After graduating from college in the city Julian lived, I returned to my hometown in New York. Two years of postgraduate studies at a prestigious university had led me to a career in education as a junior high English teacher at a private school.

Today, a change in plans disrupted my usual Friday work schedule. I made a quick call to the school to request leave and then started packing my stuff.

Just before I rushed out to the airport with my small suitcase, a flurry of messages from my best friend, Zoey Adams, flooded my phone.

Each one revolved around Julian's wedding.

Her words, whether intentional or not, felt like a test.

Zoey asked in the message. [Have you read the news in the group chat? Julian is getting married tomorrow and the e-vite has been sent out to everyone.]

Of course, I had seen the invitation, but the visitor tracking feature held me back from clicking on it. It was, after all, my ex-boyfriend's wedding and the details held no interest for me. It was not like I had nothing better to do.

I casually typed a reply to her. [Yup. I know. Julian actually called me this morning.]

Zoey seemed stunned by my answer. A beat of silence hung in the air before an explosion of exclamation marks showed up on my screen. [!!??]

[Seriously, what was he thinking? He actually contacted you again? You are his ex and Julian will be someone else's husband tomorrow. How could he do this!!]

Zoey's words sounded very angry as if he was complaining about my injustice.

I immediately typed. [Travel expenses are covered. Come over for a get-together. Just think of it as catching up.]

I kept my cool, maintaining a facade of relaxation despite the churning emotions within.

Upon reading my reply, Zoey was more surprised that Julian still paid for me.

A moment later, she probably figured out the situation as a wave of comfort washed over her words. [Ugh, that Julian is a jerk! Don't let him get to you. Come to the wedding and I'll be there tomorrow too. Consider me your fierce protector. Who needs to be afraid of him with me around?]

The implication was clear. She just promised that no one would dare mess with me as long as she had my back.

A warm feeling bloomed in my chest and I was grateful to have such a close, caring friend.

My fingers flew across the keyboard as she typed another message. [One thing's for sure: I'm not giving Julian a single penny for his wedding present. Disappointing him would be the least of it, but honestly, I'd feel awful doing that.]

As for that special gift that I promised Julian for his wedding when we broke up? What was he talking about? I'm always forgetful, just in case he forgot.

A sneer curled my lip.

[Absolutely, you can't give anything. Giving him anything would just boost his ego and make him look even better. Think of it as a gift to his wife instead.]

Zoey wholeheartedly agreed with my message, sending a quick reply on her phone.

I replied again. [You think too much. She's probably not thrilled about me being there.]

The one who would be most bothered by their husband's ex showing up at the wedding was definitely…

Ugh, I did not even know the name of Julian's current girlfriend.

Zoey came to the rescue at the right time. [Her name is Yasmine Harris. Pretty good-looking, kind and cute. She fits the image of a perfect wife in most men's eyes. No wonder Julian is so fond of her...]

Well, any man would be happy to marry someone like her, would they not? She was considerate and seemingly devoted to her family. I deeply agree with what Zoey said.

Knowing Julian as well as I do, I knew he thrived on a certain type of woman, someone uncomplicated, a blank canvas for him to paint on.

If I was not that way in the beginning, would he have even been interested in me?

With those thoughts swirling in my head, I hailed a cab to the airport. As I was settled in, the plane was ready to board and I ended my conversation with Zoey.

The plane arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport overnight and the next day, I found myself at the wedding hotel.

Following Zoey's advice, I donned a simple, light-colored dress and minimal makeup. I took her arm and together, we walked into Julian's wedding.

The wedding was held in a magnificent, high-end and elegant five-star hotel, the kind that ordinary people would never visit a few times in their lives. Some people even might never set foot here in their entire lives.

Zoey walked beside me and grumbled about Julian's lavish spending on another woman. At the same time, she also complained that my ex now had a successful career at such a young age.

After all, Julian's company was just starting a couple of years before, so it seemed unlikely he could afford such extravagance on his own.

I chose to remain silent amidst her murmurs and did not say a word. Two years had passed since our break-up and his life was no longer my concern. Now, I was just another guest attending Julian's wedding.

That was what I thought before I stepped inside. However, nothing could have prepared me for the scene that unfolded before me as I entered the hall.

Soft music filled the air and the dreamy pink decor transformed the space into a land of fantasy that was undeniably built for someone's lovely princess.

Indeed, it was designed by Julian for his beautiful bride.

At the same time, rows of waiters moved among the guests with trolleys, displaying impeccable and professional manners and clearly trained to a very high standard.

Delicacies from land and sea, exquisite champagnes and decadent desserts were all displayed.

This wedding was a testament to immense wealth and power. It far surpassed any family weddings I had attended before. I had never seen such a magnificent design and meticulous arrangement.

It spoke volumes about how deep Julian's dedication to his beloved wife was.

However, more than these opulent displays, what puzzled me most was why Julian had arranged for me to sit at the VIP table. I was so confused that a cynical thought flickered across my mind. Was he doing this so I could have a close-up view of the happy newlywed couple?

My confusion persisted until Zoey guided me to a seat at one of the central tables near the stage.

Three main tables dominated the space. One reserved for immediate families, another for the bridesmaids and groomsmen and the third designated for VIPs. It was at the VIP table where I found myself placed.

But could an ex-girlfriend truly qualify as a VIP guest?

The occupants were a familiar circle, Julian's closest friends and associates. A jovial, joyful chatter filled the air as I arrived and the atmosphere felt surprisingly welcoming.

Among them were even a few faces I had introduced to Julian myself back then.

This group, at least, offered a sense of familiarity amidst the swirling emotions, so I did not feel any awkwardness at all.

Their conversation sputtered to a halt as I approached, a momentary hush falling over the table. I greeted them warmly, but a flicker of curiosity sparked as I casually scanned the group. Unlike usual groomsmen, none of the men wore boutonnieres on their chests, which I found odd.

I could not help but wonder, so I asked, "Didn't Julian ask you guys to be his groomsmen?"

I directed this question to the few who were closest to Julian. Traditionally, wouldn't a groom have his closest friends by his side to support him?

Julian's approach seemed unusual.

A knowing look passed between them. Apparently, they seemed to understand my confusion. "Nope, he didn't ask any of us. Julian said the bride's family had it covered," one explained. "No room for us."

"Guess we'll have to wait for his next wedding to be groomsmen, then?" another chuckled.

"Maybe in the next life. Hahaha," quipped another, laughter rippling through the table.

Everyone at the table joined in, laughing and making jokes. Except for me. I usually found things funny easily, but I did not think this was amusing at all. It was genuinely strange.