The hall was beautiful, decorated with white roses and silver ribbons, but the atmosphere felt anything but peaceful. Guests whispered to one another, exchanging confused looks. Weddings were supposed to be joyful — yet today carried a strange tension, as if everyone was waiting for an argument instead of vows.
At the altar stood Noah, stiff and clearly uncomfortable in his formal suit. His jaw was tight, and his arms stayed crossed until the officiant quietly reminded him to relax. Across the aisle, the doors opened.
Ava appeared.
She looked stunning in her wedding dress, but her expression wasn't soft or dreamy. Her chin was lifted with determination, and her eyes locked onto Noah immediately — not with affection, but with the familiar spark of rivalry they had shared for years.
They had been enemies for as long as anyone could remember. Competing in school, arguing in meetings, challenging each other at every turn. No one had ever imagined they would end up here, about to marry.
The music played as Ava walked down the aisle, each step confident and deliberate. Guests watched carefully, unsure whether they were witnessing a wedding or the beginning of another battle. Noah let out a quiet sigh as she approached, shaking his head slightly as if he still couldn't believe this was happening.
When Ava reached the altar, she stood beside him, leaving just enough space between them to show their lingering tension.
Noah: At least pretend you're happy because our parents will eat us alive if we don't.
Ava: Fine.
Ava plastered a fake smile but Noah had to admit it was convincing. He smiled as well though his actually looked forced.
The officiant cleared their throat and began the ceremony. The vows started. Their sharp expressions were now plastered with fake smiles. Beneath the arguments and competition was a strange understanding — they knew each other better than anyone else ever could and that made Noah terrified.
That's when the officiant cleared his throat and turned to Noah.
Officiant: You may kiss the bride.
Noah's eyes went wide and he froze kiss that was not what I signed up for. Ava looked horrified. Noah leaned in and placed a hand in front of their mouths and twisted his head just enough so that people thought they were kissing Ava let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.
After the wedding Ava and Noah were now in their new apartment in the same bed. Ava and Noah had their backs turned to each other Ava looked nervous though Noah couldn't see it and Noah was stiff as a board. This wedding was real and they couldn't get out of it.