The Backup Bride's Revenge

On my wedding day, I caught my fiancé in the dressing room, locked in a passionate kiss with my best friend, Sunny Tucker. Before I could even react, my childhood sweetheart—someone I hadn't seen in years—burst in, tore into them with furious words, and then, in front of everyone, confessed his love for me.

I fell for him. He treated me with a kindness and devotion my ex had never shown. For a while, I was blissfully happy—until a few days before we were set to sign our marriage papers.

That night, my childhood sweetheart, Sebastian North, threw a party with his friends. As I passed by, I overheard a conversation that shattered my world.

"Sebastian," one of his friends asked, "are you sure you want to marry Cassie Sanders? Don't you love Sunny? You've been obsessed with her for half your life."

Drunk and bitter, Sebastian replied, "I'd do anything for Sunny's happiness—even betray the whole world."

I stood there, frozen, unable to process that every tender moment between us had been a lie.

Without hesitation, I called my aunt overseas. "I'm moving to New Zealand," I told her. Then I texted Sunny: "Hey, Sunny. Remember that couple's retreat Sebastian and I booked? Consider it a gift—for you and him. Enjoy."

Later that night, I went to the club where Sebastian was holding his bachelor party. Just as I reached the private room, I heard his friend say my name.

"Sebastian," the voice said, "are you really marrying Cassie? You've been in love with Sunny for years." A pause. "And don't think I don't know—that 'world-famous' diamond ring you designed? It was modeled after Sunny's birthmark."

My blood ran cold. Then Sebastian's drunken voice cut through: "I'd do anything for Sunny. I don't care if I have to betray the entire world."

He sighed. "Even if I'm not the one by her side… I just want her to always be happy."

The club's noise faded into silence as I stood there, numb. One of Sebastian's friends spotted me outside the door—his face twisted in guilt. That's when it hit me: Everyone knew. I was the only fool left in the dark.

From inside, the conversation continued.

"What if Cassie finds out?" someone asked.

Sebastian's voice turned sharp. "Then keep your mouth shut. She can never know."

I shot his friend a cold glare, and he quickly nodded, as if swearing secrecy.

Despite the club's warmth, I felt like I'd been thrown into an icy void. I turned away, heading straight for the parking lot.

Once there, I texted Sebastian: "Not feeling well—cramps. Skipping the party, going home."