ASHLEY

𝟎𝟏𝟔 𝐑𝐔𝐍 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄

𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 ！

ᵃᵖʳⁱˡ

ASHLEY FROWNED AS SHE WALKED behind the bridesmaids. The weight of her wedding dress seemed to mirror the heaviness in her chest. As she passed by the seated guests, her eyes caught a glimpse of Renee. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and Ashley could see the sadness in Renee's expression. It was a look that made her heart ache, even as she tried to focus on the ceremony ahead.

She adjusted her dress and stood at the top of the aisle, feeling the tension in the air. Then, she saw Vicky coming down the aisle, her face lit up with the brightest smile. Vicky kissed her dad on the cheek and turned to Ashley, taking her hands into her own.

"Ash," Vicky whispered, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "This is it. We're finally here."

Ashley forced a smile, trying to match Vicky's excitement. "Yeah, we are."

Ashley took a deep breath as the ceremony began. The officiant spoke words about love, commitment, and the journey they were about to embark on together. Vicky's eyes were filled with tears of joy as she listened, her smile never wavering.

But Ashley's mind was racing. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, the weight of her decision pressing down on her. Every word the officiant said felt like a blur, drowned out by the tumult of emotions swirling inside her.

"And now," the officiant said, drawing everyone's attention, "we come to the vows. Ashley, do you take Vicky to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, as long as you both shall live?"

Ashley looked at Vicky, seeing the love and anticipation in her eyes. But when she opened her mouth to speak, the words caught in her throat. Her gaze flickered over to where Renee was sitting, watching the ceremony with a resigned sadness.

"I'm..." Ashley started, her voice trembling. She glanced around, seeing the expectant faces of her friends, family, and all the people who had come to witness this moment. Then she looked back at Vicky, her heart breaking as she spoke. "I'm so sorry."

A collective gasp went through the crowd as Ashley let go of Vicky's hands. Without another word, she turned and moved swiftly toward the aisle, her eyes locking onto Renee's. Renee's eyes widened in shock, unsure of what was happening.

But before anyone could stop her, Ashley grabbed Renee's hand and pulled her up. "Come on," she whispered, urgency in her voice.

Renee hesitated for only a second before nodding, her heart pounding in sync with Ashley's. They didn't look back as they ran down the aisle together, the stunned guests parting in confusion. Vicky stood frozen at the altar, tears streaming down her face as she watched the woman she loved run off with someone else.

Salem eyes widen before smiling, at least the girl took her advice.

They didn't stop until they reached Renee's car. Ashley finally let go of Renee's hand, panting heavily as she looked at her.

"I couldn't do it," Ashley said breathlessly, her voice filled with a mix of relief and fear. "I couldn't marry her knowing that I'm still in love with you."

Renee stared at Ashley, her heart racing, unsure if she was dreaming. "Ash... are you sure?"

Ashley nodded, tears in her eyes. "I've never been more sure of anything. I love you, Renee. I always have."

Renee's eyes filled with tears as well, but this time they were tears of joy. She didn't need to say anything more. Instead, she leaned in and kissed Ashley, pouring all the emotions she had been holding back into that kiss.

"Do you wanna go to the tree house?" Ashley asked with a teasing smile.

Renee laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "The treehouse, huh? Sounds like the perfect place to start over."

Ashley grinned, her teasing smile lighting up her face. "Why not? It's where all our best memories are."

Renee nodded, still chuckling as she grabbed Ashley's hand and led her to the car. "Let's do it."

As they drove off, leaving behind what should have been Ashley's wedding day, a mix of adrenaline and relief washed over them. The absurdity of the situation wasn't lost on either of them—this was something straight out of a drama series.

"You know," Renee said with a smirk as they sped down the road, "this is some real April Kepner type shit."

Ashley smiled before kissing Renee's cheek and leaning her head on top of her shoulder.