As I stood at the altar, watching Sarah walk toward me in her glowing white dress, I felt like the luckiest man alive. Her smile lit up the room, her eyes locked on mine, and my heart raced with love. We’d met a year ago at our marketing firm, where she was my assistant. Sarah was sharp, warm, and brought joy to every moment. I’d gushed to my sister, Lisa, about how Sarah made life feel magical. Lisa cautioned me about her past—she’d been married young to her ex, Matt, and their divorce was rough. I didn’t care. Sarah was my future. As she reached me, her hand in mine, I was ready to say “I do.” Then the doors burst open with a bang.
Matt stood there, his face grim. I’d met him briefly at work, but now his voice rang out, cold and clear. “Sorry, but this wedding’s canceled in five minutes.” Gasps echoed through the chapel. Sarah’s fingers froze in mine, and dread coiled in my gut. “Leave, Matt,” I growled, stepping toward him. He didn’t budge. “You deserve the truth, James. Sarah’s pregnant.” The word hit like a slap. I turned to Sarah, expecting a denial, but her face was ashen, her eyes wide. Before I could speak, Matt’s voice cut deeper. “It’s my kid.” My knees weakened, and I stared at him, fury rising. “You’re making this up,” I said, but my voice shook.
Sarah’s voice trembled. “James, please, I can explain.” Matt scoffed. “Explain how you’ve been seeing me for months?” The guests whispered, and my heart sank. Months? Half our relationship? Matt’s tone turned bitter. “She’s after your money, James, your secure life. Not love.” I looked at Sarah, desperate for her to deny it, but she stood silent, shaking. Then she swayed and crumpled to the floor. The room exploded into chaos, guests yelling for help. I dropped to my knees, holding her cold, still body, my mind a blur of betrayal and fear, but all I cared about was her waking up.
In the hospital, the steady beep of machines filled the quiet. Sarah lay in the bed, pale and small, an IV dripping into her arm. The doctor said stress from the pregnancy caused her collapse, a protective reaction to overwhelming emotions. She’d recover with rest, but the baby needed monitoring. I sat there, staring at her, wondering if I’d pushed her to this or if it was her secrets. When she stirred, her eyes found mine, brimming with tears. “James, I’m so sorry,” she whispered. My throat tightened. “You let me believe we were real,” I said, my voice raw. “You were with him the whole time.” She looked away, gripping the sheet. “I wanted to be with you,” she said. “I thought I could leave him behind.”
Her confession stung. She’d wanted a stable life with me, but her heart was tangled with Matt. I was angry, but seeing her so broken hurt too. “We need a paternity test,” I said. She nodded, no resistance. Two weeks later, the results confirmed Matt was the father. I sat in my car, staring at the report, the truth tearing me apart. Sarah’s calls went unanswered. At Lisa’s house, I spilled everything. “Would you have stayed if it was yours?” she asked. “No,” I said. “Trust is gone.” Mom said time would heal me, but I wasn’t sure.
I threw myself into work, avoiding Sarah’s tired eyes at the office. One night, Matt caught me in the parking lot. “She loved you,” he said. “It just wasn’t enough.” I nodded, letting him walk away. The pain lingered, but I was done holding onto it. Love had let me down, but I’d find my strength again, one step at a time.
