Chapter 4

I watched their retreating figures, slowly releasing my numb fingers.

I sat alone in City Hall, waiting in silence.

When there were five couples ahead, I texted Jason: [5 couples left. You should head back.]

Jason replied almost instantly: [Sierra and I are still waiting in line, we haven't even gotten our table yet. 5 couples is ages away, stop being so paranoid.]

I locked my phone, feeling the last ember in my heart turn to ash.

Two more numbers were called on the big screen.

I sent another text: [Only 3 couples left. If you don't come back now, you won't make it.]

This time, his reply was agonizingly slow.

Another number was called before his nonchalant text arrived:

[What's the rush? Our food just arrived. Wait a bit!]

When there was only one couple left ahead of me, hurried footsteps echoed behind me.

My heart skipped a beat. I stood up and turned around.

It was Declan.

Our eyes locked, and he offered an out-of-breath grin:

"Chloe... I finally made it in time!"

Almost simultaneously, the automated chime called my number:

[Now serving Ticket Number 21 at Window 2 for marriage registration.]

A smile touched my lips.

I linked my arm through Declan’s and walked to the window.

The clerk handed us paperwork and pens to fill out our marriage application. Peeking sideways, I saw Declan’s hand trembling with pure adrenaline.

Once the paperwork was filed, the clerk asked routinely:

"Have both parties confirmed their decision?"

"I will now officially emboss the seal on your marriage certificate."

I nodded.

Declan beside me suddenly blurted:

"Wait!"

He turned to face me, his eyes searching mine:

"Chloe, are you absolutely sure about this? If you marry me, I'm never letting you go for the rest of your life."

"Even if Jason..."

Before he could finish, Jason’s name flashed across my phone screen.

I answered. The background was filled with noisy restaurant chatter:

"Chloe, let's just do it another day."

"It's almost eleven-thirty, and Sierra and I just left the restaurant. We won't make it in time anyway. Besides, Sierra accidentally drank alcohol thinking it was juice, and she's totally wasted. I need to take her home first. Head back on your own."

A quiet laugh escaped my lips. I was entirely done with him.

"No need. I already got married this morning."

"What nonsense are you talking about? I'm not even there, how could you get married? Look, I really have my hands full, Sierra is—"

Sick of his excuses, I cut him off cleanly:

"Jason, we're done."

With that, I hung up.

Turning back to the clerk, I said calmly:

"I'm certain. Please stamp it."

Declan said nothing, but his hand found mine beneath the counter, gripping my fingers tightly.

Click-clack.

The gold seal was embossed onto the certificate.

I took the document, snapped a photo, and uploaded it to Ins:

[To spending the rest of our lives together.]

Looking up at Declan, I smiled:

"Let's go. My mom is waiting for us with lunch!"

Across town, Jason had just strapped the drunken Sierra into the passenger seat when his buddy called.

As soon as he answered, cheerful congratulations poured through the speaker:

"Bro, congrats!"

"I just saw Chloe’s post on Ins with the marriage certificate! You guys finally tied the knot! I'm bringing a fat envelope to the wedding!"

Jason froze, asking instinctively:

"What?"

"I'm not even at City Hall. How could Chloe get married alone?"

The laughter on the other end died instantly, followed by a frantic rustling as his friend double-checked.

Then, a shocked curse:

"Holy shit! Jason, something's wrong."

"The groom on Chloe's certificate isn't you. She... she just married someone else!"