The Rain Ceases, Our Wedding Falls Apart

I have a mild hearing impairment, my right ear nearly deaf.

As kids, Lonny always stood to my right. That way, hed say, if anyone talks behind your back, Ill hear it first.

Years later, we were engaged, invitations printed. Everyone envied my childhood sweetheart whod shielded me for over a decade.

Then Hailey joined his firm. Striking, vibrant, with an easy smile, she eyed my hearing aid before teasing, With that on, does she even hear your sweet nothings? My face paled; Lonny frowned mildly. She speaks without thinking, he murmured. Dont mind her.

At the wedding rehearsal, I stood outside the double doors as Hailey read my vows aloud. Lonny, I promise to be your ears, your cane, your favorite little headache. Laughter rang out; even Lonny chuckled. Quit messing with her words, he said, no bite in his tone. Shell be hurt if she hears.

Hailey tilted her head, mock-innocent. So, are you still marrying her?

Lonny paused two agonizing seconds. Invitations are out, he said quietly. What else can I do?

I stood at the corridors end, watching rain drip from the white umbrella hed bought me. The rain had stopped. Suddenly, I didnt want to go inside anymore.

Lonny walked out of the hall a few minutes later, finding me standing there, quietly wiping the water from my hands. He froze for a second.

"When did you get here?"

I looked up at him. "Just now."

Hailey followed him out, her smile perfectly natural. "Iris! We were just joking around inside. You didn't hear us, did you?"

She deliberately moved to my right side, positioning herself in the dead zone of my hearing.

Lonny frowned, casting a warning glance at her. "Stop it."

Hailey playfully stuck out her tongue. "Fine, I'll stop. Since Iris has bad ears, I'll make sure to always stand on her left from now on."

She phrased it like a favor, but the bridesmaids and groomsmen behind them let out quiet snickers.

I looked at Lonny.

Years ago, if anyone so much as hinted at a joke about my hearing, Lonny would be the first to glare them down. He used to tell me that my hearing loss was not my fault, and that the people who lacked basic manners were the ones who should feel ashamed.

But now, he merely snatched the vow sheet from Hailey's hands and handed it back to me.

"Don't overthink it. She just has a big mouth."

I took the paper. The elegant cursive I had spent nights drafting was now heavily scribbled over.

Where I had written, Thank you for being my right ear for the last fifteen years, Hailey had crossed it out and penned, Thank you for tolerating my annoying self for the last fifteen years.

I pressed my thumb against the ink, which was slightly smudged by the damp air. Lonny noticed and reached for the sheet.

"I'll have them print a fresh copy."

I stepped back, pulling the paper out of his reach. "No need."

His hand hovered in the air, stiffening. "Iris."

He used my full name. It was his tell, his way of letting me know he was losing his patience.

Hailey coughed softly beside him. "Lonny, don't be harsh on Iris. She probably feels like I'm stealing her spotlight."

Lonny rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Did I say anything wrong?"

Hailey smiled knowingly. "Well, it's rehearsal day, and everyone was crowding around me. It's only natural for Iris to feel a bit left out."

One of the groomsmen stepped in to play peacemaker. "Alright, alright, just pre-wedding jitters. Don't be mad, bride-to-be. Lonny treats you like a queen."

As if reminded of his duty, Lonny stepped forward and took my hand. "Come on. Let me drive you home. It's pouring."

His palm was still warm, but my mind was stuck on his words from moments ago.

The invitations are already out. What else am I supposed to do?

He was marrying me to avoid a scene, not because he actually wanted to.

I gently pulled my hand from his grip. "No thanks. I'll get back on my own."

Lonny looked down at his empty hand, his expression darkening. "What is it this time?"

This time.

The words echoed in my ears, sending a sharp, familiar buzz through my head.

Hailey stepped forward, her voice softening into a sweet, apologetic tone. "Iris, I really didn't mean to upset you. How about I apologize properly?" She began to bend her knees in a mock bow, and Lonny immediately caught her by the arm to stop her.

Hailey leaned in slightly against his arm, tilting her head to wink at me. "See? He still cares about me."

The corridor fell dead silent. Lonny quickly let go of her, looking highly uncomfortable. "Iris, she's just talking nonsense."

I nodded. He stared at me, almost waiting for me to start screaming, to throw the tantrum he expected. But I did not.

I folded the ruined vows, placed them neatly in my bag, and said, "I'm leaving."

Lonny blocked my path. "The wedding is in three days, and you're throwing a fit over this?"

My eyes fell on his wrist. He was wearing the watch I had saved up to buy him for his birthday last year. Inside the leather strap, I had engraved a tiny message: A promise for a lifetime.

He had teased me back then, calling it overly cheesy, yet he had worn it every single day since. Now, that same wrist was barring my exit like a locked gate.

"Lonny," I said quietly, "I'm just tired."

His scowl deepened. "If you're tired, go home and get some sleep. Stop acting up when we have so much to do."

Hailey peeked out from behind his shoulder. "Iris, the schedule is going to be brutal these next few days. If you're not feeling up to it, I can always stand in for you during the rehearsals. I already have the vows down anyway."

Someone in the background laughed. Lonny did not join in this time, but he did not stop her either.

I looked away from him, reaching for my umbrella. One of the metal ribs had been bent out of shape when someone bumped into it earlier. When I popped it open, the canopy tilted awkwardly to one side.

I stared at the crooked frame for a second, then stepped out into the rain.

Behind me, Lonny's voice cut through the downpour. "Iris! If you walk away today, don't expect me to come crawling back to coax you!"

I paused for a brief second, then kept walking.

The following morning, the wedding coordinator called to ask for final confirmation on the names for the main backdrop. When I arrived at the venue, Hailey was standing in the center of the grand ballroom. She was wearing a stunning white satin dress. It was not a wedding gown, but it looked close enough to make her look like the bride.

Lonny was sitting in the front row, reviewing the schedule.

The coordinator let out a massive sigh of relief when she saw me. "Ms. Iris, thank goodness you're here. Ms. Hailey wants to change the backdrop to a design she created, but we couldn't proceed without your approval."

I looked up at the stage.

The original backdrop read: Lonny & Iris.

It had been replaced by a sleek, minimalist English quote. In the lower corner, in tiny font, my name was practically invisible.

Hailey walked over, offering a sweet explanation. "Iris, don't get the wrong idea. I just thought putting two names together on a huge board looked a bit tacky. A wedding should feel elegant and high-fashion."

Before I could even speak, Lonny raised his head from the papers. "I've reviewed it. It looks great."

The coordinator looked incredibly uncomfortable. "But this is the main backdrop. If the bride's name is too small, it won't show up in the photography."

Hailey immediately cast her eyes downward, looking crestfallen. "Forget it then. I was only trying to help. Since Iris has hearing issues, I know communication is probably hard for her."

Lonny snapped the folder shut. "We're going with Hailey's version."

I looked at him. "Lonny, this is my wedding."

"It's my wedding too," he replied coldly.

The words blocked any reply I had.

Hailey walked over and wrapped her arm snugly around mine. "Iris, don't be so tense. A wedding is supposed to be the happiest day of your life. If you keep scowling like this, you're going to wear Lonny out."

She was standing so close that the heavy scent of her perfume burned my nose.

I pulled my arm back, keeping my voice steady. "I don't like the design."

Hailey's eyes welled with tears instantly. "Do you... not like me either, then?"

Lonny stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Iris, stop taking your anger out on her."

"I only said I don't like the design."

"You know she was just trying to help." Lonny walked over, lowering his voice so only I could hear. "The wedding is in three days. Do you really have to humiliate everyone over a piece of cardboard?"

The surrounding staff members quickly looked down, pretending to be busy, but I knew they were hanging on every word. My ears could not catch the quietest whispers, but I could feel their judging gazes. They felt like tiny needles pressing into my skin.

Hailey wiped her eyes. "Let's just use Iris's design, Lonny. She's always been sensitive."

Sensitive.

Years ago, Lonny used to tell me that I was not sensitivethat other people were just incredibly rude. Now, he stood on the other side, using his silence to tell me that I was, indeed, the problem.

I pulled the original design draft from my bag and handed it directly to the coordinator. "Use this."

Lonny's face hardened. "Iris."

I did not look at him. "I signed the contract, and I paid the deposit. We are doing it my way."

It was the first time I had ever openly defied him in public. Lonny looked momentarily stunned.

"Are you really going to be this petty?"

Hailey stepped between us, pulling on his sleeve. "Lonny, don't fight. I'll just step back, okay? I don't want to cause trouble." She turned to walk away, but Lonny immediately grabbed her by the wrist.

"No one is asking you to leave."

He held her tightly, his hand wrapping fully around her wrist, as if terrified she would be wronged.

The coordinator stood there, looking entirely lost. "So... which version are we printing?"

Lonny stared at me. "Iris, don't push things to a point where we can't save face."

We can't save face.

It was always about the presentation. Our entire twenty-year relationship had apparently simmered down to a mere performance.

I slowly placed the original draft back into my bag. "Do whatever you want."

Lonny's shoulders relaxed slightly, looking as if he had finally won a exhausting argument. Hailey smiled brightly. "Don't worry, Iris, I'll make sure your wedding is absolutely beautiful."

Before leaving the ballroom, I took one last look at the stage. The cold white spotlights hit the new backdrop, highlighting the sleek English letters. My name was so small it was practically a speck.

I stood there, and for the first time, I felt a strange sense of peace. If it was invisible, I did not have to look at it anymore.

My phone buzzed in my hand. It was a private message from the coordinator.

Ms. Iris, if you wish to cancel the booking, the contract allows a sixty percent refund of the deposit, but we need your final confirmation by five p.m. today.

I stared at the message for a long time, my thumb hovering over the screen.

"Iris," Lonny's voice called out from behind me. "Send me Hailey's measurements for her bridesmaid dress."

I turned around. "Hailey isn't a bridesmaid."

"We're adding her last-minute," he said casually. "What's the big deal?"

Hailey stood beside him, twirling a lock of hair around her finger. "If Iris doesn't want me, it's fine. I don't have to be a bridesmaid."

Lonny looked at her. "Don't say that." Then, he looked back at me. "It's just a dress, Iris."

Just a dress. Just a vow. Just a backdrop. Just an umbrella.

It seemed that anything belonging to me could be easily reduced to a "just" the moment Hailey wanted it.

I unlocked my phone, copied the contact information for the boutique, and sent it to him. Lonny's expression softened instantly.

"See? That wasn't so hard."

I did not say a word.

That afternoon, I went back to our shared apartment to pack up the wedding supplies. The living room was piled high with cardboard boxes. There were customized candy boxes, table cards, guest registries, and a thick, heavy photo album.

I had made that album myself, compiling memories from elementary school to college.

On the very first page was a photo of Lonny standing to my right, leaning over to block a paper ball thrown by some rowdy boys in our class. On the back, I had written: He was the first voice I ever truly heard.

I had genuinely believed that back then.

The doorbell rang. When I opened it, Hailey was standing on the threshold, flanked by two assistants from the wedding agency. She held up a shopping bag with a smile.

"Iris, I came to pick up the bridesmaid dress, and I thought I'd see if you needed any help packing."

I did not step aside. "No need."

Hailey peeked over my shoulder. "Wow, you have so much stuff."

Before I could stop her, she squeezed past me into the apartment. The two assistants stood awkwardly at the door. Hailey's eyes immediately caught the photo album on the coffee table. She flipped open the first page and giggled.

"You guys looked so goofy when you were kids."

I walked over and shut the album firmly. "Don't touch that."

She blinked, looking startled. "Is it really that precious?"

Lonny's voice echoed from the hallway. "Hailey, weren't you just picking up the dress?"

He had followed her up.

Hailey immediately shrank back, hiding her hands behind her back. "I was just looking. I think Iris is mad at me."

Lonny looked at me, his eyes tired. "She was just curious, Iris."

I clutched the album to my chest. "I said, don't touch it."

Lonny's face darkened. "Iris, when is this tantrum going to end? No one is trying to steal your things."

Hailey whispered softly, "Lonny, don't scold her. Maybe because she's always had trouble hearing, she feels insecure about her belongings."

Lonny did not object. He stood there, silent for two long seconds.

And those two seconds were enough. They were long enough for me to realize that he agreed with her.

Hailey reached into a bag and pulled out a delicate white camellia boutonniere. "Oh, Iris, can I have this? It's so pretty."

That boutonniere was meant for the bride.

I had loved white camellias for as long as I could remember. Since I was little, I had a habit of mishearing things. Once, when we were kids, I had misheard Lonny. I thought he said camellia when he actually said Ill keep you safe. Ever since, he bought me a white camellia on my birthday, reminding me: Ill keep you safe.

Now, Hailey was holding it in her hand, smiling as she asked if she could have it.

My voice was dead quiet, but entirely firm. "No."

Lonny stepped forward. "If she likes it, let her have it. We can have the florist make another one for the wedding."

I looked up, meeting his eyes. "Lonny, you chose this one."

He froze.

Hailey looked between the two of us, a smug smile playing on her lips. "Oh, you chose it? Now I love it even more." She pinned it directly onto her white dress. "Does it look good?"

Lonny did not answer, but he did not tell her to take it off either.

The photo album in my arms suddenly felt incredibly heavy. My wrists ached under the weight.

I knelt down, placed the album back into one of the cardboard boxes, and pulled out my phone. I opened the chat with the wedding coordinator.

If I cancel, I need to confirm by five p.m., correct?

The reply was instant.

Yes, Ms. Iris.

Before I could type another word, Lonny snatched the phone from my hand. "Who are you messaging?"

The screen was still lit, and the text was fully visible.

The living room fell into a suffocating silence. Lonny stared at the screen, his voice dropping to a dangerous register. "Iris, what is the meaning of this?"

I reached out to grab my phone, but he lifted it out of my reach. "Answer me."

Hailey leaned over to glance at the screen, letting out a gasp. "Cancel the wedding? Iris, you're joking, right?"

I looked at Lonny. "Give me my phone."

He did not budge. "You're canceling our wedding over a few minor disagreements?"

Minor disagreements.

A dry, bitter laugh escaped my lips. "Yes. Minor."

Lonny's face turned incredibly ugly. "Iris, do not use this to threaten me."

"I am not threatening you."

"Then what do you call this?" He slammed the phone onto the coffee table, his finger pointing at the screen. "You know our families have already booked their flights. The venue is paid for, and hundreds of invitations have been sent out. You canceling now is just a desperate attempt to humiliate me."

My eyes drifted to the white camellia pinned to Hailey's chest. The urge to argue simply vanished.

"I won't humiliate you."

I should have realized much sooner that he did not care about my pain. He only cared about saving face.

Hailey gently tugged at Lonny's sleeve. "Lonny, don't be angry. Iris probably just wants you to coax her a little."

Lonny let out a cold, humorless laugh. "Haven't I spent my entire life coaxing her?" He glared at me, his voice tight. "Iris, you've been doing this since we were kids. Every time you can't hear, I have to repeat myself. Every time you're unhappy, I have to guess why. If anyone so much as looks at you wrong, you start crying. I used to think you needed me, but now, it's just exhausting."

A loud, high-pitched ring echoed in my right ear.

I heard every single word perfectly.

Hailey added in a quiet voice, "Honestly, Lonny is pretty pitiable. He's taken care of you for so many years. Surely he deserves to have some say in his own wedding."

Lonny did not deny it. My gaze drifted to the white umbrella leaning against the doorframe, its crooked rib sticking out awkwardly.

When he gave it to me, he told me that even if it rained and he wasn't there, he would always protect me.

I walked over and picked it up.

Lonny's brow furrowed. "You're leaving again?"

I did not answer. I simply held the umbrella out to him. He did not reach for it.

I set it down carefully at his feet. "I'm returning this to you."

Lonny's pupils dilated. "Iris, are you serious?"

Hailey suddenly bent down and picked up the umbrella. "This thing is so old, and the frame is completely bent." She popped it open, and the canopy warped violently. "No wonder Iris doesn't want it anymore."

My voice went cold. "Put it down."

Hailey flinched at my tone. Her hand slipped, and the umbrella dropped to the floor. The tip struck the sharp wooden leg of the coffee table with a loud crack.

The remaining support ribs snapped completely.

The apartment fell dead silent, save for the low hum of the air conditioner. Lonny stared down at the ruined umbrella, his expression finally shifting into something resembling panic.

But Hailey was quicker to react. Her eyes flooded with tears. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. Iris, please don't look at me like that. You're scaring me."

Lonny immediately stepped in front of her, shielding her from my view. "Iris, it's just an old umbrella. If it's broken, I'll buy you a new one."

I stared at him for a long, quiet moment, then nodded. "Okay."

His frustration flared again. "Stop being so passive-aggressive."

I knelt on the floor, gathering the sharp, broken metal ribs one by one. The jagged edges scraped against my fingertips, leaving a dull, stinging pain.

Lonny reached down to pull me up. "Stop picking them up. You'll cut yourself."

I pulled my hand back, avoiding his touch. "No need."

Hailey whispered behind him, "Lonny, maybe I should leave. I feel like Iris really hates me."

Lonny rubbed his temples. "I'll walk you down." He turned back to me, his voice firm. "Stay here and calm down. The wedding is still on. Stop making a scene."

He reached the front door and paused, looking back.

"Iris, I know you can't live without me. When you've cooled off, call me."

The door clicked shut.

The silence in the apartment was absolute. I tossed the broken pieces of the umbrella into a trash bag, walked back to the coffee table, and picked up my phone.

The coordinator's final text was on the screen.

Ms. Iris, you have ten minutes left.

I pressed the microphone icon and recorded a brief, flat voice note.

"Cancel it."