Tears blurred my vision, each drop a testament to my heartache. If Harper was his true love, then what was I? My hand trembled as I grasped the door handle, but slowly I released it. I would rather face the storm alone than seek shelter under an umbrella that wasn’t meant for me. If their love was genuine, then this wedding should rightfully be theirs. With that thought in mind, I turned and slipped away quietly, my heart heavy but resolute.
Later, I could hear Hudson searching for me frantically, but by then, I was already gone.
——
He and Harper stood together beneath the dazzling lights, the electric ambiance with anticipation. I watched from a distance as tears streamed down Harper's face, her joy palpable as she accepted his proposal.
"Hudson, I will," she whispered, and in that moment, I knew I had made the right choice.
In the five years I’d known Hudson, I had never seen him so radiant. He slid a sparkling diamond ring onto Harper’s finger, pulling her into a tight embrace.
"I’ve waited for this day for so long, Harper. My Harper."