A week before the wedding, my fiancé, Dan, abruptly changed the venue to the beach. His best friend, Leo, was teasing him about it. “You’re seriously changing the venue to the beach because Chloe likes it? And you didn’t even tell your fiancée? What if her whole family shows up at the wrong place?” “Besides,” Leo added, “will Elara even agree? I heard she was the one who insisted on the Aspen Ridge wedding.” Dan just shrugged, his voice laced with a casual indifference. “It’s fine. She’s so in love with me, she literally went blind for me. When has she ever not done what I wanted?” “She’s obsessed with this wedding,” he continued, “so she’ll check the details a hundred times. When she sees I changed the location, she’ll be the one to notify her family.” I stood frozen in the doorway, listening. After a long moment, I turned and walked away, pretending I’d heard nothing at all. On the morning of the wedding, Dan called me, his voice frantic. “Elara, where are you? The ceremony is about to start!” I gazed out the window at the soft, drifting snowflakes. “I’m already here,” I said. 1 The Aspen Ridge wedding was my idea from the very beginning. That place held a sacred meaning for Dan and me. But I never imagined he would discard it all on a whim, just for Chloe. My hand trembled as I stood in the doorway, afraid to make a sound. Leo frowned, clearly confused. “A wedding is about two people, man. You have to at least tell Elara, right? How is she supposed to prepare otherwise?” Dan waved a dismissive hand. “What’s there to prepare? Aspen Ridge is freezing. The beach is so much more comfortable.” “But this is a huge deal. To not even mention it to her… isn’t that a little disrespectful?” A flicker of irritation crossed Dan’s face. “If she knew, she’d ask a million questions, probably throw a fit, and then I’d have to waste time calming her down. It’s a hassle.” “Besides,” he said with a confident smirk, “she loves me. She’ll agree. I mean, come on, she lost her sight for me. Changing the wedding venue is nothing compared to that.” Another one of his friends chimed in with a sly grin. “We know what’s really going on. This is all for Chloe… I mean, a woman that beautiful? Who could say no?” “Haha, we all thought you’d marry Chloe back in the day. She’s gorgeous, and her family’s loaded.” At that, Dan’s expression darkened. “Shut up. I don’t want to hear that again. If Elara finds out and makes a scene, I’ll hold you all responsible.” The group just laughed. “Alright, alright, we’ll drop it. You’ve got it made. Elara would do anything for you.” Suddenly, Dan’s phone rang. The screen lit up with Chloe’s name. A wave of knowing smirks went around the room. “Speak of the devil, the real bride is calling.” Dan didn’t bother to correct them. His voice softened as he answered the phone. A playful, feminine laugh echoed from the other end. “Dan, you really ordered that gown for me? I heard there’s a six-month waiting list!” “Mmmhmm, I had a friend pull some strings and have it flown in from Milan. It’ll be here next week.” “But… wasn’t it terribly expensive?” “Only fifty thousand. If you like it, it’s worth it.” Chloe’s voice was thick with emotion. “You’re too good to me. I’ll be sure to wear it for you on the wedding day!” A gentle smile played on Dan’s lips. “Good. I’ll be waiting.” As soon as he hung up, his friends erupted in cheers. “Trying to upstage the bride, are we? Seriously, Dan, who are you marrying here, Elara or Chloe?” Dan just chuckled. “Elara and I are practically an old married couple already. It doesn’t matter what she wears… Chloe is different. She deserves something special.” I stood in the doorway, a bitter smile on my face. My wedding dress was bought off the rack, right here in the city. The day I tried it on, my vision was still blurry. I’d asked Dan to be my eyes. After the third dress, he’d sighed impatiently. “They all look fine. Just pick this one. It’s not like you can see the details anyway.” He rushed to pay. The receipt read $200. So, he was capable of planning thoughtful surprises. Just not for me. On the way home, I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood, but the tears came anyway. Five years. For five whole years, I had naively believed that he understood me. When I first told him I wanted to get married at Aspen Ridge, he’d smiled and ruffled my hair. “Of course,” he’d said. In that moment, my heart had swelled. He remembers, I thought. He must remember. He had to remember that it was where we first met. Where I’d fallen and bled for him. Where I’d gripped his hand in a blizzard and whispered, “Don’t be afraid.” But he didn’t remember. Or maybe, it had never mattered to him at all. My doctor’s warning echoed in my mind: Emotional distress can hinder the recovery of your optic nerve. I tilted my head back, trying to force the tears back in, but a raw sob escaped my throat. Dan called. The background was a cacophony of loud music and shouting. “Elara, the guys are throwing me a bachelor party tonight. I won’t be home.” I paused for a beat. “Okay.” This “bachelor party” had been going on for three days now. At one in the morning, sleep was impossible. I scrolled through my social media feed. Leo had posted a nine-photo collage with the caption: One last night of freedom for the brother. The center photo was of Chloe, cheeks flushed, leaning drunkenly against Dan’s chest. His hand rested lightly on the small of her back. The comments were a flood of predictable remarks: “They look so good together. Such a shame.” “They were childhood sweethearts, you guys. Don’t be weird.” “@DanVance Better be careful, man! Don’t want Elara to get angry!” Dan himself had replied. “Elara won’t mind. If she makes a scene over something this small, we shouldn’t get married anyway.” I quietly liked his comment, turned off my phone, and went to bed. He was so certain I would tolerate it. Just like I tolerated him changing the wedding venue, tolerated the fifty-thousand-dollar dress for another woman, tolerated every single, “She’s just a friend.” But this time, I didn’t want to tolerate it anymore. I went to my follow-up appointment at the hospital alone. “I told you last time, your vision is still unstable. You need someone to accompany you,” the doctor chided gently. I offered a small smile. “I can manage.” As I left the hospital, a sudden downpour began. Through the rain-streaked window of a café, I saw them. Dan was holding up his phone, and Chloe was leaning against his shoulder, making a peace sign, their cheeks pressed together for a selfie. The designer bag sitting next to her was the one Dan had claimed last week was a “gift for a client.” I let out a humorless laugh and walked home through the storm. When Dan got back, I was just changing out of my soaked clothes. He looked up, startled. “What happened to you? You’re drenched.” “My follow-up appointment.” His expression froze. “That was today?” I laughed softly. “Yes. The third time I reminded you.” He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “I’ve just been so busy, I forgot. Anyway, your vision is better now, right? It’s not a big deal if you miss one.” I just stared at him. “The doctor said my optic nerve is still atrophying.” He was silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his eyes were hard. “Are you trying to remind me again that you went blind for my sake?” So that was it. My injury, the sacrifice I’d made, had become a tool of manipulation in his eyes. Seeing my silence, he suddenly flew into a rage. “There you go with that look again! So I forgot one time! Why do you always have to get upset over every little thing?” My gaze dropped to his collar. “You have blueberry jam on you,” I said softly. He instinctively reached up to wipe it, then froze. “You…” “Chloe’s new bag is nice,” I added, my voice calm. His face flushed a deep, angry red. He pointed a trembling finger at me. “Were you following me? Seriously? She was just having a bad day and needed someone to talk to!” “You know what her family situation is like! She only has me!” “Elara, can’t you just be a little more generous? This constant scorekeeping is getting old!” I couldn’t help it. I laughed. “What a coincidence. At my doctor’s appointment today, I ‘only had me’ too.” He flinched as if I’d struck him, then stammered, “It’s different… You have people who care about you…” Just then, his phone rang. It was Chloe again. He answered immediately. Her choked sobs came through the speaker. “Dan, I fell… It hurts so much…” “Don’t worry, I’m on my way!” He hung up and threw open the door. He paused, then glanced back at me. “You should take some time to reflect on your attitude. I’ll take you to the gift shop tomorrow to pick out the wedding favors.” He hesitated for a second longer. “And stop following me. It makes you look like a clown.” He was gone, but his words hung in the air. A clown? He was right. The only question was why it took me so long to see it. It seemed my blindness had started long before the accident. The drive to the gift shop was thick with an unbearable silence. I put in my earbuds and closed my eyes. Dan’s fingers tapped restlessly on the steering wheel. “The weather’s been great for the beach lately…” he said, his eyes darting in my direction. When I didn’t respond, he cleared his throat and spoke louder. “I heard the hotel at Golden Shores is really popular right now. A lot of celebrities have their weddings there.” I kept my eyes closed, offering only a noncommittal hum. He frowned, his voice taking on an impatient edge. “Elara, are you even listening to me?” I opened my eyes slightly. “I’m listening. So?” He was immediately at a loss for words. “…Nothing. Just making conversation.” A cool breeze drifted through the open window, clearing my head a little. “Dan,” I began, turning to face him. “About the wedding… is there anything you need to tell me?” It was the only time I would ask. And the last. He avoided my gaze, forcing a laugh. “I’m leaving it all to you. I trust your judgment.” I lowered my eyes, a wave of sadness washing over me. He was still acting. Even now, if he would just be honest, maybe I could still… No. It was too late. I clenched my fists. So this is what he did with my trust. He trampled all over it. Dan’s unease was palpable. I could practically hear his thoughts. She definitely knows. She’s just being difficult. I’ll smooth things over later. Inside the shop, I saw the mock-up for the custom pastries I’d ordered. The delicate, snow-capped mountain design was perfect. As I was about to sample one, a familiar voice chirped from behind me. “Dan? Did you come to buy me my favorite almond crisps?” I gritted my teeth. Her again? Chloe feigned surprise when she saw me, her hand flying to her mouth. “Oh, Elara! I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there…” “Oh, are you two picking out wedding favors? The almond crisps here are to die for. Dan brings me here all the time!” My fingers tightened. He brought her here, many times. I had only found out about this place from my best friend. Chloe picked up a new item from the display. “Elara, you should try this one! It’s perfect for a beach setting, amazing with champagne!” I took a small step back. “No, thank you. I’ve already made my choice. You two enjoy yourselves.” Chloe looked taken aback, her expression shifting to one of wounded innocence. “Are you… upset because I’m here? I-I can leave.” Dan immediately grabbed her wrist. “Elara didn’t mean that. You don’t have to go.” He turned to me, his gaze intense. “Elara, Chloe is going to be your bridesmaid. Don’t be so harsh, you’ll scare her.” I blinked. When was that decided? Weren’t bridesmaids something the bride was supposed to choose? But then again, if he could change the entire wedding venue without my consent, why would he bother asking me about this? “This is who I am,” I replied, my voice flat. “Take it or leave it.” They both stared at me, clearly shocked by my bluntness. Chloe’s eyes welled up with tears. “It’s okay, I should just go. I don’t want to be in the way.” But Dan held onto her hand, his fingers now intertwined with hers. “Elara, you’re about to be a married woman. Can you stop being so childish?” “Ever since we set the date, you’ve been nothing but moody. What’s the point?” Chloe leaned closer to him, whispering, “Dan, don’t…” But he was on a roll. “Don’t try to stop me! I’ve had enough!” He glared at me, his voice rising. “Go on, Elara, just keep acting out! Don’t blame me if you cry yourself blind again!” The shop fell into a dead silence. The staff stared at the floor, mortified. An icy dread settled in my heart. So that’s what he thought. My blindness… was just me “crying myself blind” out of jealousy. And I had actually hoped he would remember the meaning of our Aspen Ridge wedding. How many times had this happened? Chloe would call with a “headache” or “low blood sugar,” and Dan would drop everything to be by her side. I once had a 102-degree fever, but he was busy shopping with Chloe. All I got was a text: Drink lots of water. I’ll check on you later. He never showed up. Whenever I complained, it was always the same response. “Why are you so immature? Chloe really needs me!” For our anniversary, he promised we would go see the sunrise over the mountains. I spent weeks planning the perfect gift. He forgot the date entirely. “It’s just a day. Why do you have to be so dramatic about it?” But for Chloe’s birthday, he booked a restaurant a month in advance, bought her extravagant gifts, and posted a photo of them together with the caption: “Happy birthday to the most important person in my life.” All those memories, coupled with the scene in front of me now… I was done. I should have walked away a long time ago. As I turned to leave, Dan’s voice followed me. “She’s probably just got pre-wedding jitters. Don’t mind her, she’s not well…” How kind of him to make excuses for me. Through the glass window, I saw him take Chloe’s hand and feed her an almond crisp. They were the ones who looked like the happy couple. That evening, I received a voice message from Dan. “Elara, stop being angry.” “I’m so busy with work, and I have to take care of both of you. Can’t you be more understanding?” “We’re going to be married soon. I need you to be more mature.” He was slightly drunk, rambling on and on. I didn’t bother listening to the rest. He had it so hard. So I decided to make it easy for him. I would remove the burden completely. 2 The day before the wedding, Dan finally broke. “Elara,” he said over the phone, his voice tight with anxiety, “you’ve… confirmed all the final arrangements, right?” I made a soft sound of agreement as I packed my suitcase for the trip to Aspen Ridge. “Yes, I’ve gone over everything.” He let out a sigh of relief. “Good… that’s good…” “I’ll pick you up tomorrow.” The next morning, I put on my wedding dress. It wasn’t the one Dan had picked. I heard a car pull up outside, and then my phone rang. “Elara,” Dan said, his words rushed. “Chloe twisted her ankle. I’m taking her to the hospital now, so I can’t pick you up.” “You go on ahead to the venue. It’s just a formality, anyway. I’ll meet you there later.” “Okay,” I replied calmly. He paused, as if sensing something was wrong. “You’re… not angry, are you?” “No. You do what you need to do.” After I hung up, Dan let out a relieved breath and turned to Chloe in the passenger seat. “Does it hurt a lot? Just hold on, we’re almost there.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I’m so sorry. This is all my fault, making you late to pick up your bride…” He squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Don’t say that. You’re hurt. Of course I’m going to take care of you.” But a seed of doubt had been planted in his mind. My calm acceptance felt… wrong. Maybe she’s finally come around, he thought. She knows she’s the one I’m marrying. I’ll make it up to her on the honeymoon. At the Golden Shores Resort, Dan’s family and friends had all arrived. But the bride’s side of the venue was completely empty. Dan arrived with Chloe on his arm. A knot of panic tightened in his stomach. No… she couldn’t have missed the change of address, could she? The thought was terrifying. He dialed my number, but it went straight to voicemail. He checked his watch again and again, his face growing paler by the minute. Finally, I picked up. “Elara, where are you?” he yelled, his voice frayed with panic. “The guests are all waiting!” I looked out the window at the swirling snow. “I’m already here.” The wedding march began to play in the chapel, signaling my entrance. Dan froze. “Where are you? I don’t see you.” I held the phone up. “Listen.” The soaring notes of the wedding hymn drifted through the line, mingled with the sound of the wind. He went rigid, his voice trembling. “You’re… you’re at Aspen Ridge?” “Are you crazy? I changed the venue!” A small smile touched my lips. “I know.” He was stunned into silence. “What do you mean, you know? You knew and you went there anyway? Why are you being so stubborn? This is our wedding, Elara! You didn’t even tell me!” “Did you tell me when you changed it?” My question left him speechless. “The beach is so romantic! I wanted it to be a surprise! Why can’t you appreciate what I was trying to do for you?” I smiled. In the distance, a man was waiting for me. “I don’t understand. And I don’t need to anymore.” “I’m getting married, Dan. Goodbye.” I hung up and handed the phone to my best friend, Tessa. Dan called again and again, but the line would never connect. A suffocating tightness gripped his chest, and tears burned his eyes. Getting married? To who? He finally understood. This time, I was truly done. His parents walked over, their faces etched with confusion. “What’s going on? Where’s Elara? Didn’t you go get her?” Tears swam in Dan’s eyes. He didn’t know how to explain. Leo, standing beside him as his best man, finally put the pieces together. “I told you not to push it this far, but you wouldn’t listen…” “It’s a wedding, man. You can’t just change the venue and not tell her. You can’t blame her for not showing up.” He paused, a look of dawning horror on his face. “I think… I saw her at a bridal shop with another guy a while back. I thought I was seeing things. But… I think she just married someone else.” Dan’s parents stared at him in disbelief, then grabbed his arm. “You foolish boy! What are you standing here for? Go get your wife back!” Dan’s eyes were red as he turned to Chloe. “Chloe, come with me to Aspen Ridge! Now!” She pulled her hand away, her expression wounded. “But my ankle still hurts… and what’s the point? She’s already…” “She’s my bride!” Dan roared. “I won’t let her marry anyone else!” “You have to be there! You have to explain to her that there’s nothing between us!”
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