The Billionaires Regretful Marriage

Amelia Miller couldn't remember the last time she felt this nervous, her knuckles numb as she clutched the edge of the veil draping perfectly beneath the delicate crown resting on her head.

This was the day she had been waiting for. Standing in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection with a small smile, she suddenly felt like everything was just a dream.

She was getting married today. The long-awaited day for both her and her beloved-Ethan Blackwell-had finally arrived. The white lace gown had initially felt heavy on her slender frame, but with every passing second leading up to the ceremony, her racing heart overshadowed any discomfort she felt in the dress.

Outside, the church bells chimed softly, signaling that the moment was drawing near. Her best friend, Lydia, entered the room with a bright face. "Are you ready?" Lydia asked with a smile, though her voice carried a hint of uncertainty.

Noticing the fragile smile on Amelia's lips, Lydia stepped closer and gently rubbed her shoulder. "Come on, we practiced walking in this dress yesterday. What's making you so nervous?"

The faint unease Amelia had felt for the past three days leading up to the wedding was something she had tried to suppress. The reality of getting married had drowned out any worries or doubts about Ethan. And yet, he hadn't called her directly in the last three days either.

Amelia shook off the negative thoughts. Ethan was just busy. He was the CEO of a famous fashion brand, after all. Of course, a wedding like this took up a lot of his time. She nodded and looked at her best friend brightly, forcing herself to stay positive.

"Just a little nervous," Amelia replied, flashing a wider smile. "I'm ready."

As she stepped out into the church aisle, the wedding guests stood, all eyes fixed on her. Most of them were Ethan's colleagues-wealthy and influential people whom she only knew by name. Amelia felt small among them, as if she didn't belong there.

It wasn't a new feeling. Ethan's family-his parents, even-were people she had barely, if ever, met until today. Ethan had always said they were too busy and would only attend the wedding. But now...

As Amelia lifted her gaze, standing in the center of the church, she saw the long carpet leading to the altar, where only a lone priest stood-without Ethan by his side. Her smile vanished.

The solemn church piano echoed through the room. Some guests looked at her in confusion, concern etched on their faces, as if willing her to believe that Ethan, who should be standing next to the priest, was simply running late. But he wasn't there.

Where was Ethan?

She turned to the priest, her expression full of uncertainty. He simply nodded slowly, as if asking her to wait. A few guests started whispering, their hushed voices like needles piercing her ears.

"Where is he?" she whispered to Lydia, who now stood beside her.

Lydia looked panicked. "Maybe he's running late because of something-I'll check."

Lydia hurried out, leaving Amelia standing alone. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the anxiety crawling up her throat. She scanned the crowd, hoping someone would provide answers. But they only stared back-some with pity, others with mocking smirks.

Minutes passed like an eternity before Lydia returned, her face pale. In her hands was a small white envelope. She handed it to Amelia without saying a word.

Amelia's fingers trembled as she opened the envelope. Inside was a small note, Ethan's neat handwriting filling the page.

"Amelia, I can't do this. I'm sorry. I know this is painful, but I have to be honest with myself. Please forget me."

Amelia's world collapsed. She staggered back, nearly falling if Lydia hadn't caught her. A soft murmur rippled through the crowd as they watched her, their gazes heavy with judgment. The priest looked on with concern.

"What happened?"