The hall was decorated beautifully.
Flowers lined the aisle, soft music played, and everyone was dressed perfectly.
But for Jay, the world felt heavy.
She sat beside Keifer's mom and her own, feeling small.
They were outsiders in their own house, in their own family… watching the man she loved being forced into someone else's arms.
Keifer stood at the front, his shoulders stiff.
His hands were trembling slightly, though he tried to hide it.
Every step toward Ivy felt like a weight pressing down on him.
Jay's eyes followed him.
Her chest hurt with each movement.
Her hands clenched in her lap, knuckles white.
Ivy smiled brightly, unaware—or perhaps willfully unaware—of the storm beside her.
The priest spoke words Jay barely heard.
Blessings, vows, promises.
Then came the moment.
Keifer slid the ring onto Ivy's finger.
It should have been a joyful moment.
It should have been a celebration.
But for Jay…
It was a dagger.
She closed her eyes, squeezing her hands together.
Tears slipped quietly down her cheeks.
Silent sobs shook her shoulders.
Keifer's chest tightened.
He looked down at the ring on Ivy's finger.
It sparkled in the light.
It was beautiful.
But it wasn't hers.
His mother placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, silently sharing the pain.
Jay's mom reached over, brushing Jay's hair back softly.
They tried to give comfort, but even their presence couldn't change the truth.
Keifer's lips trembled.
His mind screamed at him.
He loved Jay. Only Jay.
But right now… he was powerless.
"I… I'm sorry," he whispered to himself.
Jay's tears kept falling, hot and relentless.
She could feel every heartbeat of his hesitance, every flicker of his inner battle.
And yet, nothing could stop the ceremony.
The ring was on Ivy's finger.
The vows were said.
The engagement was official.
Jay pressed her palms to her face, trying to block the world.
Her sobs were quiet, but they felt endless.
Keifer glanced at her once, guilt twisting deep inside him.
He wanted to turn back time.
He wanted to pull her into his arms and say, I'm yours. Always.
But he couldn't.
Not here.
Not now.
And so he stood, helpless, heart breaking quietly beside a bride he could not love.
Jay's tears fell freely, each one a reminder—she was losing him, at least for now.