paid chapter: 5
As we faced each other at the wedding altar, ready to exchange rings, my soon–to–be husband, Michael Anderson, unexpectedly requested a brief pause. Bewildered, I observed as he turned, dropped to one knee, and addressed his former flame.
before
“Sophia,” he spoke softly, “I once vowed to propose to you an audience. So, if there’s a world beyond this one, will you be
my wife?”
Sophia Rice’s eyes brimmed with tears as she nodded, sobbing, and embraced him tightly. She then looked at me and said,
“Emma, I couldn’t be Michael’s wife in this reality, but please
cherish him for me.”
I could hear the attendees murmuring around us, the
atmosphere growing tense.
My groom was in front of me, kissing another woman. And all eyes were fixed on me, anticipating the bride’s breakdown. Rather than crumbling, I calmly approached Sophia, offering a smile as I handed her my bouquet. “Why wait for another existence?” I remarked. “If you can’t release this unworthy man, I’ll relinquish him to you now.”
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For a decade, I went to great lengths to gain the approval of Michael’s relatives. I believed that marrying him and bearing
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his child would finally make him to commit. But this ceremony wasn’t about love–it only occurred because of the baby I was carrying.
And now, the man who should have been pledging his life to me was kissing someone else before everyone.
Even as I dug my fingernails into my palms, the ache in my chest was overwhelming.
But suddenly, I realized I was done tolerating this behavior.
Sophia clutched her heart and fainted into Michael’s arms after hearing my words. Without hesitation, he lifted her and rushed her to the hospital.
Before departing, he made sure to turn back and label me as “cruel” and “petty.”
I realized that what could have been resolved quickly had escalated into a major incident, leaving everyone uncomfortable. Neither my parents nor my in–laws could stop Michael, so their anger was directed at me instead.
My mother, feeling humiliated, wept and struck me, imploring me to follow Michael. My father just exhaled coldly, telling me to take care of myself as he led her away.
My mother–in–law, who had never truly accepted me, seized
this opportunity to berate me. She called me as an “uneducated Country girl” and informed me that if I wanted to helong to
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08:07 Mon, 3 Feb –
country girl” and informed me that if I wanted to belong to their family, I needed to learn to suppress my pride and never embarrass my husband publicly.
For the first time in ten years, I understood that no amount of effort or affection could make them to accept me. And at that moment, I no longer desired to be part of the Anderson clan. They departed with the other guests, instructing me to go home and contemplate my actions.
I stood at the hotel entrance, grasping the edge of my white wedding gown, watching everyone leave. Behind me, the hotel was quiet and deserted.
Before me, a sudden downpour began, mirroring the turmoil within me. After the Anderson family and all the guests had gone, my parents‘ vehicle approached. My mother lowered the window, and upon seeing them, all my pent–up emotions erupted. My eyelids fluttered as tears cascaded down my cheeks, and I cried out, “Mom,” my voice cracking.
I attempted to open the car door, but before I could, I heard the
lock engage from inside. I stared at them, shocked.
With a look of disappointment, my mother said, “I cautioned you against defying me. Now you must obey your in–laws, reflect on your behavior, and find a way to reclaim Michael. You’re
carrying their child and Sonhia can’t change that fart”
on your behavior, and find a way to reclaim Michael. You’re carrying their child, and Sophia can’t change that fact.”
“Mom, how can you say such things…” I shouted, but my words were drowned out by the rain.
Without another word, my mother raised the window and drove away.
I bit my lip, watching the car’s rear lights vanish. I couldn’t prevent the tears from falling.
