Chapter 5

The bridesmaids let out a collective sigh as Ashton put distance between his past and present.

"Lydia's young and stunning. Macie never stood a chance."

"Ashton, you're holding Lydia's future now. Don't you dare fail her."

He offered that same warm smile he once reserved for me.

"I won't let her down."

My eyes darkened, and Noelle, fuming, bit back, "What nonsense! Since when does the other woman win with grace?"

From somewhere in the crowd, a voice called out, stirring up excitement. "It's such a beautiful day. How about a kiss from Lydia and Ashton?"

The bridesmaids echoed the sentiment.

"A kiss! A kiss!"

Lydia turned to Ashton, her cheeks a delicate shade of pink, the picture of demure charm.

Amidst the chants, Ashton tenderly caressed her ear before bending down to plant a soft kiss near her lips.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

However, amidst the revelry, I was engulfed by an overwhelming silence.

His heart was already out of his control, and then, it seemed his body was too.

I gave a wry smile, thankful that I had let go of enough memories to dull the pain.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a boarding alert for my flight.

"Noelle, it's time for me to head out."

Noelle wrapped me in a tight embrace, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Go on. Leave all the mess behind and let yourself sparkle! I'll be here waiting for you to make it big and climb even higher. As for this place, I'll leave them a parting gift from you!"

"See you later, Noelle."

I grinned, giving her nose a playful flick, not really caring about the 'gift' she mentioned.

In just half an hour, every memory of loving Ashton would be wiped clean.

I pulled my suitcase behind me and walked away. Ashton and Lydia, hand in hand, caught a fleeting glimpse of me and seemed momentarily unsettled.

However, that could not be right.

If I were at the wedding, I would be there as the 'sister', not a stranger with luggage in tow.

He must have been mistaken.

The venue lights dimmed, and Ashton and Lydia stood center stage, exchanging rings and gazing into each other's eyes with syrupy sweetness.

The crowd erupted, egging them on to kiss.

Out of nowhere, a banner unfurled from the ceiling.

Noelle stood beneath it, megaphone in hand, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

[Here's to Lydia the homewrecker and Ashton the heartbreaker! May your love last forever, and may you never have kids!]

Lydia's face drained of color, and she instinctively ducked behind Ashton.

Recognizing Noelle, Ashton's irritation flared "What nonsense are you spouting? Macie and I are divorced, and Lydia's no homewrecker!"

Noelle let out a mocking laugh. "You're the poster child for wanting it all, aren't you? Clinging to your ex-wife while planning a wedding with someone else, and all the while telling Macie to hang on for a second chance with you. Have you got any clue how much she's suffered these last few days?"

Ashton's gaze turned icy. "Your concern is unnecessary. I've medicated Macie, so she won't remember any of this."

"You idiot, the memory-wiping doesn't happen instantly. It takes three days to erase the memories of a loved one. Macie's witnessed everything you've done in that time."

Noelle cocked her head with a taunting smirk.

"You're clueless about who created that drug, aren't you? It was Macie, your ex-wife.

"Here's another bombshell for you. There's no cure for the memory loss. Macie's forgotten you for good. She's not coming back to you, so go ahead and live it up with your new flame."