In the most renowned church of Richfield, a slender woman clad in a pure white wedding gown stood quietly on the altar, her delicate face bathed in sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows, exuding an air of elegance and tranquility.
Today was the wedding of Ann Cooper and Tyler Smith, the second son of the Smith Family. The ceremony was intimate, with only a select few in attendance.
A girl with tears streaming down her face burst into the church, shouting, "Tyler Smith, please dont marry her, okay? You once said that I was the one you loved the most..."
She appeared disheveled, her hair in disarray, and her makeup smeared by sweat, presenting a picture of utter despair.
Ann couldnt believe her eyes as she looked at the distraught girl, her good friend whom she had helped numerous times in the past.
"Tyler... you two..." Anns voice trailed off in disbelief.
Tyler gritted his teeth and whispered, "Ann, Im sorry, I cant marry you."
He released Anns hand and strode quickly towards Nora Ray at the back of the church.
Ann stood rooted to the spot, watching him leave, and suddenly remembered how Nora had often remarked to her, "Ann, you see how many Cinderellas in TV shows rush to the wedding venue to take away their prince. If I ever find myself in such a situation, I would definitely fight for it with all my might."
Ann never thought that this day would come for her. She didnt feel the humiliation of betrayal; instead, she felt a bone-chilling coldness.
The world seemed to suddenly fall silent, with only the sound of her own heartbeat in her ears. A bitter smile played on Anns lips as she recalled how just minutes ago, Tyler had smiled lovingly as he slipped a diamond ring onto her finger, only to now be walking out with Nora in his arms.
"Wait a minute," Ann said, lifting her long bridal train and descending the steps one by one. "Tyler, I ask you one more time, are you really leaving with Nora?"
Nora quickly interjected, "Ann, Im sorry about this, but we truly love each other. Cant you just let us be?"
"You keep silent, Im not asking you," Ann snapped.
Noras face paled slightly as she moved closer to Tyler, looking pitiful as she clung to his arm.
Ann was reminding Tyler to think clearly. The marriage between the Cooper and Smith families was a business alliance. Although Ann didnt love Tyler deeply, she had invested a lot during their few months of dating. She agreed to marry for the sake of the Cooper family, just as Tyler did for the Smith family. If their union failed, Tyler was well aware of the consequences.
Tyler was silent for a long while, but in the end, he chose to hold Noras hand, "Im sorry, mom and dad, Im sorry, Ann, I have to choose Nora."
Ann turned and walked back up to the altar, discreetly wiping away her tears and removing the ring from her finger, throwing it to the ground.
In front of everyone, the ring spun and fell to the floor.
Her sudden action stunned the crowd. Ann said quietly, "Whoever marries me here today, I will marry."