Only Smoke Remains - Chapter 3

“Mrs. Chapman invited Luna too. She’s coming with us, so you can sit in the back.”

Luna rolled down the window, turned toward me with a smug little tilt of her head, and pointed to the pink sticker on the seatback. It read, “Reserved for Luna.”

“Autumn, I get carsick. Zachary said it’s better if I sit in the front. You don’t mind, do you?”

Before I could say anything, Zachary scoffed. “It’s just a seat. What’s there to mind?”

The two of them chatted nonstop all the way to the wedding venue while I sat silently in the back, listening.

Once we arrived, Luna casually wrapped her arm around Zachary’s.

Still recovering and weak after the miscarriage, I got out slowly. They didn’t wait and just walked off, leaving me behind. Guests passing by assumed they were a couple. Quite a few even came up to greet them.

“This must be your wife. So young and beautiful with such grace. Zach, you’ve got great taste!”

Zachary glanced back at the dull and worn-out me standing behind them and said nothing to correct them.

Luna lifted her chin a little higher, beaming with pride.

Then, someone nearby whispered, “Wait… isn’t the woman behind them his actual wife?”

Everyone turned to look at me as I just stood there like some tragic joke.

“No way. I’ve seen Zach and his wife at events before. I’d recognize her.”

“Exactly. That woman in the back looks like a housekeeper. The one with Zach? She’s young and elegant, obviously his wife.”

“Come on, we’re talking about a high-profile wedding. Who brings their mistress to something like this in front of their wife? That’d be outrageous.”

The air felt thick with tension. I lowered my head with my fists clenched tight.

Zachary didn’t say a word in my defense.

Then, the groom came rushing out, trying to ease the awkwardness. “Let’s all head inside. The ceremony’s about to start!”

Zachary kept a firm hold on Luna’s hand as they found seats near the front. Meanwhile, I picked a spot off in the corner.

The ceremony was simple. Before long, it was time for the vows.

Watching the groom choke up as he spoke his promises, I was suddenly hit by a memory. Zachary had once knelt like that too, his eyes full of sincerity as he swore he’d never let me down.

When I said “I do,” he had lifted me into his arms and kissed me like I was his whole world. I still remember the joy on his face that day, but now… everything had changed.

Lost in thought, I didn’t notice the bridal bouquet sailing through the air. It flew right over my head and landed in Luna’s hands.

Before I could even process it, the guests around us cheered.

“Looks like there’s another wedding in the works! When are we getting the invite?”

Luna blushed and glanced playfully at Zachary, then gently laced her fingers with his. “As soon as someone proposes, I’ll say yes. We already have the rings. We’re just waiting on the moment.”

More cheers erupted, followed by shouts of “Kiss! Kiss!”

Luna leaned over and kissed Zachary on the cheek, beaming.

That’s when I caught a few side glances and faint murmurs from the crowd near me.

“Isn’t that his real wife sitting next to him?”

“And she’s just letting this happen? Damn…”

“Please. Everyone knows she’s been chasing after him for years. This is gonna be a mess.”

With a calm smile, I stood up, reached down, and grabbed their interlocked hands, raising them high for all to see.

“You know what? This is perfect. There’s no better time than now. I’m divorcing Zachary today. You two can have each other.”

The room went dead silent.

Zachary grabbed at my sleeve, looking like he wanted to say something.

However, Luna quickly pulled on his arm. “Zach, my stomach’s acting up again…”

He immediately turned to her, concern in his eyes.

I shook off his grip and walked out without looking back.