Title: Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

Title: Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

"Speak now," the words echoed through the chapel as the bride, Sarah, stood at the altar with her soon-to-be husband, Jack. Her heart was racing, and her palms were sweaty. She had dreamed of this day for so long, and now that it was finally here, she felt like she was in a surreal dream.

As Sarah looked out at her guests, her eyes caught sight of a familiar face in the crowd. It was her ex-boyfriend, David. They had dated for two years before things ended abruptly when David got a job offer in another state. Sarah had tried to make long-distance work, but it was too much for them. It had been years since she last saw him, and seeing him here, on her wedding day, was jarring.

David's eyes locked onto hers, and she could see the pain and regret in his expression. She tried to ignore him and focus on Jack, but her mind was in turmoil. She wondered what he was doing there and what he was thinking. Did he still have feelings for her? Did he regret leaving her? Sarah shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away. This was her wedding day, and she was going to focus on marrying Jack and starting their life together.

As the ceremony continued, Sarah felt like she was in a daze. She repeated her vows, barely hearing the words coming out of her mouth. Jack's voice was calm and steady, and she felt a sense of comfort in his presence. She knew he loved her and would always be there for her, no matter what.

Suddenly, the priest's voice broke her from her thoughts. "Does anyone object to this union? Speak now or forever hold your peace."

Sarah's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a lump in her throat. She looked out into the crowd, searching for any signs of objection. The room was silent, and her guests were looking at her expectantly.

She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Okay, good," she said, smiling at Jack. "Let's continue."

The rest of the ceremony passed by in a blur, and before Sarah knew it, Jack was slipping the ring onto her finger. She felt a wave of emotion wash over her as he leaned in to kiss her. The crowd erupted into applause, and Sarah smiled through tears of happiness.

As the newlyweds made their way down the aisle, Sarah's eyes caught David's once again. He was standing alone, his expression unreadable. Sarah's heart ached at the sight of him, and she couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking.

After the reception, Sarah and Jack retreated to their hotel room. The room was decorated with rose petals and candles, and Sarah couldn't help but feel a sense of romanticism. Jack hugged her from behind, and she leaned back into him, feeling his warmth.

"Are you happy?" Jack asked, his voice soft.

Sarah turned around to face him, smiling. "Of course, I am. This is everything I've ever wanted."

Jack's eyes glimmered with happiness, and he pulled her close, kissing her forehead. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," Sarah replied, feeling overwhelmed with emotion.

As they lay in bed, Sarah's mind kept wandering back to David. She wondered what he was doing now, and if he was thinking about her too. She knew it was silly to think about her ex on her wedding day, but she couldn't help it. There was something about David that always lingered in the back of her mind.

The next morning, Sarah woke up early, feeling restless. She slipped out of bed, trying not to wake Jack, Sarah slipped out of bed, trying not to wake Jack. She grabbed her robe and headed out to the balcony to get some fresh air. The sun had just started to rise, and the city was peaceful and quiet.

As Sarah stood there, she heard a knock at the door. She turned around and saw David standing there, looking hesitant.

"David, what are you doing here?" Sarah asked, surprised to see him.

"I had to see you," David said, his voice filled with emotion.

Sarah's heart raced as she looked at him. She could see the pain in his eyes, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt. She knew that she still had feelings for David, but she also knew that she loved Jack. She was torn between the two, and she didn't know what to do.

"Sarah, I know that I messed up. I should have never left you. I've been thinking about you every day since I left, and I regret it every single day. I still love you, Sarah. I always have and always will," David said, his voice breaking.

Sarah felt tears streaming down her face as she listened to David's words. She knew that she still loved him, but she also loved Jack. She was torn between the two, and she didn't know what to do.

"David, I don't know what to say. I still have feelings for you, but I love Jack too. I can't just leave him," Sarah said, her voice shaking.

"I know, Sarah. I don't want you to leave Jack. I just had to tell you how I feel. I had to get it off my chest," David said, his voice filled with sadness.

Sarah walked over to David and hugged him. She could feel his warmth, and she knew that she would always love him. But she also knew that she loved Jack, and she didn't want to hurt him.

"David, I love you too. But I can't leave Jack. I'm sorry," Sarah said, her voice barely above a whisper.

David nodded, and Sarah could see the pain in his eyes. She knew that he would never stop loving her, and she didn't want to hurt him.

"I understand, Sarah. I just had to tell you. I'll leave now," David said, turning to leave.

As he walked out the door, Sarah felt a sense of sadness wash over her. She knew that she had to let go of her past and focus on her future with Jack. She loved him more than anything, and she couldn't let her feelings for David ruin what she had with Jack.

As she stood there, watching David walk away, Sarah knew that she had made the right choice. She knew that she had to focus on her future with Jack and let go of her past with David.

Later that day, Sarah and Jack packed up their things and headed out on their honeymoon. As they boarded the plane, Sarah felt a sense of happiness wash over her. She knew that she had made the right choice, and she couldn't wait to start her life with Jack.

As they sat on the plane, Sarah looked out the window, watching as the city disappeared beneath them. She knew that her past with David was over, and she was ready to start a new chapter in her life with Jack.

"Jack, I love you," Sarah said, leaning over to kiss him.

"I love you too, Sarah. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you," Jack replied, smiling at her.

As they flew off into the sunset, Sarah knew that she had made the right choice. She had let go of her past and was ready to start her new life with Jack, the man she loved more than anything.