disdain.
Derick came down the stairs, a smudge of lipstick still visible on his collar. Everyone noticed, and mocking glances immediately turned toward me. Ignoring them, I took a picture of the scene to send to my parents. Derick didn’t seem to care either; he simply looked me up and down and asked, “Why aren’t you wearing your wedding dress?”
I stared at him in silence, and it took him a moment to realize he wasn’t dressed for the occasion either. Once everyone gathered, we moved to the lawn for the vows. Just as Derick took the microphone, his low whisper of “Becky” echoed through the crowd. His gaze and Becky’s were like magnets, locked together even from across the crowd. People murmured, probably wondering if I’d react.
I just gave a small smile, interrupting Derick before he could continue, I slowly removed the plain ring from my finger, walked up to Becky, who was practically glowing with satisfaction, and stopped just a few feet away. Derick tensed up and rushed over to shield her.
“Penny, what are you doing?” he demanded.
I didn’t explain. I just stopped a few inches away, gently placed the ring in Becky’s hand, and said, “This ring was always a bit loose. Guess it was never really meant for me.”
I had seen him painstakingly make it over countless nights, and although it was a bit loose when he gave it to me, my tears flowed down my cheek. I was so happy. Then I found the engraving inside and realized the ring was never meant for me. I kept staring at it, noticing the initials–B, not P–just like the gift I had given him for his birthday, which I’d thought was a mistake at first.
“You two are a perfect match. I wish you a lifetime of happiness together,” I said to them.
4
Gasps rippled through the crowd, and Derick, now furious, snatched the ring back and accused me, “Penny, are you crazy? Becky and I are friends! I’ve told you that. Why do you have to make a scene and ruin our wedding?”
“If you mess this up, there won’t be another one.” His tone turned cold.
The old me would’ve apologized immediately, begging him not to break up with me. For years, I’d dreamed of being his wife, standing proudly by his side at the altar. But now, I understood. A marriage certificate couldn’t keep someone who had already moved on. A wedding wouldn’t magically make two people who didn’t love each other happy.
Becky joined in, feigning concern. “Penny, listen to him. There’s nothing between me and Derick. Today is about your happiness. Don’t act rashly!”
Her “understanding” performance won the admiration of Derick’s family, and several of them started comparing us, favoring her. My initial plan to leave quietly changed. Since they wanted to step on me to elevate her, I saw no reason to hold back. With a quick swipe on my phone, I projected Becky’s provocative photos on the big outdoor
