Standing at the altar, Nathan felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was supposed to be one of the happiest days of his life, waiting for his fiancée, Jane, to walk down the aisle in the stunning white gown they had picked out together. But when she finally appeared, his heart sank. Instead of the dress they had chosen, she wore a long black gown, the kind of attire one might expect at a funeral. Confusion and dread washed over him as he wondered, Why is she doing this? What could be wrong?
As Jane approached, her eyes burned with a fury that sent chills down Nathan’s spine. The guests gasped, their eyes wide with shock and curiosity. When she reached him at the altar, he took her hands in his, whispering urgently, “Why are you wearing black? What’s going on?” Her expression was cold, devoid of the warmth he had come to cherish. “I’ll tell you after the ceremony,” she replied, her gaze unwavering, as if he were a stranger who had committed an unforgivable crime. Panic surged within him.
“Wait!” he called out, and the church fell into a heavy silence. “Tell me. Tell me why you’re wearing black. Now,” he demanded, oblivious to the storm that was about to erupt.
“It’s all because of your mother,” Jane revealed, her voice steady yet laced with emotion. “She told me everything.”
“What do you mean?” Nathan asked, his heart racing. He saw tears welling up in Jane’s eyes. “What did my mom say about Lauren?” he pressed, confusion and fear gripping him.
“She said you’ve been cheating on me with Lauren,” Jane announced, her voice trembling as gasps rippled through the crowd. “She said you two were having an affair and that you planned to leave me for her. That’s why I’m wearing black. To mourn the love we once had, Nathan.”
Nathan’s mind reeled. “This is not true, Jane,” he pleaded, desperation drowning his words. “I swear I never cheated on you. Lauren and I are just friends. I don’t know why my mom would say that.” His eyes scanned the crowd, searching for his mother, but she was nowhere to be seen.
“I don’t believe you,” Jane replied, her voice firm. “I know you’re lying because that’s what you’ve always done.”
“Jane, please,” he begged, reaching for her hand, but she pulled away as if he were toxic. “Mom never liked you. She’s trying to sabotage us. Please, you have to trust me.”
“Oh, I see,” Jane shook her head, her expression a mix of anger and hurt. “But it’s not just about the affair, Nathan. I know your secret. I know you’ve been lying to me.”
“What secret?” he asked, dread pooling in his stomach. Jane looked around the church, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made his heart race.
“You lied about your family’s finances,” she spat. “You hid that your family is bankrupt and you’re marrying me to use my money to save your business. Isn’t that true?”
Panic surged through him. What she said was partially true, but he never intended for it to come out this way. Yes, his family business was in dire straits, and yes, he had hoped marrying Jane might help, but his love for her was genuine. “Listen, Jane,” he started, desperation clawing at him. “Let me explain—”
“Explain what?” she interrupted, her voice rising. “That your mother pressured you to find a wealthy woman to save the family business? She told me everything. I just can’t believe I was so dumb to fall in love with a man like you!”
Nathan’s heart sank, and for a moment, he struggled to find the words. “It’s over, Nathan,” Jane declared, her voice resolute as she turned to walk away. The whispers of the guests swirled around him, but he couldn’t let her go like that.
“Jane, wait!” he shouted, rushing after her. “Please, just listen to me.”
“I don’t want to listen to your lies, Nathan,” she replied, not bothering to look back. He stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
“I swear I’m not lying to you,” he protested, desperation flooding his voice. “I don’t know why Mom said all this to you, but I think it’s because she doesn’t like you. I never told you this, but my mom wasn’t really happy with our relationship.”
“And why should I believe you?” she shot back, frustration and hurt etched across her face.
At that moment, Lauren stepped out of the church, her expression earnest. “Jane, listen,” she said. “I don’t know what your mother-in-law told you, but there’s nothing going on between Nathan and me. He loves you deeply. Trust me.”
Jane’s gaze shifted between Nathan and Lauren, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. “If I wanted to marry you for your money, I would’ve never signed the prenup,” Nathan said, taking her hands. “I signed it to protect your money and your future. I wouldn’t have done that if I had my eyes on your fortune.”
“But why did you hide your family’s financial situation?” she pressed, her voice steady despite the pain in her eyes. “What if you’re hiding more? Why should I trust you?”
He took a deep breath, knowing he had to be honest. “You’re right, Jane. I should’ve told you about my family’s situation, but I was scared you’d leave me.” He paused, the weight of his next words hanging heavy. “There’s something else I’ve never told you.”
Jane folded her arms, her expression a mix of impatience and curiosity. “What is it?”
“My mom hates me,” he confessed, pain lacing his voice. “Years ago, I took a DNA test in college and found out my father wasn’t my biological father. When I confronted her, everything fell apart. Dad left us, taking all the money with him.”
“That’s why she lied to you,” he continued. “She wanted to ruin my wedding because she can’t stand seeing me happy. I guess she pretended to accept you, waiting for the right moment to sabotage our relationship. I’m sorry for keeping all this from you. I was embarrassed.”
As he spoke, he noticed Jane’s anger begin to fade, replaced by sympathy. “You didn’t tell me because you were embarrassed?” she asked softly. “We were supposed to build a new life together, Nathan. But you were hiding so much from me. Do you think I can trust you after all this?”
He felt a deep ache in his chest, knowing she was right. “I’m sorry, Jane,” he said, looking down, defeated. “I know I’ve made mistakes, but I love you.”
“I’m sorry too, Nathan,” she replied, tears glistening in her eyes as she wiped her cheeks. “I guess this is how it ends. I can’t live with someone who keeps secrets.”
With that, the love of his life, the woman he adored more than anything, turned and walked away. Tears streamed down Nathan’s face as he watched her get into her car and drive away from the church. He felt powerless, knowing she was right.
In the days that followed, my life spiraled. I confronted my mother, severing ties with her for the lies that had caused so much pain. I tried calling Jane countless times, but she never answered. I had lost the love of my life due to lies, betrayal, and secrets that should have never existed. The weight of regret settled heavily on my shoulders, a painful reminder of what could have been.