Chapter 16- THE WEDDING

The music swelled as the bride walked down the aisle. Everyone stood up, phones flashing, whispers of how beautiful she looked filling the room. I stayed seated, my hands clasped tightly in my lap. Jake stood at the front in his black tuxedo, smiling proudly as he watched his new wife approach. My stomach twisted into knots. The same man who had touched me without permission weeks ago was now marrying Ryan’s sister. I felt sick.

The priest began the ceremony with warm words about love and commitment. “We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.” He spoke about patience, trust, and building a life together. Every word felt heavy. I kept my eyes on the floor most of the time, only looking up when people clapped.

Ryan sat beside me, holding my hand for show. He leaned over once and whispered, “You okay? You look pale.”

I nodded. “Just a little warm.”

When the priest asked if anyone had objections, my heart pounded. Part of me wanted to stand up and say something, but I stayed silent. The rings were exchanged. Vows were said. Jake looked happy, kissing his bride with passion while guests cheered. I forced a smile and clapped along with everyone else.

After the ceremony, I turned to Ryan. “Can we go home now? I’m not feeling too good.”

Ryan frowned. “Bella, this is my sister’s wedding. We can’t leave early. It would be rude. People will talk. You’re family now. Stay for the reception at least.”

“But I really don’t feel well,” I said quietly. “My head hurts.”

He squeezed my hand a little too tight. “Stay. My family already thinks you’re distant. If you leave now, they’ll like you even less. Just smile and get through it. For me.”

I wanted to argue, but the look in his eyes stopped me. I nodded slowly. “Okay. I’ll stay.”

The reception was lively. Music played, food was served, and people danced. I sat at our table most of the time, picking at my plate. Ryan mingled with his relatives, laughing loudly and acting like the perfect husband whenever someone looked our way.

Then I noticed Jake. He kept finding reasons to come near our table. First he came to greet Ryan’s parents. His eyes met mine for a second and he smiled. I looked away fast and moved to the other side of the room. Later he came to get a drink near where I was standing. I shifted to another table. Every time I saw him approaching, I found an excuse to move.

At one point he managed to get close while Ryan was talking to someone else.

“Bella,” he said softly, smiling like we were old friends. “You look beautiful tonight. Can we talk for a minute? About that night…”

I stepped back. “There’s nothing to talk about. Excuse me.”

I walked away quickly, heart racing. A newly married man chasing after me at his own wedding reception felt insane. I spent the rest of the evening dodging him, smiling for photos, and pretending everything was fine. My feet hurt. My cheek still ached under the makeup. And every time Jake looked my way, I felt dirty all over again. I thought about calling Ryan's sister by the side and exposing what he was trying to do. But it will look like I wanted to spoil a newly wedded couple.

I was lost in thought when Ryan called out to me.

Ryan finally found me near the exit. “Ready to go?”

“Yes,” I said, relieved. “Please.”

Just as we were about to leave, Jake noticed and stood up from his table. He walked over with a big smile, his new wife beside him.

“Hey Ryan, Bella,” Jake said smoothly. “Why don’t you guys stay a little longer? You don’t live too far, do you? The night is still young.”

Ryan’s sister joined in right away, holding Ryan's arm. “Yes! Please stay. It would mean so much to us. We barely got to talk properly. Come on, one more hour won’t hurt.”

I touched Ryan’s other arm gently, trying to signal him not to agree. But he was already nodding with a smile.

“Sure, why not?” Ryan said. “We can stay a bit longer.”

I forced a smile, but inside I felt trapped. We ended up staying for several more hours. The men talked business and family matters while I sat quietly, sipping water and avoiding Jake’s eyes. Every time he looked my way, my skin crawled.

I got fed up, stood up and excused myself to use the restroom inside the house, Jake waited a few minutes. He leaned over to Ryan and said casually, “I need to grab something from the gift table inside. One of the cards has our honeymoon details. Be right back.”

Ryan nodded without suspicion, deep in conversation with his sister about family plans. Jake stood up smoothly, adjusting his tuxedo jacket, and walked into the house like it was the most normal thing in the world. No one paid him any attention. He moved with purpose but not too fast, checking over his shoulder once before heading toward the restroom area.

I came out of the restroom, feeling a little better after splashing water on my face. The hallway was quiet. I started walking back toward the party when suddenly a hand grabbed my arm.

Before I could react, Jake pulled me back into the restroom and shut the door behind us. The lock clicked. My back pressed against the wall. His body was close, too close, blocking the door.

“Jake, what are you doing?” I whispered, heart pounding. “Let me out. This is crazy.”

He smiled, the same smile from that night in the car. “I just wanted to talk, Bella. You’ve been avoiding me all evening. After what happened between us… I can’t stop thinking about you.”

His hand touched my waist. My breath came fast. I pushed against his chest, but he didn’t move.

“Jake, your wife is outside. Ryan is right there. Stop this or I'm going to spill out everything.”

He leaned in closer, eyes dark. “Just five minutes. That’s all I’m asking.”

My back was against the cold tiles. The door was locked. And no one knew I was in here with him.