Two days before my wedding, my fiancé Robert broke some unexpected news — he had to go on an unexpected business trip. Something was wrong, and when the call from his boss didn’t come through, I followed him. What I discovered was not at all what I expected, causing me to question my trust, my love, and the man I was about to marry.
When I turned thirty, I felt a growing fear that I would never get married. I worried that love had passed me by. But here I was, just two days away from becoming a wife.
It felt like a dream. I was about to start a new chapter in my life with Robert, the man who had stolen my heart and shown me what love could really be. Robert was everything I had ever wanted: intelligent, kind and endlessly generous.
Even when I was upset, he could make me laugh with his silly jokes or warm smile. I felt complete.
But that joy vanished as soon as Robert entered the bedroom. His anxious expression made me freeze. Something was wrong.
‘What’s wrong?’ I asked as soon as I noticed his worried expression.
Robert hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. ‘Catherine, I’m very sorry, but I have to go away on business.’
‘What?’ I said, frowning. ‘But our wedding is in two days.’
‘I know,’ he said, his voice soft. ‘I promise I’ll be back in time. Maybe even the night before the wedding.’
‘Are you serious? You’re leaving me alone at a time like this?’ My voice sounded sharper than I intended, but I couldn’t help it.
Robert sighed and moved closer. “I wouldn’t go if it wasn’t important. Everything’s been planned, so nothing should go wrong. I’m sorry it turned out this way, but I really have to go.”
‘But why?’ I asked, feeling the heat rise to my face. Words failed me as I tried to hold back my emotions.
Robert pulled me towards him and hugged me tightly. ‘I hate doing this to you, but we have our whole lives ahead of us. I’ll always be there for you, Catherine.’
‘Who’s going with you?’ I asked, my voice now quieter.
‘Travis. That’s why it’s so important,’ he said. I knew Travis was his boss, and I understood him. Still, I wanted to scream like a child. But I held back. After all, I was an adult.
‘All right,’ I said after a long pause. ‘But think about how you’re going to make up for it while you’re gone.’
Robert chuckled softly, his lips brushing my forehead. ‘Okay,’ he said. Then he turned and began packing his things.
Robert moved quickly, folding his clothes and putting them in a bag. I remained sitting on the bed, watching him silently, hoping he would change his mind. Every item he packed seemed like a step further away from me.
My gaze fell on the edge of the bed, where his plane tickets lay. My attention was drawn to the destination.
I didn’t think his company operated in this town. Maybe they’re expanding, I thought, trying to convince myself that it made sense.
When he finished, I walked him to the door. He hugged me tightly, kissed me goodbye, and left. A few minutes later, my phone buzzed.
When I saw Travis’s name, my heart skipped a beat. Why was he calling? Had something happened to Robert?
‘Hello? Is everything okay?’ I asked, my voice trembling as I clutched the phone.
‘Everything’s fine,’ Travis replied calmly. “I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be able to come to your wedding. I’ll be out of town on business. But I’d still like to send you and Robert a gift. How can I get it to you?”
My stomach clenched. ‘Wait, Robert will be back for the wedding, right?’ I asked, feeling confused.
‘Catherine, I don’t quite understand what you mean,’ Travis said, puzzled. ‘I would never send Robert on a trip so close to his wedding. Did he say I did?’
I froze, trying to think of a response. ‘Oh, no. I must have misunderstood,’ I said quickly. ‘I’ll let you know about the gift.’
‘Okay,’ Travis said, his tone uncertain. ‘Let me know if you need anything.’ Then he hung up.
Without thinking, I grabbed my bag, purse, and coat, leaving everything else behind. As I drove to the airport, my thoughts raced.
Robert had lied to me. I didn’t know why, but I needed answers. The uncertainty was unbearable.
My hands were shaking when I booked a ticket for his flight. Fortunately, there were still seats available.
At security, I tried to take off my shoes and jacket, feeling like everyone was staring at me.
After passing through, I tucked my hair into my hood and put on my sunglasses. I scanned the waiting area and then I saw him.
Robert was sitting by the gate, his head down, looking at his phone. I sat far enough away to remain unnoticed, but close enough to keep an eye on him.
When the flight was announced, I let him board first. My heart pounded as I followed him onto the plane, keeping my distance.
I couldn’t believe I was doing this, but I had to know the truth. The flight seemed endless. Every time Robert moved in his seat, I wondered what he was thinking.