The Missed Ending

For the 99th time, I was supposed to become Mrs. Stewart.

Dressed in my crisply ironed dress, I stood under the relentless sun outside the County Clerk's office, right on schedule, waiting for him.

The staff at the entrance were practically on a first-name basis with me. Spotting me, they let out a long sigh.

"This must be your 99th attempt, right? Do you think your boyfriend will ever show up?

"You've been at this for so long that couples who were newlyweds when you started have already split, and you're still not married!"

I had become such a fixture that the clerks had taken to placing bets on my chances of success. No one was putting their money on me.

Just then, a car rolled up, a beacon of hope in the distance.

My spirits soared, and I straightened up, marching toward the car with renewed purpose.

However, before I could reach the car, a pair of figures in matching outfits emerged from the back seat.

My heart sank as I watched Emmett Stewart, hand-in-hand with his assistant, walk toward the County Clerk's office.

In a daze, I blocked their path.

"What's going on here?"

Emmett looked at me as if noticing me for the first time, finally meeting my gaze.

"Oh, I forgot about our appointment to get married today.

"I'm sorry, but Natalie's family is pressuring her to tie the knot, and she needs my help.

"Don't worry. Once we've calmed her parents down, we'll get a divorce, and then it'll be our turn, okay?"

He said, attempting to sidestep me with Natalie in tow.

It was the 99th letdown.

I balled my fists, my voice tinged with desperation. "I've been waiting for you 99 times already..."

Emmett stopped in his tracks, his brow furrowing.

"Are you suggesting I should just ignore her family driving her to the brink?

"Don't be so cruel."

My hand shook, a mix of shock and disbelief coursing through me.

I caught Natalie Cooper's triumphant look and her voice, tinged with self-pity.

"Emmett, if she doesn't want us to do it, let's drop it. It's like being tied up and beaten with a stick—I can take it."

Without a backward glance, Emmett shoved past me.

"Forget about her."

Emmett was different today—sharp and dapper in his new clothes and haircut, a stark contrast to his usual self.

Maybe he had guessed we would not go through with the marriage license.

So he never prepared before our registration.

After they took a number and settled in to wait, I did not hesitate. I hailed a cab and headed straight home.

The moment I walked in, I stripped off the skirt I had ironed carefully, shredded it, and watched it burn to ashes.

I knew then, my seven-year love affair with him was meant to disappear just like that—up in smoke.