On the day I was about to start forever with the man I thought I loved, someone else stepped into my life. It all happened in a flash—a look, a feeling that I couldn’t explain. I met the love of my life at the worst possible time… on the very day I was supposed to marry another man.
Everyone believes they marry the love of their life, right? That’s how it’s supposed to be, isn’t it? Well, I thought so. But I didn’t realize how wrong I was until the wedding day arrived.
Rob and I had been together for six years. We had been friends, partners, and lovers. If you had asked me back then, I would have said I couldn’t dream of anything more perfect.
Rob had been my best friend since college. We studied together late at night in the library, grabbing coffee before class, talking about everything and nothing. We shared everything, always.
Then, one day, it changed. One moment, we were just friends, and the next, we were more. We never fought. We never yelled. We had that kind of relationship that was calm, built on trust, and full of support. It was easy. It was safe. It felt like home.
When Rob finally proposed, I screamed, jumping around like a little girl who had just gotten her favorite toy.
I had suspected he would propose—he’s not exactly great at hiding surprises—but still, when it happened, I was overwhelmed with joy. Tears of happiness flooded my face.
Then, the big day arrived. Our wedding. It was the day we had dreamed of. We had planned every detail, down to the tiniest thing. There were no shortcuts. Everything had to be perfect. Everything had to be magical.
As I rode in the car to the church, I could feel my heart racing. My palms were sweaty, and I kept rubbing them on my dress. I wasn’t nervous about marrying Rob. It wasn’t that. I was terrified something would go wrong—someone might trip, the music might mess up, or I might cry too much and ruin my makeup.
When I got to the church, I noticed the front steps were empty. All the guests must have already gone inside. Then I saw my dad standing there, waiting for me, with that proud smile I knew so well.
“Well, are you ready, honey?” he asked gently.
“I’ve always been ready,” I said, trying to hide my nerves with a shaky smile.
I slid my arm through his, and together, we stepped into the church. People turned to smile at me, but all I saw was Rob. And all he saw was me. His eyes filled with tears, and mine weren’t far behind. My dad led me down the aisle and passed my hand to Rob.
“You look absolutely stunning,” Rob whispered, his voice full of emotion.
“You don’t look bad yourself,” I said, trying to joke, though I was a little nervous. His laughter made me feel lighter.
As the priest spoke, I couldn’t help but notice the photographer. Rob had set everything up, and I hadn’t seen him until now. Our eyes met, and I felt something shift inside me—a rush, like a wave crashing into my chest. I quickly turned away, trying to focus on Rob, who was smiling at me, his eyes full of love.
We said our “I do’s,” kissed, and walked down the aisle as husband and wife. But later, during the reception, something unexpected happened.
I was standing by the punch bowl, nervously watching it. My heart was pounding in my chest. The photographer walked over and reached for a glass.
“I wouldn’t do that,” I said, stepping in front of him.
The photographer gave me a confused look. “Why not? Is it poisonous?”
I let out a nervous laugh. “No, not poisonous,” I said, then glanced around. I leaned in closer and whispered, “Something’s in there.”
He raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? What’s in there?”
“My wedding ring,” I whispered.
His eyes widened, then he laughed. “You’re joking.”
“I wish I was,” I said, laughing too. “It flew off my finger when I was pouring a glass. I’ve been standing here, trying to fish it out. I can’t get it.”
“Well,” he said, rolling up his sleeve, “let’s fix this.”
He pushed his sleeve past his elbow and stuck his hand into the punch. The liquid splashed a bit, and I moved in front of him to cover him from anyone who might see.
“I’m David, by the way,” he said, feeling around inside the bowl.
“I’m Amelia,” I said, keeping my eyes on the room.
“Yeah, I know. You’re the bride,” he said with a smile.
Just then, Rob’s boss, Michael, walked over. I didn’t like him. He was always serious, distant, and cold. Rob often worked late because of him.
“Are you enjoying your day, Amelia?” Michael asked, holding a glass of punch.
“Yes,” I said, trying to sound calm, “I feel like I’m in a fairy tale.”
Just then, I felt something cold slip into my palm. It was the ring. David had found it. His fingers brushed mine, and a strange thrill ran through me. I quickly slipped the ring back on and stepped away.
Michael poured himself some punch, looking at David. “And who are you?”
“The photographer,” David replied calmly.
Michael extended his hand, and David shook it with the same hand that had just been in the punch. Michael twitched but didn’t say anything. David and I quickly moved away.
“Thanks,” I said quietly.
“Always happy to help,” he said, giving me a soft smile before walking off.
I stood there for a moment, trying to shake off the strange feeling in my chest. I didn’t understand it, but it was there. I looked back at Rob, trying to focus, but that strange feeling stuck with me.
After the wedding, life with Rob felt perfect. Everything seemed easy and calm. We laughed more, spent late nights talking about our future. It all seemed better than it ever had been.
But still, my thoughts would wander to David. His face would appear when I least expected it. I didn’t want it to, but I couldn’t stop it.
One evening, Rob smiled as he said, “Guess what? I invited David for dinner tonight.”
My heart skipped a beat. Then he added, “I think he and Sarah might make a good match.” Rob wanted to set David up with his sister. I nodded, trying to act normal.
That evening, the four of us sat around the table, eating, laughing, and talking.
Then Sarah leaned back in her chair and said, “I don’t believe in love. How can you really know who’s the right one? Out of all people in the world?”
I looked at her and spoke softly. “I think you know over time. Love grows. You feel safe. You feel at home.”
I turned to Rob, and he smiled at me.
David shook his head. “No. I think you know right away. One look, and something clicks. You feel it deep inside.”
“That’s not real,” I said.
David met my eyes and said, “It is. If it’s true love, you don’t have to wait. You just know.”
I didn’t reply. The room fell quiet for a moment. Then Rob spoke. “Amelia, didn’t you once say you wanted to learn photography? Maybe David could show you some tricks.”
I froze. I opened my mouth but couldn’t speak.
David smiled. “Sure, I’d be happy to.”
I nodded, but inside, I felt nervous. Not because of the camera, but because something inside me was pulling me toward him. I didn’t know if I could trust myself. I was scared of crossing a line.
But we started meeting, taking pictures together. At first, we just talked about cameras and lenses. We walked through parks, fields, and quiet streets. Sometimes, we didn’t take any pictures. We just talked.
And that feeling—it never went away. That pull, that connection, like we had known each other for years.
Every time his hand brushed mine, I felt those butterflies. His gaze would linger too long, and I’d feel my heart race. I didn’t want those moments to end. I began to look forward to them.
One afternoon, in the woods, he stood behind me to help me frame a shot. His arms came close. My chest tightened. Butterflies swarmed. I froze.
“Stop doing that!” I blurted, louder than I meant to.
David stepped back. “Doing what?” he asked, confused.
“All of this. The touches. The looks. The way we spend time together. You know what I’m talking about.”
He stayed silent. I took a deep breath. “It’s wrong. I’m married.”
“We haven’t done anything,” he said gently. “We’re just talking. Just taking pictures.”
I shook my head. “No. It’s more than that. And you know it. I can’t pretend anymore.”
David met my gaze. “You’re right. I won’t lie. I feel it too. I’m sorry. I never meant for this to happen. Just tell me what to do. If you want me to leave, I will, and we won’t see each other again.”
I paused. “What do you want?”
He lowered his eyes, then looked back at me. “I want you.”
Tears filled my eyes. “I can’t… I’m sorry.”
I turned and ran to the car, my heart heavy. I prayed he wouldn’t follow me. Because if he did, I wasn’t sure I could resist.
At home, everything felt too quiet. I walked into our bedroom and saw Rob lying still, eyes closed, but I knew I had to speak.
“Are you asleep?” I asked softly.
He opened one eye. “Not yet. Just really tired. Long day at work.”
I stood by the bed, my hands trembling. “Rob, I need to tell you something. It’s hard, and I don’t even understand it myself.”
He didn’t move.
“I didn’t plan this. I never wanted to hurt you. But I’ve fallen in love with someone else.”
He didn’t say anything. I leaned closer, but his breathing was steady. He was asleep.
“No, please don’t sleep. I’m trying to be honest with you,” I whispered. He didn’t respond.
I pulled the blanket up around him, then said softly, “You’re still my best friend. I never wanted this to happen.”
And then, Rob fell asleep, not hearing me—or maybe not wanting to.
After that night, I stayed quiet. I tried to act like everything was normal. I convinced myself to move on. But all I could think about was David.
A few days later, we were at Sarah’s house, and Rob and I hadn’t spoken much. Everything felt off.
Sarah smiled and reminisced about our wedding, saying it had been beautiful, like a dream.
Then, Rob stood up. His face tightened. “I can’t do this anymore,” he said, walking outside.
My heart raced as I ran after him. “Rob! Where are you going?”
He stopped by the car but didn’t turn around. “I can’t do this anymore. I heard you that night. I wasn’t asleep. I just didn’t want to deal with it.”
I froze. “Rob, please. I’ll stay. I’ll be with you.”
He looked at me, calm, but his eyes were filled with sadness. “But you love someone else, Amelia. I know it. And you deserve more than this.”
“We can fix it,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “I won’t leave you.”
“I know,” he said, his voice steady. “That’s why I have to leave. If I stay, you’ll stay. You’ll never go to him. But you’ll always think about him. That’s not fair.”
“Rob, please,” I begged.
He shook his head. “Go live your real life. With the one you love.”
Then he turned and walked away.
I stood there, trembling. I wanted to go back inside, but when I turned, I saw Sarah at the door. Her eyes were full of unshed tears.
“Sarah, I—” I started.
She didn’t let me finish. “He’s right. We all deserve real love. Go. Go to your stranger.”
Tears spilled down my face. I nodded and ran.
My legs burned, my chest ached, but I didn’t stop. When I finally reached David’s house, I saw him stepping into a taxi.
“David! Wait!” I shouted.
He turned. “No, Amelia. You’re with someone else. I can’t do this.”
“Rob left me,” I said, my heart pounding. “I’m free now.”
David’s eyes widened. “Really?”
I nodded.
David paused for a moment, then ran to me, taking my face in his hands. He kissed me fiercely. The world disappeared. I couldn’t hear anything, couldn’t think. My heart pounded in my chest, a feeling stronger than anything I’d ever known.
I knew it was wrong. I was scared. But in that moment, it felt right. And that kiss changed everything.
It was the best decision I’d ever made. Because now, I feel that love every single day.
