Chapter 21
512words
That day, Ember was both worried and angry as she brought Forrest to the clinic after watching Atlas leave.
"Look at this wound…" Ember carefully applied ointment while scolding him, "Why did you have to act so recklessly?
"You have such a handsome face. It would be such a waste if it gets scarred."
Forrest grinned and rested his chin in her palm. "If it means getting your attention and sympathy, then that punch was totally worth it."
Ember's face turned bright red as she glared at him. It was half-embarrassed, and half-affectionate. "You're impossible."
Still, worry flickered across her expression. "Promise me you won't do this again. Seeing you hurt makes my heart ache."
"I promise," Forrest said earnestly while nodding. "From now on, I'll never make you worry again."
They held their wedding in early summer.
Beneath a cascade of flowers, the couple walked toward each other amidst the blessings and applause of family and friends.
"I'm so nervous," Forrest admitted, his eyes growing misty at the emotional moment.
"Ember, I've liked you for so long. I never imagined I'd actually marry the person I've always loved."
"Is this a dream?"
Ember was surprised but amused by his words, and she chuckled. "How could this be a dream?
"Forrest, I also like you very, very much."
She stood on her tiptoes, and the two lovers kissed under the witness of the officiant as their love was blessed by everyone present.
"Ember, consider this your home from now on, alright?"
Forrest's mother, Sienna Yale's eyes were brimming with tears as she held both her son's and Ember's hands tightly.
"If your mother could see this from heaven, I'm sure she'd feel at peace."
"Thank you," Ember said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Still being so formal?" Sienna teased with a smile. "What should you call me now?"
Ember burst into laughter through her tears and called out sweetly, "Mom."
"Yes!" Sienna replied warmly.
…
Atlas watched the entire wedding from the shadows of the venue.
He couldn't bring himself to disturb Ember, so he sat quietly in the corner, watching from afar.
When he saw her and Forrest kiss as they were surrounded by happiness, he couldn't stop himself from leaving the scene.
"Let's go back," he rasped to Callan with a hoarse voice.
When he returned to the empty Ferguson residence, he could no longer hold himself together. Sliding down against the doorframe, he broke into heart-wrenching sobs.
If only he hadn't let Kaylee manipulate him…
If only he hadn't pushed Ember away time and time again…
It should have been him standing beside her, sharing their vows and receiving all the blessings.
Yet, there were no "if onlys" in life. Time was like a flowing river, passing without pausing as it left no traces behind.
Ember had moved on with her life, leaving Atlas stuck in the past, consumed by regret and loneliness.
The empty mansion continued to echo with the sound of his suppressed, anguished cries.
