Two days before my wedding, everything I thought I knew about love and trust was about to shatter.
I’d been feeling nervous lately—growing older, wondering if love had passed me by. But then Robert came into my life, and everything felt right. He was smart, kind, and perfect in every way. I couldn’t wait to marry him. We had a wedding planned, dresses picked out, flowers arranged, and a future ahead of us. It felt like a dream come true.
But then, two days before the big day, Robert dropped a bombshell that rocked me to the core.
We were in our bedroom when Robert walked in, his face tense, eyes avoiding mine. It stopped me cold. Something was wrong.
“What’s going on?” I asked, my voice betraying my anxiety.
He hesitated, running his hand through his hair, clearly uncomfortable. “Katherine, I’m sorry, but I have to go on a work trip.”
I stared at him, my stomach dropping. “What? But our wedding is in two days!” I felt my voice rise, sharp and accusing.
“I know,” he said quietly, his voice low with regret. “I promise I’ll be back in time, maybe even the night before the wedding.”
“Are you serious right now?” My mind was racing. “You’re leaving me alone, right before our wedding? What could be more important than this?”
Robert stepped closer, his hand reaching for me. “I wouldn’t go if it wasn’t urgent. Everything is already planned for the wedding, nothing should go wrong.” He sighed deeply. “I’m sorry this is happening. But I have to go, Katherine.”
I tried to stay calm, my anger and confusion bubbling beneath the surface. “Why?” The question came out before I could stop it.
He pulled me into a tight hug, holding me as if trying to comfort both of us. “I hate doing this, but we have our whole lives ahead of us. I’ll always be there for you. Please trust me.”
I took a deep breath, still feeling the sting of betrayal. “Who’s going with you?” I asked, voice trembling now.
“Travis,” he answered. “It’s a last-minute trip. He’s the one who needs me.”
I nodded slowly, the name “Travis” hanging in the air. Travis was Robert’s boss, so I understood. Still, the unsettling feeling in my chest wouldn’t go away.
I forced a smile. “Fine, but you owe me for this. Think about how you’re going to make it up to me.”
Robert smiled softly, brushing a kiss over my forehead. “Alright,” he said, moving to pack his bag.
I watched him, my mind swirling with questions. Why now? Why before the wedding? As he packed, I tried to keep it together, but I couldn’t ignore the growing sense that something wasn’t right.
As he zipped up his suitcase, my eyes caught sight of something that didn’t add up—his plane tickets. The destination didn’t make sense. Robert’s company had never worked in that city. My stomach churned.
When Robert finished packing, I walked him to the door. He kissed me goodbye and left without a second glance. Moments later, my phone buzzed.
I looked at the screen. Travis was calling. Why was Travis calling me now?
“Hello? Is everything alright?” I answered, my voice shaky.
“Everything’s fine,” Travis replied calmly. “I just wanted to let you know I won’t be able to make it to the wedding. I’ll be out of town on a business trip. But I’d like to send you both a gift. How can I get it to you?”
I froze. “Wait, Robert will be back before the wedding, right?” My voice wavered with confusion.
“Robert?” Travis asked, his tone confused. “I’m not sure what you mean. I would never send him on a trip right before his wedding. Did he say I did?”
I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. “Oh, no. I must’ve misunderstood,” I said, my voice panicked.
“Alright,” Travis said, but his uncertainty was clear. “Let me know about the gift. Take care.”
I didn’t waste another second. Grabbing my bag, my wallet, and my coat, I rushed out of the house. Something was off, and I needed answers.
At the airport, my hands were trembling as I booked a ticket to the city on Robert’s plane route. A seat was still available. I moved quickly through security, my heart pounding in my chest. When I was through, I slipped my hair into a hood and put on sunglasses. I was determined not to be noticed, but my mind was racing with a million questions.
There he was. Robert. Sitting near the gate, his head down, staring at his phone. I took a deep breath and positioned myself far enough away to avoid detection but close enough to follow.
When the flight was called, I let Robert board first. My heart thudded in my chest as I followed him onto the plane, keeping a safe distance. The flight felt like it would never end. I watched every move Robert made, my stomach twisting.
When we landed, I followed him through the terminal, my heart racing with each step. He hailed a taxi, and I quickly followed suit, whispering to the driver, “Follow that car, but keep your distance.”
My pulse quickened as we drove through the unfamiliar city streets. Finally, the taxi stopped in front of a small house in a quiet neighborhood. My driver pulled over a few houses away, and I paid him quickly.
I hid behind a tree and watched as Robert got out of the taxi. He stood there for a moment, looking at the door before knocking. My heart raced. Who could be inside?
The door opened, and I held my breath, trying to make out who it was. The silhouette was familiar, but it was too dark to see clearly. Then, Robert stepped inside.
I stood frozen, every part of me screaming to turn away, but my feet wouldn’t move. Slowly, I gathered the courage to creep closer. My hands shook as I peered through a nearby window.
What I saw made my heart stop. Robert was sitting at a kitchen table with a woman I didn’t recognize. They were laughing, talking, and then—he leaned in and hugged her. It was the same way he hugged me. The same warmth, the same tenderness.
Tears blurred my vision as my chest tightened. I wanted to scream, but no sound came. I couldn’t breathe. My world was crumbling.
I don’t know how long I stood there, but the sound of the door opening snapped me back to reality. I ducked into the bushes, trying to stay hidden, my heart racing. Robert walked out, his face unreadable. Without a glance back, he climbed into another taxi and drove off.
My legs were weak as I stood up. I had to know the truth. With shaky hands, I knocked on the door.
A woman I’d never seen before answered. Her eyes softened when she saw my tear-streaked face. “Are you alright?” she asked, concern in her voice. “How can I help you?”
I swallowed hard, my voice barely a whisper. “I’m Robert’s fiancée,” I said, trembling. “In two days, I’m supposed to marry him.”
Her eyes widened in shock, and she stepped aside, motioning for me to come in. “Oh, come in,” she said gently, guiding me to a seat at the kitchen table. She handed me a glass of water.
As I sipped the water, trying to steady my nerves, she sat across from me, her face kind but cautious. “I know how this must look,” she said softly. “But I promise, it’s not what you think. My name is Liz. I’m Robert’s first love.”
The words hit me like a slap. “That doesn’t make it better,” I replied, gripping the glass so hard my knuckles turned white. My mind was reeling.
Liz sighed and leaned forward, her voice steady. “He didn’t cheat on you, if that’s what you’re worried about. When Robert was younger… he wasn’t the man you know now. He came here to apologize.”
“Apologize?” I asked, my voice sharp. “Why now? Why before our wedding?”
“Because he didn’t want to carry the weight of his past mistakes into his future with you,” Liz said softly. “He loves you, Katherine. He wants a clean slate with you.”
I shook my head. “But why lie? Why didn’t he tell me?”
Liz gave me a small, understanding smile. “We all carry things with us. Some things we share, and others we keep to ourselves. I’m married now, with a family. Robert talked about you all the time. He’s so proud of you. I know you two will be happy together. We were never meant to be, but you and Robert, you will be.”
I nodded slowly, my mind still spinning. Liz offered to let me stay until my flight, and I spent the evening with her family. I saw the love they shared, and it reminded me of what Robert and I had. Slowly, my anger began to ease.
When I returned home at dawn, Robert was waiting for me at the door, worry written all over his face. “Katherine, where were you?” His voice was tight with fear. “I was so worried. I called you so many times, and you didn’t answer.”
I took a deep breath, unsure of where to start. “I… I don’t know what to say,” I admitted, my voice cracking.
Robert took a step back, his hands still on my shoulders. “Then let me start. I lied to you,” he said softly. “I wasn’t on a work trip—”
“I know,” I interrupted, my voice steady now.
Robert’s face filled with regret. “I’m sorry. I should have told you, but I didn’t do anything wrong, I swear.”
I nodded, my heart lighter than it had been in days. “I know. And I’m sorry too.”
“Sorry? Why are you apologizing?” he asked, confusion in his eyes.
“Because I doubted you,” I said, my voice trembling. “I followed you. I went to Liz’s house. I talked to her. She explained everything.”
Robert’s face softened. “Katherine, I love you. Only you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“I know,” I said, a weight lifting off my chest. “Now I’m sure of it.” I leaned forward, pulling him into a kiss.
And in that moment, I knew everything would be alright.
