ASHLEY

𝟎𝟏𝟒 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃 𝐆𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆

𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 ！

ᵃᵖʳⁱˡ

ASHLEY SIGHED AS SHE LOOKED out the window of the house, watching Vicky direct where everything should go. The wedding was set to start in just five hours, and Ashley was overwhelmed with uncertainty. Salem's words were weighing heavily on her mind—what if she didn't love Vicky the way she used to?

Feeling the need for some solitude, Ashley climbed up to the treehouse and sat on the edge, fiddling with her wedding ring. She hadn't used this place in years, but it brought a sense of nostalgia and calm. Just as she was lost in her thoughts, she heard a familiar voice.

"Hey, you! Are you planning to jump?" Renee called out, looking up at her. Ashley glanced down and managed a weak laugh. Renee climbed up the ladder and settled beside her.

"Thinking about it," Ashley replied with a shrug.

Renee sighed and dangled her legs over the edge. "What are you really thinking about?"

Ashley shook her head and let out a heavy sigh. "I don't know. I keep wondering if I'm doing the right thing."

"I think you've been waiting for this day your whole life," Renee said with a shrug. "I don't know anyone who wants this more than you. You love her so."

Ashley smiled at Renee's words. "I mean, there's always divorce..." she joked softly, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

Ashley sighed with relief. "Thank you for doing this, for coming to all of these wedding events and suffering."

Renee raised an eyebrow playfully. "Suffering? Really?"

Ashley laughed, shaking her head. "Well, I don't know what I would've done without you."

Renee smiled warmly, placing a hand on Ashley's shoulder. "Well, you mean the world to me. I want to see you happy, even if it's not with me." She looked at Ashley before sighing. "You have a bride to marry. Come on."

She let go of Ashley's hand, which she hadn't realized she was holding.