While working at a wedding, I suddenly saw the groom – it was my husband, David. Seeing him with another woman, pretending to be someone else, I felt my world fall apart. In that moment, everything I thought about my life was turned upside down.
Ah, weddings… They always had a way of awakening memories, bringing me back to the day David and I took our vows to each other. Our wedding wasn’t lavish or lavish – not at all.
We were just two lovers who didn’t care about fancy decorations or a big celebration. Even after seven years of marriage, those memories still made me smile.
Working as a waitress for a catering company, I was constantly at weddings. Every time I walked into the beautifully decorated hall, smelling the scent of fresh flowers in the air, I involuntarily remembered our humble ceremony. If only I had known how fragile things can be…..
That day, like any other day, we arrived early to get everything ready before the guests and newlyweds arrived.
An hour later, the guests started to arrive, their excited chatter filling the hall as they waited for the bride and groom to return from their photo shoot. I was in the bathroom when my colleague Stacey came running in, her face pale with excitement.
‘Laurie, listen,’ she said in a trembling voice, ‘you need to go home.
Go home? Why would I do that? – I asked. – Are you trying to take over my shift? I’m sorry, but I need the money too.
Stacy shook her head, looking more nervous than I’d ever seen her.
No, Laurie, you don’t understand. I really don’t think you should be here.
What are you talking about? Why are you acting so weird? – I asked. – Stacey, seriously, what’s going on?
She bit her lip, looking towards the hall.
You’re not going to like what you see.
I headed back into the hall, anxious thoughts of Stacey’s words running through my mind. My heart almost stopped when I saw the bride and groom.
Stacey was right – I shouldn’t have come.
There, in front of all the guests, stood David…my David. The man I’d lived with for seven years was now with another woman.
It took my breath away. I felt like the ground had fallen away from under my feet. I couldn’t comprehend what was happening. I turned around and ran outside, tears streaming down my face. It was a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from.
I collapsed against the wall, trying to catch my breath. Through my tears, I looked at the sign with the bride and groom’s names on it, ‘Welcome to the wedding of Kira and Richard.’ Richard?! Liar!
Stacey ran out after me. She tried to say something, to comfort me, but I couldn’t hear anything. The only thing on my mind was his betrayal. I brushed away my tears, feeling the anger building inside me. I wasn’t going to let this go. No. I would ruin this wedding and expose him.
I returned to the hall just as the newlyweds were giving their first toast. My heart was racing, but I knew I had to do it.
I headed straight for David and snatched the microphone out of his hands. He looked at me with shock and anger, but I didn’t care. He deserved what was about to happen.
I have an announcement to make! – I said loudly into the microphone, and my voice echoed around the room.
Everyone froze, and the room filled with silence.
The woman standing next to him clung to him like a life preserver. She looked at me with wide-open eyes, clearly not understanding what was going on.
David, or as you know him, Richard, has deceived you all! – I began, my rage growing. – He’s already married! To me!
A loud gasp shook the crowd, and I saw the faces of the guests change from surprise to shock.
What?’ the bride whispered, her voice shaking. She turned to David, her eyes filling with tears. – Richard, what’s going on? Who is this woman?
David shook his head, feigning confusion.
‘I… I don’t know,’ he mumbled. – This is the first time I’ve seen this woman.
Seven years of marriage and you don’t know me?! – I shouted, feeling my rage boiling up inside me.
What? What seven years of marriage? – he continued to pretend.
I pulled out my phone and showed a picture of our wedding. There was a dead silence in the room.
Kiera stepped closer, her eyes widening when she saw the picture.
Richard…? – she whispered. – How could you!!!
But the groom had started lying again.
I don’t know who that woman is! – he continued.
I laughed.
Maybe you’re just with her for the money?
Shut up!’ David shouted.
Kira shook her head, her tears streaming.
No, Richard. I can’t be with you.
She rushed away. David rushed after her.
I ran out after him and saw him sitting on the kerb, in tears.
Of course you’re playing up the drama,’ I said, crossing my arms.
You ruined everything! – he bellowed.
You married someone else while you were married to me!
I’m not your husband!
I dialled David’s number.
Yes, darling? – His voice came out.
I froze. The man in front of me looked the same, but it wasn’t him.
Half an hour later, my real husband arrived. They stared at each other like reflections in a mirror.
It turned out that David and Richard were twins, separated as children. They never knew about each other.
Later, we convinced Kira to come back. When she saw the two identical men, she cried and hugged Richard.
‘I’m sorry I doubted you,’ I said to David.
It’s okay, I would have done the same if I were you,’ he replied.
My husband had found a brother, and I had found a friend I couldn’t imagine having outside of my life.
