Bye bye bye

Here came my wedding day.

I sat here in a room full of people working on my hair and makeup.

“Do you like it, ma’am?” the makeup artist asked, spinning the chair toward the mirror, her smile wide and genuine.

Were all makeup artists this cheerful? Somehow, her bright energy made the whole morning feel lighter.

I smiled when I saw myself.

I looked... surprisingly pretty.

I never wore much makeup—I was always scared I’d end up looking like a clown, not to mention the breakouts. But now I barely recognize myself.

I looked like one of those perfect Barbie dolls, and for a second, I couldn’t believe it was me.

My long smooth black hair was neatly curled and I loved it.

I always kept my hair straight so I looked different now.

I nodded my head, “Yes.”

She smiled back. “Perfect! Let's get you in your dress now, okay?”

I gave a small nod before standing and stepping into the dress. I couldn’t believe it, but a little part of me felt excited. The white gown, the makeup—it all felt unreal. Almost magical.

The dress was simple but stunning. It had lace sleeves, a soft neckline, and a satin skirt that flowed into a small train.

They quickly laced up my dress and fixed any part that needed to be adjusted.

I am not going to lie, I looked nice.

A knock was heard on the door and one of them went to answer it while I continued looking at myself.

"Wow!” Simone said, “You look so breathtaking,” she said with an adorable smile and I blushed before we moved to the hall.

I made my way down to the aisle with my dad.

Everyone dressed elegantly. My eyes were out for Noah, hoping I’d see him anywhere but it brightened when I saw him seated at the front.

We almost reached the top and I finally decided to take a look at my husband-to-be.

“Let us begin,” the priest said, voice steady. “We are gathered here to witness the marriage of Diana Astor and Noah Wilson.”

The words floated over me as we exchanged rings and repeated our vows.

And just like that, we were married.

The party room filled with guests well into the evening — Richard was truly a man everyone knew.

I slipped into a sleek, body-hugging black gown and strapped on block heels for the after-party.

Dad was deep in conversation with business partners. Richard worked the room too. Noah stood near them, calmly sipping a hot drink — always with that glass in his hand.

My eyes found him, and his found me.

It was like we were in some silent battle, eyes locked, neither willing to look away.

His gaze traced my body — down to my hips — before snapping back to my face with a slow, knowing smirk. He finished his drink, never breaking contact.

I felt a spark — was he really coming over?

My heart throbbed as he dropped the glass and started walking toward me.

I took a step back, leading him on until my eyes landed on the unexpected.

Davina. My sister.

Heat surged through me, hot and sharp.

How dare she? Who the hell invited her?

Noah was just around the corner, but I didn’t care. All my fury focused on her.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, voice low but trembling.

She gave me a small, sad smile. “I couldn’t miss your wedding. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”

I laughed, but it was hollow.

“So wicked of you. Really.” A tear slid down my cheek before I could stop it.

“You have a lot of nerve showing up here.”

“How could you leave me? I would’ve never done that to you — and now you have the guts to show up at my wedding?”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I fucked up. I know. I was in love.”

“Oh yeah?” I snapped. “What happened to that love? Why are you here?”

She looked away.

“Done with it, I see.”

“You know I wasn’t ready for marriage after what happened with my last ex,” I said quietly. “But you left me in the dark.”

Before she could say more, I cut her off.

“Leave. I never want to see you again.”

Her face crumpled with shame and pain, but without hesitation, she turned to go.

Right before she turned to leave, she whispered, “I love you, Dee.”

Tears spilled freely this time. I wiped them quickly, desperate to hide them from everyone — especially Simone, who was nearby.

Needing air, I slipped away from the crowd and found the mansion’s balcony. The door shut softly behind me, cutting off the noise and the weight of the room.

The cool evening breeze hit my face, sharp and fresh — like a sudden exhale after holding my breath too long. I leaned against the railing, letting the chill seep into my skin, grounding me.

For a moment, all the anger, the confusion, the heartbreak felt distant, as if the sky could swallow it.

I closed my eyes trying to steady the storm inside me before I heard the door click shut.

Noah. Of course.

He slid beside me as if it was the most natural thing, silent and calm.

I didn’t meet his eyes. His hands tucked into his pockets, he said nothing—just watched me for a long moment before pulling out a cigarette and lighting it.

“You’re good at it,” I said finally, still not meeting his eyes.

He tilted his head slightly. “At what?”

“Pretending.”

A pause.

“You think that’s what I’m doing?” He said, his blue eyes piercing through mine.

“I know that’s what you’re doing.”

“I could say the same about you,” he replied, taking a slow puff.

I let out a quiet laugh. “You’d be wrong.”

“Then why did you run?”

I turned to him, sharp now. “Run?”

“No note,” he said simply. “Not even a goodbye.”

“Wow,” I muttered, folding my arms. “So you do remember.”

His expression didn’t change. “What exactly am I supposed to remember?”

God, there he goes again. That annoying way of twisting everything and deflecting. My anger flared up again.

“After that night,” I said, voice tightening. “You don’t think that earns at least—”

“I never said anything happened,” he cut in smoothly. “You’re the one bringing it up.”

Oh. You want to play it like that?

I stared at him, my heart racing—hot and heavy.

“I don’t know what game you’re playing,” I said, quieter now but sharp as glass. “But I’m not stupid. And I’m not sorry either.”

Then I laughed—dry, humorless. “You know what? Fine. Let’s pretend. Nothing happened. Great. I’d love to keep it that way. Just stay away from me.”

I stepped closer, eyes locked to his intensely blue eyes. “But don’t act like I made the whole thing up. Don’t stand there acting all zen and wise when you’re just as tangled in this as I am.”

“What do you want me to say? That I can’t stop thinking about you?”

Silence slipped in.

His jaw flexed—but he said nothing.

“Goodbye, Noah.”

I moved past him, swallowing the lump in my throat, determined not to look back.