THE FIVE WORDS THAT SHATTERED MY WORLD
I met Daniel at a charity gala. Not the most romantic setting, but we clicked instantly. We were both in our thirties, past the reckless stage, ready for something real.
He was steady, kind, the kind of man who never made promises he couldn’t keep.
So when he proposed? No doubt. A thousand times yes.
The wedding was perfect. Golden sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow over our guests. Teary smiles, soft laughter. My heart swelled as I walked down the aisle. This was it. My forever.
The ceremony was smooth, every vow sealing our promise. Then came the moment.
“If anyone has any reason why these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
Silence.
I exhaled. Relief.
Then, a chair scraped against the floor. A sharp sound in the stillness.
I turned.
A figure stood at the back of the room. A man. His face was unreadable, his posture rigid.
And then he spoke. Five words.
“Daniel already has a wife.”
The world tilted. The air vanished.
I looked at Daniel. His face had drained of all color. His mouth opened, but no words came out.
Because it was true.