A Wedding That's Forever on Hold

To my surprise, Andrew's idea of a date was a ride on the Ferris wheel.

I'd always loved Ferris wheels. I used to imagine the two of us overlooking the city we lived in and sharing a kiss at the highest point.

But since he was afraid of heights, I mentioned it once and never forced it again.

I never thought that he'd finally choose to fulfill one of my old wishes now that I was ready to walk away.

"Thank you, Andrew," I said and truly meant it.

But moments later, Selena appeared with a tub of popcorn. "What a coincidence! Are you two out on a date? That's so nice, unlike me. I can only hang out by myself."

She pouted sadly and shot Andrew a pitiful look.

He couldn't stand her looking that way and suggested, "Well, you could join us."

My smile froze while Selena shot me a smug look. "Oh, so sorry to crash your date."

Andrew looked over at me and seemed a bit unsure. "Ivy, if you're uncomfortable, you can just say so."

I found it ironic that Andrew had suddenly learned to ask for my opinion over the last two days, but my heart had gone numb.

So, I magnanimously said, "It's fine. I don't mind. The more the merrier."

How could I possibly say no? If I did, I'd be labeled as bullying an orphan again.

…

In the Ferris wheel cabin, Andrew and Selena chatted and laughed together. They went from talking about patients from their department to the latest celebrity gossip and even debated how to make the best mushroom soup.

I couldn't help but sneer. They looked more like a couple than Andrew and I ever did.

"Speaking of mushroom soup, the one you made for me at my house was the best I'd ever had, Andrew. I'm so jealous of Ivy, she gets to have it for the rest of her life," Selena blurted.

Andrew looked flustered and quickly glanced at me, as if trying to explain before I overthought. But I didn't bother to spare them a glance.

Through the Ferris wheel, I took in the city I'd lived in for the past seven years.

Selena scooted over to me and whispered, "Isn't the view gorgeous? I love Ferris wheels. When my dog died, I was so depressed that I wanted to take my life, so Andrew brought me here to cheer me up."

I tried not to listen, look, or care. But Selena's constant jabs were needles to my heart that made it throb so hard.

I thought Andrew had overcome his fear and taken on the Ferris wheel just to make me happy. It turned out that he'd done it for someone else.

As Selena spoke, she couldn't help teasing Andrew. "You should've seen him last time we got on a Ferris wheel. His legs shook so badly, and he practically collapsed on me. I'd never seen him look like that."

I lowered my eyes and murmured to myself, "Well, what a coincidence because I never did too."

Noticing my silence, Andrew grew nervous. "Are you okay? Is your stomach hurting again? Or are you scared?"

I shook my head. "I'm just enjoying the view."

He believed my random reply and went back to chatting and laughing with Selena.

After the ride, Selena, who was fine just moments ago, suddenly leaned into Andrew's arms. "Andrew, I feel a little dizzy."

He looked at me and tried to explain, "Selena's really afraid of heights. The last time we rode on a Ferris wheel, we were trying to overcome our fear together."

"You don't have to explain. Just take her home," I said.

"Wait here. I'll come back for you after sending her home."

I watched him drive off before turning and walking away. I'd waited for him too many times, and this time, I'd no longer do the same.

On my way to the airport, Andrew kept flooding my phone with messages.

"Ivy, shall we have our wedding under the Ferris wheel? You said we'd kiss at the top and exchange rings with Heaven as our witness."

His voice messages came one after another, trying to break through the locked door to my heart.

"You planned 66 weddings for us, so let me plan this one. Let me make you the happiest bride in the world."

I didn't reply. Now that I'd been disappointed too many times, I'd lost all my trust in him.

Just before my flight took off, Andrew sent one final message. "Selena's fear of heights is worse than I thought. I need to stay with her a little longer. Could you ride a cab home?"

Again and again, he'd never choose me. It was a good thing he'd hurt me so many times that I could finally remain calm and let go.

I sent him one last reply. "I understand. Take good care of Selena. Feel free to bring her home if necessary. Let's break up and cancel the 67th wedding."

For once, I was the one who called it off.

From now on, Andrew and I would never have to see each other again.