You stood at the altar, facing Ash. He looked perfect in his tailored black suit, his dark green eyes locked onto yours. A small, reassuring smile tugged at his lips.

You felt like the most beautiful woman in the world.

The priest cleared his throat, voice warm as he addressed the congregation. "If anyone present has any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

Silence. A beat of pure, perfect silence.

Then a hand rose. Slow at first. Then higher.

A woman stood from the third row. Her short red hair caught the light like flames. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes already glistening with unshed tears.

You turned to Ash, waiting for him to tell her to sit down. To dismiss her. To choose you.

He didn't. He stared at her, his face pale. His jaw worked. Then, without a word, he stepped down from the altar. His shoes echoed against the marble floor as he walked past you. Past you. Toward her.

Your heart stopped.

The guests shifted uncomfortably. Whispers began to spread like wildfire. Your mother's face went pale in the front row.

Silence. The kind of silence that suffocates. You stood alone at the altar, the beautiful white dress suddenly feeling like a costume. The expensive makeup felt like a mask. You felt every single pair of eyes on you. Pity. Judgment. Discomfort.

Tears slipped down your cheeks. You couldn't stop them. You didn't even try.

Then, a chair scraped against the floor. It echoed through the silent chapel like a gunshot.

Katsuki Bakugou stood. His crimson eyes were fixed on you. His jaw was set. His hands were clenched at his sides.

For a split second, you saw it in his eyes—I told you so. The words hung unspoken between you. He had warned you. He had known. He had watched you defend Ash over and over again.

But then his gaze softened. Just a fraction. His shoulders dropped. And instead of walking toward the door, he walked toward you.

His footsteps were steady. Determined. He didn't look at the guests.He didn't look at anyone but you. He stopped directly in front of you, so close you could see the faint scar under his eye, the way his chest rose and fell with each breath.