When Eileen feels that something is off with her husband, James, she hires a private investigator. But a few weeks into the investigation, the investigator wants to call it off. But why? What could James be up to that even an investigator doesn’t want to delve into?At 33, and after being with James for so long, I thought I knew everything about my husband. We’ve been married for four years, and in the beginning, we were on the same page about the future.We decided that we didn’t want kids right away. First, we needed to settle into life, leave our cramped apartment, buy a house, and build the kind of financial security that would make raising a family easier.A smiling couple | Source: MidjourneyThat’s exactly where we are now: in a white two-story house with a yard, savings in the bank, and two rock-solid careers. I’m an editor at a top-tier magazine, and James runs a cybersecurity team for a large corporation.On paper, everything is perfect.So, why does it feel like my husband is slipping away?Lately, James has been acting… off.A beautiful white house | Source: MidjourneyHe’s constantly on his phone with late-night calls that end the moment I walk into the room. Sometimes I catch the faintest whiff of a perfume that definitely isn’t mine. And, my God, the lies are subtle, but they’re there.His attention is elsewhere, like he’s living in some parallel world I just can’t access. I’ve spent hours lying awake, imagining the worst.At first, I tried convincing myself that I was overreacting. But that morning at work, I couldn’t keep it in. During a break, I found myself unloading on my colleague, Rachel, who sat across from me at the long, glass conference table.A man using his phone | Source: Midjourney”I just know something’s wrong, Rach,” I muttered, shaking my salad. “He’s been taking weird calls and coming home smelling like… like another woman.”Rachel gave me a sympathetic look, one that made me feel both seen but also stupid.”Have you asked him about it?”A bowl of salad on a table | Source: Midjourney”Of course,” I said. “He just brushes me off, saying that it’s work. But I can tell he’s lying.”I rested my elbows on the table, fighting back the lump rising in my throat.”What if he’s seeing someone else? How am I supposed to start a family with him if I can’t trust him?”Rachel was quiet. Then she leaned in slightly, dropping her voice.Two women sitting at a table | Source: Midjourney”Listen… if you want real answers, there’s someone I know who can help.””What, like a therapist?” I asked.”No! A private investigator.”I blinked, thrown off by how casually she said it, like it was normal to hire someone to tail your husband.She must have noticed my hesitation because she continued speaking quickly.A woman sitting at a table | Source: Midjourney”Look, you’re obviously going through it, Eileen. If you need clarity, and I mean real clarity, this guy can give it to you. I know someone who used him before, and she got answers fast. No fluff, just the truth.”The idea felt heavy and strange, like I was crossing some invisible line. But at the same time, a flicker of hope stirred inside me.”How do I contact him?” I asked.Rachel scribbled a name and number from her phone onto a piece of paper.A folded piece of paper on a table | Source: Midjourney”His name’s Benson. He’s discreet. He’ll tell you everything you need to know.”But what if he is really cheating on me?The thought is always a gut punch, but if I’m ever going to build a family with this man, I need to know the truth. So, I decided to take Rachel’s advice and hire a private investigator.I met Benson in a dimly lit café, my stomach twisted into knots as I told him everything.The interior of a coffee shop | Source: Midjourney”Those late-night calls cannot be work-related,” I said, stirring my coffee. “There’s something more. There has to be more. It’s a gut feeling, Benson.”Benson stirred his own cup of coffee slowly.”Eileen,” he said. “I’ve been in this business for a long time. More often than not, when someone thinks their spouse is cheating, they’re right. You need to be prepared for whatever we find.”A man sitting in a coffee shop | Source: Midjourney”I need you to understand that properly,” he pushed. “Whatever we find, there’s no going back, Eileen.”I knew the risks. I knew that once Benson pulled the curtain back, there’d be no going back to blissful ignorance.The days that followed were agony. Every time James glanced at his phone, my pulse spiked. At work, I buried myself in deadlines, trying to keep my mind from spiraling.A man using his phone | Source: MidjourneyI was sitting at the office, going through the final layout of the upcoming issue, when my phone rang. Benson was finally calling me back. His voice was tense, and something about it chilled me.”Eileen, we need to stop,” Benson said. “We need to drop the investigation for both of our sakes.”My heart slammed against my ribs.A woman sitting in her office | Source: Midjourney”There’s a lot more going on here than we realized. Trust me, this is bigger than you think, and it’s safer if we let it go.”I sat frozen, gripping the phone so tightly my knuckles ached. A private investigator, someone used to digging up dirt on the most dangerous people, was now too scared to continue?What had Benson uncovered about James? Was my husband tangled in something even darker than infidelity?A shocked woman | Source: MidjourneyBut Benson refused to say more.”Keep the money,” he muttered before hanging up. “I don’t want it.”That night, sleep evaded me completely. I kept imagining James as someone unrecognizable. Suddenly, he was a stranger wearing the face of the man I married.I had to know what was happening. If Benson wouldn’t help, I’d figure it out myself.A woman laying in her bed | Source: Midjourney”Come on, Eileen,” I said. “You can do this.”I bought hidden cameras and a voice recorder, planning to plant them in James’ car and his home office. If he wasn’t going to tell me the truth, I’d find it myself.But while installing a camera in his study, I stumbled upon something that made my skin crawl.There were already hidden cameras installed. Cameras that I’d never seen before. One in our bedroom. One in the hallway. The living room. Even the kitchen.A camera in a home | Source: MidjourneyI’d never noticed them before.My chest tightened as I stared at the tiny lens tucked into the corner of our bedroom.Honestly, who was James? Why was our home wired like this?My mind spiraled, panic taking over.A stressed woman | Source: MidjourneyWas James monitoring me? Was I living inside a prison disguised as a marriage? I felt trapped and unsafe, and before I could stop myself, I grabbed a suitcase and started packing.”Annie, I need you to talk me down from a panic attack,” I said, putting my phone on speaker when my best friend answered.”Okay, Eileen,” she said calmly. “Talk to me. What’s going on? What triggered you?”An open suitcase on a bed | Source: Midjourney”James…” I said. “I found hidden cameras in the house. I don’t know why they’re here. I don’t know what to do. I’m not okay, Annie!””Breathe,” she said slowly. “I need you to breathe. What are you doing? Are you home?””I’m home,” I sighed. “And now, I’m packing a bag.””Why?” Annie asked. “Where are you going?”A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney”Are you seriously asking me that question?” I asked, packing my pajamas.”I’m trying to understand,” Annie said.I needed to get out. I needed to go somewhere else. To my parents’ house, or anywhere that didn’t have hidden cameras watching my every move.”I’ll speak to you later. When I’m settled,” I said.A woman talking on the phone | Source: MidjourneyThat’s when James walked in.He stopped in my doorway, taking in the open suitcase and my trembling hands.”Darling, what’s going on?” he asked.I stood frozen for a moment, then pointed at the camera in the corner of our bedroom.”Why are there cameras in our house, James? What the hell is going on?” I shrieked.To my surprise, he didn’t get angry.A man standing in a doorway | Source: MidjourneyInstead, he smiled, like I’d caught him in some harmless prank.”How did you find them?” he asked, his voice calm, almost amused. “Were you trying to install a camera too?”The absurdity of his response made me want to scream.A smiling man | Source: Midjourney”Yes! I thought you were cheating on me! But this… I don’t know,” I gestured wildly at the camera, my voice cracking. “This is worse! You’ve been watching me. Why, James? Who are you?”My husband let out a long sigh and stepped closer.”I’ll explain everything, Eileen,” he said. “Just, please, try to understand.”A close up of a woman | Source: Midjourney”I told you I work in cybersecurity, yes?” James began slowly. “That’s not the entire truth… I’m not just a cybersecurity kind of guy, darling. I’m an agent.””An agent?” I repeated, the word tasting foreign in my mouth. “What… What kind of agent?””I’m with the Secret Service,” he said, his voice steady but his expression careful. “The cameras are for our safety, not to spy on you, darling. I couldn’t tell you before, it was too dangerous. I just wanted to make sure no one would come snooping around while we were out. Or worse, while you were home alone.”A man looking out the window | Source: MidjourneyThe room tilted slightly as his words sank in. I’d been convinced my husband was sneaking around with another woman, only to find out that he was… what?”A secret agent?” I whispered, my mind struggling to connect the dots. “You’re James Bond now, huh?”He chuckled softly, though the weight in his gaze didn’t lift.”It’s not as glamorous as it sounds, really. I provide security for high-level government officials, sometimes foreign diplomats when they visit. It’s complicated and stressful, but I’ve been trying to transfer to desk duty.”A woman holding her head | Source: Midjourney”Desk duty?” I asked, still reeling.”Actual cybersecurity,” he clarified. “So I can be home more. I want to build our family, Eileen. That’s why I’m making the switch.”I stood there, dazed. The man I’d thought was pulling away from me wasn’t running toward someone else. He was running from a dangerous life to protect us both.A man sitting at his desk | Source: Midjourney”So… no late-night affairs?” I asked weakly, trying to lighten the mood.James smiled, reaching for my hand.”No affairs, my darling,” he said softly. “Just a lot of secrets I wish I didn’t have to keep. And trying to stay away from people who would love to uncover them.”I exhaled slowly, looking at the open suitcase on the bed. I’d been so ready to walk away from all of this. But now… this wasn’t what I’d expected at all. And somehow, as wild as it sounded, it made sense.A woman holding her head | Source: Midjourney”Is this a deal breaker, Eileen?” James asked, his voice quieter now. “I’ve wondered about it for a long time… If I told you the truth, would you still want to be with me? Would you still want us to have kids together?”I stood there for a moment, every possible answer spinning through my mind.”That’s why I’ve been trying to get out of active duty,” he continued. “I knew this day would come, sooner or later, everything would catch up to me.”A smiling man | Source: MidjourneyI swallowed hard, my thoughts finally settling.”It’s not a deal breaker,” I whispered.James pulled me into his arms, holding me close. And for the first time in weeks, I felt grounded again. Our life wasn’t going to be easy, far from it. But at least now, I knew what we were up against.What would you have done?A smiling couple | Source: MidjourneyIf you’ve enjoyed this story, here’s another one for you |Trust is the foundation of every marriage, but what happens when that trust begins to crack? I’m Freya, and this is the story of how I uncovered the lies that threatened to tear my family apart, and how I found the strength to fight for the truth.When I married Adrian, I thought I had won the lottery in life. We were high school sweethearts who somehow managed to survive the whirlwind of college and early careers, coming out stronger on the other side. Adrian was the kind of man every woman dreams of; he was ambitious, driven, and incredibly charming.A loving couple | Source: MidjourneyHe worked in finance, and as his responsibilities grew, so did the hours he spent away from home.Read the full story here.This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

For years, Carol lived in the shadow of her stepfamily, unseen and ignored. Then, out of nowhere, a lawyer’s call shattered her quiet life: her stepmother, who had barely loved her, had left Carol a $2.5 million inheritance, while her own daughters got only $5,000 each. The reason blew Carol’s mind.When I was 12, my dad remarried his new girlfriend. Linda came into our lives with her two daughters, Amanda and Becca, who were a few years older than me. Blending into their family felt like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Amanda and Becca were the stars of every show — praised, adored, and always front and center.And me? I was just… there. Like a corner table. A newlywed couple | Source: MidjourneyI remember watching them from the edges of the room, feeling invisible. At family gatherings, I’d sit quietly, my hands folded in my lap, observing how effortlessly they commanded attention. “Look at my daughter’s straight A’s,” Linda would beam, her eyes never finding mine. My report cards would sit forgotten on the kitchen counter, collecting dust and ignorance.”Do you want some help with that?” I’d sometimes ask Becca when she was struggling with homework, hoping for a connection. She’d look up, a hint of disdain in her eyes. “I’ve got it,” she’d say, turning away. Those moments crushed whatever hope I had of belonging.An upset girl with her eyes downcast | Source: MidjourneyLinda wasn’t outright mean, but she wasn’t warm either. I wasn’t included in anything, not really. Family trips were planned around Amanda and Becca’s wants. Holidays? I spent more time washing dishes than enjoying the celebrations. Once, when I was 16, I asked why everything had to revolve around them. Linda barely looked at me as she said, “You’re not the only one here, Carol. Stop acting like a victim.”Her words stung then, and they still sting now.The kitchen would become my sanctuary and my prison. While others laughed in the living room, I’d scrub plates, the sound of my family’s joy muffled by the running water. Each dish I cleaned felt like another layer of my identity being wiped away, replaced by the expectation of being the background character in my own house.A teenage girl washing vessels | Source: PexelsBy the time I turned 18, I couldn’t take it anymore. I left for college, went no-contact with Amanda and Becca, and kept Linda at arm’s length. When Dad passed away two years later, we lost the only thing holding us together. Linda faded from my life after that. The only other connection I had with her was through the phonebook, with my phone number scribbled on it. But she barely called, and I didn’t want her to, either.For 15 years, I rarely thought about her. I got married to my wonderful boyfriend David, welcomed two amazing kids, and life just rolled on. Then, one day, my phone rang, and everything changed.”Carol, this is Mr. Higgins, Linda’s attorney.”I paused, confused. The name felt distant, like an echo from a life I’d deliberately forgotten. “Okay… why are you calling me?””I’m sorry to inform you that Linda passed away last week from lung cancer,” he said gently. A woman holding a smartphone | Source: MidjourneyFor a moment, I was too stunned to respond. Memories flickered like old photographs: Linda’s dismissive glances, her quick corrections, and the perpetual distance between us. I hadn’t even known she was sick. The irony wasn’t lost on me. We’d been so disconnected that even her terminal illness had slipped past me completely.”I see,” I finally managed. “What does this have to do with me?””She named you in her will. Linda left you her vacation home.”My heart skipped a beat. “Her vacation home?””Yes, the one that belonged to your father and was passed on to her after his death. It’s valued at $2.5 million,” he explained. “Her daughters Amanda and Becca were left $5,000 each.”A startled woman holding a phone | Source: MidjourneyI sat down hard on the couch, my head spinning. The numbers seemed surreal. All those years of feeling like an afterthought, and now this? Linda had barely been a presence in my life, yet she’d left me her most valuable asset and almost nothing for her own daughters. Why? Before I could process it, my phone buzzed with incoming texts. The screen lit up with family drama, as if Linda’s death had suddenly reignited old tensions.My husband, David, leaned over to read one of them. His jaw tightened. “Amanda’s accusing you of manipulating Linda. Classy!””She’s calling me a thief,” I said, staring at the words. The accusation felt achingly familiar… the same dismissive tone I’d heard throughout my childhood, the same narrative of me being the problem.An upset woman | Source: Midjourney”That’s nothing,” he muttered, scrolling through Becca’s online post. “She’s ranting about ‘backstabbers destroying families.'”A bitter laugh escaped me. Destroy families? We were barely a family to begin with. Those connections had been threadbare, held together by nothing more than shared last names and occasional holiday gatherings.I sighed, setting my phone aside. “Why would Linda do this? We weren’t even close.”David shrugged, his eyes soft with understanding. “Maybe you need to find out.”I nodded. Something told me this inheritance was more than just a financial transaction. It felt like an unfinished story, waiting to be understood. So, I decided to dig through the house to see if I could find any clues. A woman standing before a mansion | Source: MidjourneyThe vacation home looked exactly as I remembered when I entered. Nestled on the edge of a serene lake, it had always been my dad’s favorite place. We used to fish on the dock for hours, talking about everything and nothing.Standing in the doorway, I felt like a ghost of my former self. Each step was a journey through time, my fingers tracing familiar surfaces, collecting memories like dust. Dad would sit in that worn armchair by the window, his fishing hat tilted just so, telling me stories about his childhood. Those moments had been our sanctuary… a place where I felt truly seen and loved.I walked through the house, memories washing over me with every step. The living room still had the same luxurious furniture. The smell of cedar lingered, just like it did years ago. A grand living room | Source: MidjourneyBut I wasn’t here for nostalgia. I needed answers. Linda was meticulous, and I hoped somewhere in her files, she’d left a clue about her decision. Each drawer I opened felt like peeling back layers of a complicated family history.Finally, tucked away in the back of a drawer in her office, I found a letter addressed to me. The paper was crisp, the envelope sealed with a precision that was quintessentially Linda. My hands trembled slightly as I reached for it, knowing that this small piece of paper might hold the key to understanding everything. A woman holding an envelope | Source: MidjourneyWith anxious eyes, I began reading:By the time you read this, I hope you’ll understand the choice I made.I’ve carried the weight of my mistakes for years, and this letter is my final attempt to make things right. The truth is, I failed you… repeatedly and profoundly. When I married your father, I was so focused on protecting Amanda and Becca that I became blind to the harm I was causing you.My insecurities after my divorce turned me into a mother who couldn’t see beyond her own fears. I created a hierarchy in our family where you were always last, always invisible. I watched you endure our family’s coldness, and I did nothing.Time has a way of revealing uncomfortable truths. I’ve seen Amanda and Becca for who they truly are… entitled, manipulative women who learned to value status over genuine connection. And you? You built a life of integrity without seeking my validation or approval.This house, the place your father loved most, was always meant to be a sanctuary. He spoke of your times here with such joy and love. I realize now that I robbed you of those precious memories, of feeling truly part of a family.The vacation home is my apology. Not just a piece of property, but a chance for a fresh start. A legacy from a father who loved you completely, and a mother who is finally, painfully aware of her mistakes.A shocked woman holding a letter | Source: MidjourneyTears blurred the words. My hands trembled, not from anger, but from a profound sense of loss for the relationship we never had, and for the years wasted in silence and misunderstanding.I read the letter twice, then the third time, I let her words sink in. She’d known all along how unfair she’d been but hadn’t found the courage to fix it while she was alive. The letter felt like a final, desperate attempt at redemption and a whispered apology from beyond.Outside, the lake sparkled, indifferent to the complex emotions swirling inside me. Dad’s favorite place. My sanctuary. Now, unexpectedly, my inheritance.A week later, I got another call from Linda’s lawyer.A lawyer talking on the phone in his office | Source: Pexels”There’s a secondary clause in Linda’s will,” he explained. “She set aside a $5 million trust for Amanda and Becca.”I felt my stomach tighten. “I’m guessing there’s a catch?”He hesitated, and in that pause, I could almost hear Linda’s calculated precision. “They’d only inherit it if they accept the terms of the will without any hostility toward you.””The funds will be donated to a local youth charity Linda supported,” he said. “Given the phone calls, social media posts, and emails from Amanda and Becca, the trust has been forfeited.”A woman talking on the phone | Source: PexelsI was floored. Linda had anticipated Amanda and Becca’s behavior and planned accordingly. It was like a final chess move, calculated and precise. The lawyer confirmed the charity would receive the money instead.A part of me wanted to laugh at the irony. Linda, who had spent years marginalizing me, had ultimately chosen to protect me in the most unexpected way possible.Amanda called me that evening, and she was so furious. “You think you’ve won? You’re disgusting! You stole everything from us!”I stayed calm, years of being overlooked had taught me emotional resilience. “I didn’t steal anything, Amanda. Maybe you should think about why Linda made the decisions she did.”She hung up on me without saying much. But I could feel her fury. An angry woman talking on the phone | Source: PexelsThat night, David and I sat on the porch of the vacation home. The lake was calm, the sky painted with soft hues of pink and orange. Memories of fishing with my dad danced across the water’s surface, bringing a bittersweet smile to my lips.”Do you feel guilty?” David asked, breaking the silence.I thought about it, watching a lone bird glide across the darkening sky. “Not really. But I feel… sad. She waited too long to try and make things right. If she’d just talked to me while she was alive, maybe things could’ve been different.”David nodded, understanding etched in the gentle pressure of his arm around my shoulders. “She didn’t know how to fix things, so she did what she could in the end. It’s not perfect, but it’s something.”A couple embracing each other | Source: UnsplashThe lake seemed to whisper in agreement, its gentle waves a subtle reminder that healing isn’t always straightforward.Amanda and Becca have gone no-contact, and honestly, it’s a relief. The vacation home is ours now, and David and I are planning to move here next year with our kids. The house feels less like an inheritance and more like a homecoming.Linda may not have been the mother I wanted, but her final act was both an apology and a gift… a chance to reclaim a piece of my history.And that, at least, is something.A magnificent house by the lake | Source: MidjourneyHere’s another story: Arnold spends his 93rd birthday alone while waiting for his children who never show up. Then, when he almost gave up waiting, a knock came at the door. But it wasn’t who he’d been expecting. This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

Think weddings are all about love and happily ever after? Think again. These five shocking tales reveal the secrets, betrayals, and family dramas that can unfold when “I do” turns into “I don’t.”A groom canceled a wedding with a cryptic email, while the bride discovered her dress was sabotaged under mysterious circumstances. Discover what happened and even more scandals below!An angry bride | Source: MidjourneyI’ve always wanted that ‘Happily Ever After’ kind of romantic life. So, when I met Rasmus, I thought I had finally gotten it. But as my wedding day began to unravel, it seemed I had gotten the nightmare version instead.Rasmus and I met at a bakery. It was a sweet little meet-cute situation — where I was convinced he was the perfect person for me. We exchanged numbers over rye bread.A coffee bar and bakery | Source: Pexels”I’ll be seeing you around, Chelsea,” he said, holding onto a loaf of artisanal bread.He called me just as he left the bakery, wanting us to have dinner that night.Two short years later, we were waking up to our wedding day.That morning, I showered early, eagerly awaiting my hair and makeup appointments. I remember sitting at the edge of the hotel bed, looking at my dress and holding my breath.A woman in a hotel room, happy | Source: MidjourneyI couldn’t wait to marry Rasmus. I couldn’t wait to begin our lives together.So, the day went on — my maid of honor, my sister Jess, was with me, and we continued to get ready.”Where’s Mom?” Jess asked. “Shouldn’t she be getting dressed with us?””No, we decided it would be best for her and Dad to meet us at the venue. You know she doesn’t get along with Rasmus.”Bride getting her makeup done | Source: Unsplash”You’d think that Mom would have sorted out her feelings by now.”It was true, my parents loved me — but they just couldn’t see Rasmus and me together.”There’s just something off about him,” my father would say. “But we respect your wishes to marry him.”Closer to the time, Jess called for the hotel car, and we made our way to the wedding venue.An empty wedding venue | Source: Pexels”Where is everyone?” Jess asked, echoing my thoughts.It was an entire wedding venue with literally not a soul in sight. There was no welcome sign for the guests, no welcome drinks, no décor, no staff, and absolutely no guests.”Get Brenda on the phone,” I said, talking about my wedding planner.I was beginning to panic. I was all dressed and ready to go. It was supposed to be my special day.A worried bride | Source: Midjourney”Brenda, where is everyone?” I asked when Jess handed me the phone.”What do you mean?” Brenda’s calm voice came through the speaker.”I’m at my wedding venue, and there’s nobody here!” I exclaimed, the panic evident in my voice.A bride yelling | Source: Midjourney”Chelsea, honey,” Brenda said. “The wedding was canceled. The directive came through your email address just three days ago.”My heart almost stopped beating.How could I have canceled my own wedding? I went through my emails, and sure enough, there it was.A person using a laptop | Source: PexelsDue to unforeseen circumstances, the wedding is off. Please notify all the guests and the vendors.But it made no sense. It was from my corporate account — an account that my family had access to because we all worked at the family business together.My mind raced — did Mom and Dad? Could they really…? No, they couldn’t have.They always said that it was my life and my choices. Even if they didn’t approve of Rasmus, they wouldn’t hurt me like this.An older couple holding white ceramic mugs | Source: PexelsI needed to hear it from them.But my parents were just as shocked as I was.”We were on a flight, honey,” my father said. “I had a business meeting, and your mother tagged along with me. We had nothing to do with it. We did get the cancellation from Brenda and just wanted to give you your space.”Then, I asked my sister. “I didn’t see any email,” Jess said. “But you know how bad I am at checking my mail.”Two women dressed nicely, talking | Source: MidjourneyThat’s when it hit me — the only other person who would have access to my email accounts, work and personal, was Rasmus.The same man who was supposed to be waiting for me at the other end of the aisle.I asked Jess to take me home, ready for answers. I needed to know what was happening and how it all unfolded without my knowledge.I walked into our little apartment, and there he was. Rasmus, sitting on the couch eating a bowl of cereal. He had no intention of leaving the house because he was in his sweatpants, wearing glasses, and his hair was wavy.A man on a couch | Source: MidjourneyHis usual armor of being well-dressed, contacts in, and hair swept into his signature hairstyle was all missing.”You canceled our wedding?” I asked before he could say anything.Rasmus didn’t even try to hide it. He had canceled the wedding because, three days ago, he realized that as much as he loved me, he wasn’t ready for marriage.A man with a sad face | Source: Midjourney”I didn’t have the courage to tell you,” he said. “I figured that you’d think the wedding was on, and then when the slip-up happened, you would want to investigate it. I thought it would take the heat off me.”As I stood there, my wedding day in ruins around me, I realized that my parents were right. Rasmus wasn’t the person for me. And as much as it hurt, a part of me was relieved he did it.A woman looking hurt | Source: MidjourneySo, here I am, looking at my wedding dress and wondering what to do with it.I’m David, Lizzy’s elder brother and her only sibling. Six months ago, Lizzy shocked everyone by canceling her wedding. She said with teary eyes, “David, I can’t go through with the wedding, not without Grandma here to see it.” Our grandma passed away shortly after all the wedding plans were finalized, and Lizzy felt she couldn’t celebrate such a big day without her.A sad woman | Source: MidjourneyDespite her decision, we didn’t cancel any of the wedding bookings. Lizzy said, “The reservations are non-refundable, David. It seems pointless to waste all that money.” As a result, the venue, the caterer, and even the hotel stays were still on hold under her name. It made sense financially, but emotionally, it just added to the heaviness of her decision. An empty wedding venue | Source: MidjourneyLittle did I know, the real story was far more complicated, and soon, I’d find myself deeply involved.Since my flights were already booked, I decided to stay at the hotel for free. Upon entering the hotel, I noticed the wedding decor was still intact.”Sad it’s of no use now,” I thought as I walked towards the reception.”Hi, I’m checking in,” I told the receptionist, showing her the booking on my phone. “Just a minute, sir,” she replied as she verified my booking.A hotel receptionist | Source: MidjourneyLooking around the hotel, I could see the staff bustling from one end to the other, seemingly preparing for an event.”Ah, you’re here for the wedding!” the receptionist chirped.”Yeah, I was,” I said. “But now I’m just using the reservation since the wedding is canceled.””Sir, the wedding is on,” the receptionist looked at me, confused. “The first event begins at 3 p.m.””What do you mean?” I asked, shocked.A shocked man | Source: Midjourney”Here’s the itinerary, sir,” she handed me a tablet with the event details. “You may take a look at it.”Sliding my finger across the screen, I read the groom’s name. It was Mike, my sister’s ex.”How is this even possible?” I gasped in shock.Mike was about to tie the knot with another woman at the same hotel Lizzy had booked for her wedding. The venue was all set for Mike to marry another woman.I immediately slid my phone out of my pocket and called Lizzy.A man using his phone | Source: MidjourneyLizzy picked up after the first ring, her voice tinged with confusion and worry. “David, what’s up? Why are you calling me from the hotel?””Lizzy, you won’t believe this,” I started, my voice shaking with anger and disbelief. “I’m at the hotel, and the receptionist just told me the wedding is still on. Mike is getting married today, at 3 p.m., but not with you—with another woman!”There was a pause, a heavy silence on the line. A woman on the phone | Source: Midjourney”What are you talking about, David? That can’t be right,” Lizzy finally responded, her voice cracking.”It’s true, Liz. I saw the itinerary. His name is there with someone else’s. How could this be happening? Didn’t you cancel everything?”Lizzy sighed deeply. “I… I didn’t cancel the wedding because of Grandma, David. I found out Mike was cheating on me. I couldn’t go through with it, but I didn’t know how to tell everyone the real reason.”A woman on the phone | Source: MidjourneyI clenched my fists, feeling a rush of protectiveness and rage. “Why didn’t you tell me? I would have helped you deal with this mess.””I was embarrassed, David.””We need to clear your name,” I said firmly. “We can’t let Mike get away with this. He’s making it look like you backed out, and he’s the victim here. Everyone thinks you’re at fault.”A man on the phone | Source: Midjourney”I know, but what can we do now?” Lizzy asked helplessly.I paced back and forth, thinking quickly. “I’m going to expose him, Liz. I’ll show everyone who he really is.”With a plan forming in my mind, I hurried off to talk to some of the hotel staff I had seen setting up earlier. I needed inside information and evidence. A friendly waiter I recognized from setting up the ballroom listened as I explained the situation.A cater waiter in an empty ballroom | Source: Midjourney”I can help you,” he said after I finished. “Mike has been bragging to everyone here about dodging a bullet with your sister. He has been using his phone a lot. You might find something there.””Can you get me access to his room?” I asked, hoping it was possible.”Leave it to me,” the waiter said.An hour later, I was inside Mike’s room, thanks to the spare key card the waiter had managed to get. A hotel hallway | Source: UnsplashI quickly found his phone charging on the bedside table. His carelessness was his downfall; he hadn’t even bothered to use a password. I scrolled through his messages and emails, finding more than enough evidence of his infidelity. I took screenshots and emailed everything to myself.Next, I called a friend who was skilled with computers. “Tom, I need a big favor. Can you put together a slideshow presentation of these screenshots? It needs to be ready to display at a wedding—today.”A man on the phone in a hotel room | Source: Midjourney”Give me an hour,” he said.With everything in place, I returned to the wedding venue. I met Tom there, and he uploaded the presentation to the AV system.I was ready with my revenge.The ceremony was about to start. Guests filled the room, murmuring happily, unaware of the drama about to unfold. I positioned myself near the back, my heart pounding.As the lights dimmed and the first slide of the romantic slideshow appeared, I used the remote Tom had given me and switched it to our presentation. A slideshow presentation at a wedding | Source: MidjourneyThe room went silent as the first incriminating message filled the screen, followed by another and then another. Gasps and murmurs spread through the crowd as Mike’s betrayal unfolded.Mike’s face turned pale as his secrets were exposed. Meanwhile, his bride, devastated, ran out of the room. The guests, in shock, murmured amongst themselves. Some comforted Lizzy, who had just arrived. Amid the chaos, I confronted Mike. A sad man in a suit | Source: Midjourney”Everyone knows the truth about you now,” I said quietly. “You can’t hide anymore.” Many guests apologized to Lizzy for believing Mike’s lies. Meanwhile, his reputation crumbled, and his personal and professional life was shattered by the truth. As the guests dispersed, Lizzy hugged me, tears of relief in her eyes. “Thank you, David,” she whispered. “You’ve given me a chance to move on.”A happy woman | Source: MidjourneyAs I, Eve, aged 23, stand on the threshold of matrimony with my beloved fiancé, Dexter, aged 24, the impending union feels like a dream. With just two months until our wedding day, I’m eager to share the remarkable journey that has led us here. But before the curtains rise on the main act, allow me to offer a glimpse into the backdrop that sets the scene for this unforgettable journey.Dexter and I have been together for four years, engaged for two. We share a darling daughter, Bella, who is the light of our lives. A happy couple | Source: MidjourneyMy family fell in love with Dexter the moment I introduced him. He and my dad bond over their love for sports and fishing, and my mom adores him, treating him like the son she never had. I’m her only daughter, so I guess she cherishes having a “son” in Dexter.However, Dexter’s family dynamic is a bit more complicated. While his parents are cordial, my relationship with his sister, Samantha, has been anything but smooth. Samantha has made it crystal clear she disapproves of me, and this animosity has been palpable from day one. A serious woman at a dinner table | Source: MidjourneyWhen Dexter and I announced our pregnancy with Bella, Samantha’s reaction was far from warm. She called us reckless for starting a family so young and didn’t hold back her harsh comments.”Couldn’t you guys have waited to have a baby until marriage, or maybe engagement? Dex, sweetie, what was the rush, really?” she’d said, her voice dripping with sarcasm and disdain.Despite her attempts to sow discord, Dexter’s and my bond only grew stronger. I remember being three months pregnant when he orchestrated the most romantic proposal I could have ever imagined. A happy couple | Source: MidjourneyIt was a cool evening, and Dexter had planned a surprise dinner at the spot where we had our first date. The area was softly lit with strings of lights, creating a magical atmosphere. As dessert was served, Dexter got down on one knee, his eyes shimmering with emotion, and asked if I would spend the rest of my life with him. Overwhelmed with joy, I said yes, tears streaming down my face. It was perfect.A couple, happy on a date | Source: MidjourneyFast forward to the wedding preparations, and something happened that I never thought possible. Samantha reached out, her tone unexpectedly warm and apologetic. She confessed to having misjudged our relationship and offered her family’s heirloom wedding dress as a gesture of reconciliation.The dress, a beautiful garment passed down through generations, was, according to Samantha, now mine to wear on my wedding day. Along with the dress, she sent a note so saccharinely sweet it was almost cloying, offering to assist with any alterations.A wedding dress on a couch | Source: MidjourneyIn an attempt to mend bridges, Samantha even asked me to babysit her six-year-old son, Drew, while she was out on business. I agreed, and that day, as I was watching Drew, he noticed the wedding dress displayed in our living room.”Isn’t it broken?” Drew innocently inquired, tilting his head at the dress.”What? The dress?” I asked, puzzled and taken aback.”Yes, the dress,” Drew said. “Mommy mentioned it tore from one end when she sat down, and she thought about throwing it away because it couldn’t be fixed.”A boy with wide eyes | Source: MidjourneyAt that moment, the pieces began to fall into place. Samantha’s sudden change of heart and her “kind” gesture were not real. As I digested this revelation, I tried to keep my composure for Drew’s sake.”Sweetie, do you know what your mom will wear for my wedding?” I asked, aiming to change the subject yet curious about his response.”Yes. A white dress. It looks like this but nicer,” Drew said, pointing to the damaged gown before running off to play, oblivious to the bombshell he had just dropped.A boy smiling | Source: MidjourneySitting there, I realized the depth of Samantha’s manipulation. She hadn’t just attempted to humiliate me; she planned to outshine me at my own wedding. The sweetness, the sudden warmth, it was all a meticulously crafted trap.It didn’t take long for the gears in my mind to start turning. I was hurt, yes, but more than that, I felt a spark of defiance ignite within me. Samantha’s ploy had been clever, designed to put me in the shadows on my own wedding day. A woman looking thoughtful | Source: MidjourneyBut as the initial shock wore off, I couldn’t help but smirk at the thought of turning the tables on her. So, that’s exactly what I decided to do.With a newfound resolve, I started planning. The idea was simple yet effective: change the dress code for the wedding. But there was a twist – I would call and inform every guest about this change except Samantha and her immediate family. A woman on the phone | Source: MidjourneyOver the next few days, I sent out emails to each guest, articulating the new theme of the wedding: everyone was to wear white. The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on me; Samantha wanted to stand out in white, and now, she would blend in with everyone else.The wedding day arrived with a buzz of excitement in the air. Guests began to arrive, each donned in various shades of white, from ivory to cream, creating a sea of uniformity. The atmosphere was electric, anticipation building for the bride’s entrance. People dressed in white for a wedding | Source: MidjourneyAnd then, there was Samantha, making her grand entrance in a white dress that was undoubtedly meant to steal the spotlight.Her confidence was palpable as she walked in, head held high, until she realized the sea of white that surrounded her. The shock on her face was priceless – her jaw dropped, and for a moment, she looked as if she might topple over in her high heels.But the best was yet to come. As the ceremony began, all eyes turned toward the back of the venue, waiting for the bride to make her entrance. The doors opened, and there I was, not in white, but in a stunning red dress that took everyone’s breath away. A woman in a red wedding dress | Source: MidjourneyThe dress was a statement, a symbol of love and defiance, and as I walked down the aisle, I could feel the strength and support of our loved ones enveloping me.Dexter’s face lit up with surprise and admiration, and I knew in that moment, we were on the same page, united against any attempt to diminish our happiness.A groom, looking happy | Source: MidjourneyThe ceremony was beautiful, filled with laughter, tears, and an overwhelming amount of love. Samantha, now just another guest in white, watched from the sidelines, her scheme foiled and her impact nullified. As the celebration continued, I felt a profound sense of victory, not just for myself, but for our family’s future, knowing that we could face anything together.A happy bride at a wedding | Source: MidjourneyLooking back, some might say I took the high road, while others might argue I stooped to Samantha’s level. But in that moment, it felt like the only way to reclaim my wedding day and send a clear message: no one could diminish our happiness or love.In the weeks leading up to my wedding, my life felt like it was hanging by a thread—one that was fraying with every secretive glance and muffled conversation my fiancé, Matt, thought he was hiding from me.A woman sitting with her legs folded | Source: PexelsThe signs were subtle at first—I know, they always are, but Matt had been an open book before that. This new version of him left me impossibly alone.Suddenly, his phone was locked with a password and would always be attached to him. He also had a sudden need for privacy—wanting to take his calls outside, away from me.A person holding a cell phone | Source: PexelsBut nothing hit harder than the day I smelled a different perfume on him. It was clear as anything that the scent just wasn’t mine. Where mine was herbal and earthy, whereas this new scent was sweet and floral.I remember the morning that I sat outside, trying to figure out the way forward.I was torn between wanting to finalize my wedding veil and wanting to confront Matt about whatever was going on behind the scenes.A woman looking thoughtful | Source: MidjourneyI phoned my sister, Annie, because I wanted some clarity.”What do you think?” I asked. “Should I confront him?””Yeah!” my sister exclaimed enthusiastically. “You’re going to marry this guy, sis. You need to know what’s going on before the wedding. Better a canceled wedding than a divorce.”I knew that my sister meant it in the best way. She wanted to open my eyes to the possibility that something extreme might be going on.”So, talk to him,” she said. “And do it soon!”A woman on a phone call | Source: PexelsI couldn’t imagine canceling my wedding. But if Matt was seeing someone else—then I didn’t have any intention of being with him. I would not allow that.I confronted Matt over dinner that evening. My voice was steady, but my heart thundered against my ribcage. I was worried that I was making things up in my mind. But the thought of there being some truth in Matt’s actions terrified me.A woman with a serious face | Source: Midjourney”I’m not going to play these games, Matt,” I said, sitting at the table.His reaction was immediate, his eyes widening, a sheen of sweat forming on his brow as if the mere accusation was enough to shatter him.”Summer,” he stammered. “There’s no other woman if that’s what you’re insinuating. I swear. This is just a private project at work—it’s all based on confidentiality at the moment. I’ve got to focus on it, but nothing can be leaked. Okay?”A serene-looking man | Source: MidjourneyMatt’s hands reached out to me as if to physically pull the trust back between us.At that moment, despite the whirlwind of doubts, I saw the fear and honesty in my fiancé’s eyes.The weekend before our wedding, Matt and I planned a dinner with our closest family and friends. We just wanted an intimate dinner before our big day—which we knew would be chaotic, following the schedule that our wedding planner had so meticulously drawn up.Family dinner | Source: PexelsMatt and I set up our garden with fairy lights, and the drinks flowed steadily.”Thank goodness you’re getting married, Matt,” Lucas, Matt’s best friend, said. “Now you’re someone else’s problem.”The guys sniggered and continued to pick at their plates.Matt, on the other hand, didn’t even pay attention to them. He was focused on his phone, his fingers texting furiously.”Matt!” my sister called out, trying to get his attention.”What?” he asked, looking up to find everyone staring at him.A man looking concerned | Source: Midjourney”Sorry,” he mumbled. “Just final wedding details.”He refused to meet my eye.I didn’t know what to make of it. As I gathered the dirty dishes and stacked them in the kitchen ready to wash—I couldn’t understand why Matt was being so shifty again.Since the confrontation, he seemed much better. Or he hid his actions better?Our wedding day arrived, bathed in the golden light of the late afternoon—just as I had dreamed.A bride | Source: MidjourneyThe church was adorned with flowers that Grace, our wedding planner, moved heaven and earth for. And the air was filled with the soft murmur of our loved ones.As Matt and I stood at the altar, hand in hand, ready to pledge our lives to each other, I felt foolish for doubting him.I knew this man cared for me. There was no way that he would have been cheating on me.Matt gave me a lopsided grin as if he read my mind. He squeezed my hand.A couple holding hands | Source: PexelsAnd then a sound shattered the moment—the church door creaking open, an intrusion that stopped the instrumentals being played.Matt, turning toward the commotion, gasped loudly.I didn’t need to turn to know—I felt his shame like a palpable wave, crashing into me and leaving me winded. But I turned anyway, to see an older woman making her way down the aisle.Lisa, Matt’s mother, the woman who raised him, dropped her handbag, her hand clutching her heart as if to steady herself.An older woman, surprised | Source: Midjourney”You?” she gasped, her voice carrying through the church.Matt had been the anchor between two different worlds—one that he was born into and the other, that he was lovingly brought into.It turned out that the woman who had begrudgingly crashed our wedding was Matt’s birth mother. Adopted by his aunt after being abandoned by his biological mother, his life was a tapestry of love stitched with secrets.A woman smiling | Source: MidjourneyMatt and I had been together for six years, and this topic had never come up. As far as I knew, his parents were Lisa and George—the two people that he had introduced as family to me since the beginning.This was a secret that should have come out a long time ago. Even if Matt had only confessed it after he proposed when he knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, that would have been perfectly acceptable to me.A woman with a curious look | Source: MidjourneyInstead, there was nothing.Matt had kept it hidden from me.So, at our wedding, Matt’s biological mother, Charmaine, Lisa’s younger sister, was revealed to us all.Matt let go of my hand and took a step toward Charmaine. I could see that a part of Matt was overjoyed, yet another part of him seemed to be embarrassed. The moment hung suspended, a breath before the storm, as his mom approached her sister.A smiling groom | Source: PexelsAll of our guests held their breath, expecting anger, reproach, perhaps even rejection. But what followed was a moment so tender, it felt as though the very foundations of the church sighed in relief.Lisa, Matt’s mom, the woman who had raised him with all the love a heart could hold, stepped forward and enveloped her sister in an embrace that spoke of forgiveness, of lost years, and of love that endures despite everything.A woman smiling at someone | Source: MidjourneyOur vows, when they finally came, were not just promises to each other but to our families—entwined by history and healed by love.The rest of the evening unfolded with Matt being stuck to my side. He didn’t try to explain anything to me. But he seemed a lot more relaxed than he had been for weeks.During our first dance, he promised to tell me everything on our honeymoon.”I’m sorry, Summer,” he said. “But there’s a reason for it all. I promise.”A bride and groom dancing | Source: MidjourneyLater, I came to understand that Matt and his mom, Lisa, had promised to keep it between themselves”Summer,” Lisa said when we went out for lunch a few days after Matt and I had returned from our honeymoon.”I don’t know what to tell you,” Lisa said. “I know that we should have told you the truth earlier. And I have been telling Matt to tell you everything.””Why didn’t he?” I asked. “Is it a trust issue?”A woman looking curious | Source: MidjourneyOur honeymoon had been incredible, but Matt and I had danced around the topic—eventually postponing it for a conversation for when we got home.Which hadn’t happened yet.”No,” Lisa reassured me, sipping her drink.”It’s the fact that this has been a secret in our family for a long time. My sister was only eighteen when she had Matt, and she was young and carefree. She loved her baby, of course. But she wasn’t ready to be a mother.”A woman talking to someone | Source: MidjourneyLisa looked at the ground for a moment.”After George and I adopted the baby, we wanted nothing more than to keep my sister in the picture,” she said.”As the cooler, younger aunt?” I asked, smiling.”Yes, exactly,” she chuckled. “But after a few months, Charmaine packed up and left. And years had passed by without us speaking. Because we just couldn’t find her. Then, she would phone us randomly and check in. Before disappearing again.”A woman smiling | Source: MidjourneyAfter a while, Lisa and I went to get ice cream and walked home. I finally felt more secure in my position in Matt’s life. Through our conversation, I felt like I was a part of the family because I understood the situation and why Matt was hesitant to tell me.At the end of the day, although he was at the heart of it—he felt that the truth was Lisa’s to tell, not his.”At least you know,” Matt said when we cuddled that evening.”I’m sorry,” he continued. “I just didn’t know how to tell you because it’s a big deal for my Mom.”A couple sitting together | Source: PexelsMatt continued to tell me how he reached out to Charmaine on social media.”I just wanted to know if she would be interested in attending the wedding. As an aunt,” he added. “I didn’t want her to come here, as a mother. No, that’s reserved for my mom.”Eventually, Matt told me how he had tried to talk to her—always in secret because if he told me who he was speaking to, then he would have had to tell me everything.A manA couple sitting together | Source: PexelsNow, we’ve invited Charmaine for dinner next week. Matt is incredibly nervous, unsure of what to expect.I just hope that she allows him in.After three years of being together, and a year to plan our dream wedding, Adam and I got married.Everything was perfect. We had our favorite food, music, and people. I thought nothing could ruin this wonderful day until I asked our photographer to show me some of our wedding photos on her camera.A camera | Source: PexelsAdam and I married at sunset, my favorite time of the day. The entire ceremony was perfectly planned for our vows to be recited while the sun streamed from all angles.Of course, then it was time to party. Adam wanted our reception to be one big bash and for our guests to have a blast.We also wanted every moment to be documented, so we hired Jack and Annie to capture our wedding bliss through the lenses.We also had a photo booth, but we wanted candid photos.Person sitting in a photo booth | Source: Pexels”We’re only getting married once,” Adam said when I questioned whether we were being too lavish with our money.”Let’s make memories, Jess,” he said, kissing my hand.During our reception, I noticed Annie sitting alone while Adam was toasting away with his groomsmen.”I’m taking a break,” she chuckled, sipping a cocktail. “Jack has it covered.””Well, while I have you,” I said, sitting beside her. “Can you show me some of the photos? I want to see what my dress looks like from the back.”A bride | Source: Midjourney”Sure,” Annie said. She hesitated, sipping her cocktail slowly while turning a little red.I turned around to look at the crowd while Annie drank.”But you look beautiful,” she said, picking up her camera.”My mom made a joke about the dress making my butt look a little big,” I chuckled, feeling the warmth from the champagne radiate through me.A bride laughing | Source: MidjourneyAnnie held the camera and, resting it lightly on her leg, began swiping through the images.I couldn’t help but smile at the photographs — I loved seeing the guests enjoy themselves.But staring at the vibrant photographs, my eye caught something peculiar in the background of one of the pictures of me and my parents. The photo captured a brief yet unexpected moment — I saw Adam holding Annie’s hand as they shared a stolen kiss. A couple kissing | Source: PexelsI could not believe my eyes. I zoomed in just to make sure I was not making it up, but it was all there. The photographer choked on the drink she was sipping, her face turning purple.I couldn’t breathe. Adam and I had only been married for about three hours, and already, he was betraying me.”Don’t you dare move,” I hissed at Annie. “Don’t you dare say a word!”Annie nodded quickly, her eyes wide at my sudden change of demeanor.A woman holding a camera | Source: PexelsBut what did she really expect? I was at my own wedding, and I had just found out that my husband had cheated. After she betrayed me like that and ruined my wedding day, I made sure her photography career would take a hit. I picked up Annie’s camera and took it to the DJ, who screened a series of photographs of Adam and me through the years while he blasted out the latest hits.”Are you sure?” he asked when I told him what I needed him to do.A DJ | Source: PexelsWhen it was time for speeches, my father talked about love and how glad he was that I had chosen Adam as my partner. But I could barely listen to a word. Instead, I sat there, recalling the subtle tension between Annie and Adam when we first met with her and Jack, her business partner.I had trusted Adam so implicitly that the thought of infidelity was a foreign invader in our relationship.A sad bride | Source: MidjourneyAfter my father toasted Adam and me, wishing us a happily married life, it was my turn to give Adam my wedding gift.Ever since I met my new husband, he has spoken about an unexplained love for Iceland.”There’s just something about the elephant rock and the lava caves, Jess. It feels magical. Maybe I lived there in another life,” he had said on our second date.When we were planning the wedding, Adam decided that the whole thing would be on him and our families, and I would surprise him with our honeymoon.A notebook for wedding planning | Source: PexelsKnowing how much effort was put into the ceremony, I wanted to surprise him with a trip to Iceland. I wanted him to experience the love he had for Iceland with me.I took the mic and spoke of Adam’s dream visit to Iceland. I watched him hang onto my every word, his eyes shining.I nodded to Duncan, our DJ.The screen flashed with the photograph of Annie and Adam.A screen showing a photo at a wedding | Source: MidjourneyI watched Adam try to mask his shock, and Annie tried to hide her face. Once filled with shouts of celebration and tipsy guests, the room echoed with gasps and hushed whispers.Adam pulled me outside, away from the guests who wanted to know more.”I’ve known Annie since we were teenagers, Jess,” he said frantically. “All the wedding planning just rekindled the past love we had. But it was fleeting. It was just a mistake, Jess.”A groom | Source: MidjourneyHe pleaded for forgiveness, tears streaming down his face. But I didn’t want to give him that — I didn’t want to forgive him.Maybe under different circumstances, I would have felt differently. But just after we got married? No way.The next day, I annulled our marriage, leaving behind the shards of shattered vows.Adam can sort things out with Annie.I still had my bags packed, ready for my honeymoon. So, I had my sister pack her bags and join me.Bags at an airport | Source: PexelsNow, I’m sitting in our hotel room, drinking hot chocolate and reflecting on what would have happened if I hadn’t seen that photo — my wedded life would have begun in ignorance. If you liked these stories, check out this other set about betrayals in marriages. Betrayals that include husbands who lie about not getting paternity leave, those who conspire with their mothers to steal from their wives, and even husbands who try to sell their wives’ homes for their benefit—it’s all here!This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.