On the day I was supposed to start forever with the man I thought I loved, someone else walked into my life. It happened in a split second—a glance, a connection, a feeling I couldn’t explain. I met the love of my life at the worst possible time… on the day I was marrying another man.
Everyone says they marry the love of their life, right? Right?… Wrong. But I didn’t know that until my wedding day arrived.
Rob and I had been together for six years. We were friends, partners, lovers—everything I could have ever dreamed of.
Rob had been my best friend since college. We’d study together late in the library and grab coffee before class, always talking about anything and everything. Then, one day, something shifted, and we became more than just friends. We never fought, never yelled at each other.
Our relationship was calm, full of support and trust. It felt easy. Safe. Like home.
When Rob finally proposed, I screamed and jumped up and down, just like a little girl getting her favorite toy.
I had known he was going to do it—he wasn’t the best at hiding surprises. But when it finally happened, I still cried tears of joy. It was everything I’d ever wanted.
Then came the big day. Our wedding day. We’d planned everything down to the smallest detail—no shortcuts, no skipping out on anything. It had to be perfect. Magical.
As I rode in the car to the church, my heart was pounding, and my palms were sweaty. I kept rubbing them on my dress.
It wasn’t because I was scared of marrying Rob. No, I was scared something would go wrong—someone would trip, the music would mess up, or I’d cry too much and ruin my makeup.
When I arrived at the church, I noticed the front steps were empty. All the guests must have already gone inside. But then, I saw my dad standing there, waiting for me with a proud smile on his face.
“Well, are you ready, honey?” he asked gently.
“I’ve always been ready,” I said, my smile shaky but warm.
I slipped my arm through his, and we walked into the church together. People turned and smiled at me, but I only saw Rob.
And Rob only saw me. His eyes filled with tears, and I felt mine start to spill, too. My dad walked me down the aisle, and he gave my hand to Rob.
“You look absolutely stunning,” Rob whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.
“You don’t look bad yourself,” I said, trying to ease the tension with a joke. He laughed, and that little moment helped calm my nerves.
While the priest spoke, I noticed something strange. The photographer, whom Rob had arranged, caught my attention. I hadn’t seen him before, but now, our eyes met—and something stirred inside me. A strange sensation, like a wave crashing against my chest.
I quickly looked away and turned back to Rob, who smiled at me, as though nothing had changed.
We said our “I do’s,” kissed, and walked back down the aisle as husband and wife. But at the reception, something unexpected happened.
I stood by the punch bowl, watching it nervously. My heart was racing. The photographer walked over and reached for a glass.
“I wouldn’t do that,” I said, stepping in front of him.
The photographer looked at me, confused. “Why not? Is it poisonous?”
I forced a nervous laugh. “No, not poisonous,” I said, looking around to make sure no one was watching. “Something’s in there.”
He raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? What’s in there?”
“My wedding ring,” I whispered.
His eyes widened in surprise, then he laughed. “You’re joking.”
“I wish I was,” I said, chuckling too. “It flew off my finger while I was trying to pour a glass. I’ve been standing here trying to fish it out. I can’t reach it.”
“Well, in that case,” he said, rolling up his sleeves, “cover me.”
With that, he stuck his hand into the punch bowl, and the liquid splashed. I moved in front of him, trying to hide what was happening from anyone who might be watching.
“I’m David, by the way,” he said, feeling around in the punch.
“I’m Amelia,” I replied, still scanning the room.
“Yeah, I know,” David said with a smile. “You’re the bride.”
Just then, Rob’s boss, Michael, walked up. Michael had always been serious and cold. Rob worked late almost every night because of him, and I didn’t like him much.
“Are you enjoying your day, Amelia?” Michael asked, sipping from his glass.
“Yes, I feel like I’m in a fairy tale,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
At that moment, I felt something cold drop into my palm. It was the ring. David had found it. His fingers brushed against mine, sending a shiver down my spine.
I slipped the ring back onto my finger and stepped aside.
Michael poured himself more punch. “And who are you?” he asked, glancing at David.
“The photographer,” David answered calmly.
Michael shook his hand, his expression slightly twisted as he noticed the wet hand David had used to shake his. But he didn’t say anything. David and I moved away quickly.
“Thank you,” I said softly.
“Always happy to help,” David said with a smile, before walking away.
I stood there, my heart racing. I didn’t understand it, but something about him… I felt like I’d known him forever. I shook the feeling away, turning back to Rob and smiling. The celebration continued, but my mind kept drifting back to David.
Life with Rob felt easy and calm after the wedding. We laughed more, stayed up late talking about our future. Everything seemed better than before. But despite all that, David kept popping into my thoughts.
I couldn’t explain it. He was always there, even when I tried not to think about him.
One evening, Rob smiled and said, “Guess what? I invited David over for dinner.”
My heart skipped a beat. Then he added, “I think he and Sarah might be a good match.”
My stomach dropped. Rob wanted to set David up with his sister. I nodded, pretending everything was fine.
That evening, the four of us sat around the table. We ate, laughed, and talked. But then Sarah leaned back in her chair and said, “I don’t know. I don’t believe in love. How can you really tell who’s the right one? Out of all the 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 look at Rob, who smiled at me, his eyes full of affection.
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, shaking my head.
David met my gaze. “It is. If it’s true love, you don’t have to wait. You just know.”
I didn’t reply, and the room grew quiet. Rob broke the silence. “Amelia, didn’t you say you once wanted to learn photography? Maybe David could show you some things.”
I froze. My heart skipped a beat. I opened my mouth but no words came out.
David smiled. “Sure, I’d be happy to.”
I nodded, but inside, I was nervous. Not because of the camera, but because something about being near David made me feel shaky. Like I was on the edge of something I couldn’t control.
We began meeting to talk about photography. At first, it was just about lenses and light, learning how to use the settings on a camera.
We walked through parks, quiet streets, and fields. Sometimes we didn’t even take pictures. We just talked. But each time we were together, I felt that pull—the pull that made me feel like I had known him forever, even though I had just met him.
Every time his hand brushed mine, I felt goosebumps. His eyes would linger on mine longer than they should. I couldn’t deny it. I began to crave those moments.
One afternoon, we were in the woods, taking photos. David stepped behind me to help me frame a shot, and his arms brushed close to mine. I couldn’t breathe. Butterflies filled my chest.
“Stop doing that!” I snapped, louder than I intended.
David stepped back, looking confused. “Doing what?”
“All of this. The looks. The touches. The time we spend together. I know you feel it too.”
He stayed silent for a moment. I took a deep breath. “It’s wrong. I’m married.”
“We haven’t done anything,” he said softly. “We’re just talking. Just taking pictures.”
“No. It’s more than that. And you know it. I can’t pretend anymore.”
David stared at me, and his voice was gentle. “You’re right. I won’t lie. I feel it too. I’m sorry. I never meant to cause this. Tell me what to do. If you tell me to leave, I’ll go, and we’ll never see each other again.”
I paused. “What do you want?”
He looked down, then met my eyes. “I want you.”
Tears filled my eyes. “I can’t… I’m sorry.”
I turned and ran to the car. I prayed he wouldn’t follow me. Because if he did, I wouldn’t be able to resist.
My heart was heavy. I didn’t understand what was happening. I didn’t plan any of it.
I loved Rob, didn’t I? He was kind. He cared for me. He never raised his voice or made me cry. Being with him felt safe. It felt easy.
But with David, it was different. There was that rush. That pull. The spark I couldn’t explain.
When I came home, the house felt quiet. Too quiet. Rob was already in bed, lying still, eyes closed.
“Are you asleep?” I asked, my voice trembling.
He opened one eye. “Not yet. Just really tired. Long day at work.”
I stood by the bed, hands shaking. “Rob, I need to tell you something. It’s hard. I don’t even understand it myself.”
He didn’t move.
“I didn’t plan this. I don’t want to hurt you. But I’ve fallen in love with someone else.”
He didn’t say anything. I leaned in closer, but his breathing stayed slow and steady. He was asleep.
“No, please don’t sleep. I’m trying to be honest,” I whispered, but he didn’t answer.
I pulled the blanket up to his shoulders. “You’re still my best friend. I never wanted this to happen.”
And with that, Rob fell asleep, either not hearing me or not wanting to.
The next day, I stayed quiet. I tried to act normal. I told myself to move on. I tried not to think about David.
But one afternoon, at Sarah’s house, Rob and I were barely speaking. Something was off between us.
Sarah smiled and talked about our wedding. “It was beautiful, like a dream.”
Rob stood up, his face tight. “I can’t do this anymore,” he said, then walked outside.
I rushed after him, my heart pounding. “Rob! Where are you going?” I called.
He stopped near the car but didn’t turn around. “I can’t do this anymore. I heard what you said 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, his face calm, but his eyes were full of sadness. “But you love someone else, Amelia. I know it. And you deserve more than what we have now.”
“We can fix it,” I whispered. “I won’t leave you.”
“I know,” he said. “That’s why I have to leave. If I stay, you’ll stay. You’ll never go to him. But you’ll always think of him. That’s not fair for either of us.”
“Rob, please,” I whispered. “I’m sorry.”
He shook his head. “Go live your real life. With the one you love.”
And then he turned and walked away.
I stood there, shaking. I wanted to go back inside, but when I turned, I saw Sarah at the door. Her eyes were full of emotion.
“Sarah, I—” I started.
She cut me off. “He’s right. We all deserve love. Real love. So go. Go to your stranger.”
Tears streamed down my face. I nodded weakly and took off, running toward David’s house.
My legs burned, my chest ached, but I didn’t stop. When I reached his place, I saw him stepping into a taxi.
“David! Wait!” I yelled.
He stopped and turned. “No, Amelia. Please. You have someone else. I can’t do that.”
“Rob left me,” I said. “I’m free now.”
His eyes widened. “Really?”
I nodded.
David stared at me for a moment, then rushed toward me. Without a word, he took my face in his hands and kissed me.
The world disappeared. I couldn’t hear anything. I couldn’t think. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst.
It felt wrong. But in that moment, it felt right. That kiss changed everything. It was the best decision I’d ever made. Because now, I feel that same love every single day.
