Thirty Days Of September

chapter 2: The wedding

The day had finally arrived. 

The sun poured golden rays over the grand cathedral, illuminating the intricate stained glass that adorned its walls. Guests filled the pews, their voices a low murmur, a blend of excitement and anticipation. Atasha Saldivarez stood at the entrance, her heart pounding in her chest as she adjusted her veil, the delicate lace brushing against her cheeks.

Today was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, a dream come true, yet it felt more like a bittersweet farewell to the life she once envisioned for herself. This is it, she thought, glancing at her reflection in the ornate mirror. The woman staring back at her wore a beautiful wedding gown, its satin fabric shimmering as she moved. She looked every bit the radiant bride—but inside, she was a tempest of emotions.

I can do this, she reassured herself, breathing in the familiar scent of lilies, her favorite flower. I will make this work for the sake of my family and for Aaron.

But as she turned to look down the aisle, her gaze landed on Aaron Corrales, standing stoically at the altar. Dressed in a sharp tuxedo, he looked every bit the handsome groom, but his eyes were clouded with a distant expression. They held no warmth, no hint of affection, just an icy resolve that made Atasha's heart ache.

He's still thinking about Candice, Atasha realized, the pang of jealousy mixed with sadness knotting in her stomach. She wanted to scream at him, to demand he be present in this moment, to acknowledge her and the vows they were about to take. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to ruin what was supposed to be a celebration.

As the music began, she took her first step down the aisle, her heart racing. Each step brought her closer to a future that felt uncertain and shaky, but she reminded herself that this was a new beginning—a chance to change Aaron's heart. Maybe today will be the day he sees me for who I am, she hoped, her gaze locked on his.

However, Aaron's eyes never met hers. He appeared lost in thought, his focus miles away. Atasha felt a shiver of disappointment wash over her as she neared the altar, a wave of loneliness crashing against her heart. How can he be so indifferent? she thought, trying to shake off the feeling of despair. I will show him love. I will prove to him that I'm worthy of being his wife.

As she reached the altar, Aaron finally glanced her way, but the look in his eyes was nothing short of pained. The moment was fleeting, and before she could process it, they were swept into the ceremony. The priest began the traditional readings, his voice echoing throughout the cathedral, but Atasha barely heard a word. Her focus was solely on Aaron, whose gaze drifted elsewhere, lost in his own thoughts.

Why can't he just be present with me? she wondered, desperation creeping into her heart. This should be our moment.

Vows were exchanged, words filled with promises of love and fidelity, yet Atasha felt as though they were mere words echoing off the stone walls of the church. When it was her turn to speak, her voice trembled slightly, but she forced herself to articulate her vows with sincerity, pouring every ounce of her hope into those words.

"I promise to love you, to stand by you, and to take care of you, no matter what challenges we face," she declared, hoping he could feel the truth behind her words.

Aaron's reply was curt, almost mechanical, his mind clearly still elsewhere. This is not the way a wedding is supposed to feel, she thought, fighting back tears that threatened to spill over.

As the ceremony continued, Atasha focused on the warmth radiating from her heart, the dreams she had nurtured for this moment. I can make him love me, she vowed silently. But deep down, she feared that it might be a dream too far out of reach.