"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of God, family, and friends to witness and celebrate the union of…"
The officiant’s cheerful voice echoed through every corner of the cherch, and even I, standing outside the door, couldn’t help but feel the excitement that I had just managed to suppress.
Dressed in my white wedding gown, I envisioned the wonderful life that awaited me beyond those doors.
"Mom, I have to go! Lia needs me!"
"Please, Mom. Let me go!"
"My son, listen to me. Get married first, then you can leave!"
A rustling noise caught my attention, and I instinctively looked toward the source.
Before I could figure out who was gossiping, I saw a shadowy figure in black sneakily running toward the side-chapel.
But it was the woman who emerged from around the corner that truly caught my eye—it was my mother-in-law.
This "Lia" must be Aaron's childhood friend, Lydia.
"Ellie, it's almost your turn! Trust me, you'll outshine every bride here today!" Mina whispered reassuringly as she smoothed out my gown.
"The groom has run off—what's there to outshine?" I replied, shifting my gaze to the tightly closed doors in front of me.
"Huh?"
Before I could answer, the bridal party came rushing over. "Bad news! Aaron is missing!"
"How many minutes until he's supposed to enter?"
"Stall the officiant, we have ten minutes at most!"
"The wedding goes on, don't worry."
I glanced around, grabbed a pair of scissors from the gift table, and cut my floor-length gown into a knee-length dress.
At a glance, I looked like a rock band member invited into the sacred hall.
I turned and walked toward the adjacent hall, ignoring the stunned looks from those behind me.
The hall was bustling, adorned with white silk ribbons that covered the entire venue. The different style of decor was a refreshing sight.
In the corner, a man in a black suit was quietly observing the couple on stage. His sharp features were somewhat obscured by the dim light, but his tall, upright posture made him stand out, though it was the white rose on his chest that truly caught my attention.
As long as there's a flower, who cares if it's the best man or the groom?
I quickly walked up to him, tore off the "Best Man" label and tossed it aside. I shoved my bouquet into his hand before dragging him out.
"You're still single, right?"
"Yes."
"Sorry, it's an emergency, I'll keep it brief. I need to borrow you for a moment," I said, checking my watch as I spoke.
The man silently followed me, letting me tug him through the hall.
Just before stepping onto the stage, I felt a sharp pain in my hand.
"Ellie Carter."
His deep voice lingered in my ear, familiar yet strange.
By the time I realized who he was, it was too late.
Who would have thought that the random man I pulled was none other than my boss, the decisive and formidable CEO, Nelson Hicks?
"Ah, our newlyweds are truly eager! Let's give them a big round of applause for their courage!"
I lowered my eyes to suppress the despair rising within me, and when I looked up again, I had transformed into the bashful bride, ready to wed.
Taking the microphone, I said, "Thank you all for coming to my wedding. The groom has eloped with my mother-in-law's permission, but the wedding will continue—just with a different groom! Please enjoy the cake and drinks!"
With that, I led him off the stage.
"Sorry about this, Mr. Hicks."
"Have your documents ready. I'll come pick you up tomorrow morning."