Chapter 4

As soon as I got backstage, my parents rushed over.

"Ethan, what on earth is happening? Is what Chloe said true? How could she do this at your wedding?!" My mom grabbed my arm, her eyes filled with tears.

She had poured her heart into this wedding. She had done everything, even personally picking up Chloe’s wedding dress and carrying it like it was made of glass.

"Mom," I sighed, putting an arm around her shoulders. "I didn't know she was planning this either."

"Go get her back, son! She can’t have gone far!" My mom was still trying to save the day.

Before I could speak, my dad, who had been silent, snapped. "This is a joke! That Davis girl just humiliated us in front of everyone! She clearly has zero respect for our family. Let her run. This wedding is off!"

My mom wiped her eyes and shut her mouth.

I hugged them both. "Let's go, Mom, Dad. Let's go home."

Before we could reach our car, Chloe's parents ran out of the chapel, panting.

"Ethan! Please, don't leave!" Mr. Davis called out.

"Ethan, we've already sent people to stop her. She'll be back in a minute. Just wait a little longer, okay?" Mrs. Davis looked incredibly guilty and pale.

I shook my head. "Mr. and Mrs. Davis, Chloe loves someone else. We are not getting married."

Mr. Davis was furious. "She’s just lost her mind! When she gets back, we’ll talk some sense into her. Ethan, you two were so good together. You can't just throw away years of love like this."

I gave a polite, tired smile. "The moment Chloe said those words at the altar, whatever we had was gone. I don't care if she changes her mind later; I am done with her. If she has found her true love, I wish them the best."

"Please don't worry. I don't blame her, and I don't blame you. Our families can still be friendly."

Mr. Davis looked even more ashamed. He wanted to say more, but my dad stepped in and patted his shoulder.

"Look, Davis, Ethan made himself clear. Let's not make this harder. We're going home."

Back at my apartment, my mom kept eyeing me cautiously. "Ethan, are you okay? If you're angry, don't bottle it up. It's not good for you."

"I'm really fine, Mom," I smiled. "Love has to go both ways. Since she was just using me, there’s no point in wasting my tears on her."

My mom patted my back, looking relieved. "I'm glad you see it that way. My boy deserves the absolute best girl in the world."

The best girl... My mind drifted off.

But the best girl in my world had already passed away.