She directed her steaming anger towards Adam, "Look at the drama that you invited to our wedding. And for what? Just to satisfy your ego."
As more guests gathered to listen to the drama, I realized I had accomplished what I came to do here. This was not even a celebration of love. It was just my ex-husband showcasing his selfish nature to a larger audience.
"Let's go," I told Adrian, "There is no wedding here. Just the endless drama, the ego and selfishness Adam has tends to drag everywhere."
Adrian nodded, taking that moment to kiss my cheek. We walked away as Adam was still asking his bride to forgive him, that he meant no harm.
Only a delusional man like him could say that after causing harm on a day that should be about their happiest.
Only when we were out of immediate earshot did I hiss, "How do you know Adam and his bride?"
"Her name is Elise," he said quietly. "We were together for four years and engaged for eight months. Then she started pulling away. She would go on work trips over the weekend, say she was busy, and hide things from me."
I nodded because that was the same behavior change I saw in Adam when he was cheating on me.
"I later found out she'd been sleeping with a married man after finding their messages on her laptop. She was not even sorry," Adrian sighed.
I recalled the feeling of finding out, and how painful it was for Adam not to choose me.
Adrian continued, "She bragged that the man was leaving an unhappy marriage and that once the divorce was final, they would get married. I ended things and moved out. I never knew the man's name."
My stomach dropped. "This whole time, it was Adam."
He nodded. "When I walked in. I was surprised to see Elise. After our breakup, I have never bothered finding out what she is up to and whether they moved on with each other or not. So, I didn't know they were the bride and groom, let alone that she was getting married."
"Adm clearly knew who you were. He was shocked to see you here."
"I saw the look on his face and knew that I had to accomplish what we came to do here. This has turned out to be not just your revenge but mine as well."
I let out one short, disbelieving laugh.
"So we're both here as revenge dates against the same affair."
"Apparently."
"Wow," I said.
Adrian opened the car door for me. "This was an efficient casting."
I actually smiled as I got in.
It was almost impressive how quickly Adam and Elise's perfect day cracked open.
Adrian murmured as we drove away, "This is better than therapy."
I agreed, because for the first time since my marriage ended, I had watched Adam create his own ruin without my help.
I also realized I no longer cared about what he would do or what would happen between him and Elise.
It was clear to me that he was still the same liar and cheat and would treat Elise no better than he treated me.
By the time we got back to my apartment, I was giddy with adrenaline.
I kicked off my heels in the hallway and burst out laughing so hard I had to lean against the wall.
Adrian closed the door behind us, loosened his tie, and laughed too.
"Well," he said, "that was a day well spent."
