The Runaway Groom

The night before our wedding, Isabella said she needed to go try her bridal makeup.

I held her hand and asked why it was so urgent.

She stood on her toes and kissed me, her voice sweet as honey. "Olivia is going with me. I'll be your wife tomorrow."

I checked Olivia's social media and found a photo of them trying makeup together.

The clock showed 3 AM, but Isabella still wasn't home.

My heart suddenly tightened. I switched to my alternate account and opened Ethan's profile.

The latest post stabbed my eyes.

In the photo, Isabella wore a blood-red wedding dress while Olivia was draped in pure white veils. Both knelt on the hotel carpet, pouring wine for him.

The caption read: "Tomorrow you become another man's wife, but tonight you'll always be my bride."

-----

The photo on my phone screen stung my eyes.

Ethan Evans' handsome face was magnified infinitely.

Isabella Roscente nestled in his arms.

Her smile was painfully sweet.

Olivia Lopez stood on the other side.

She intimately held his arm.

What a harmonious picture.

What an ironic picture.

I never knew they shared the same man.

If I hadn't added Ethan on WeChat with a secondary account.

I would still be kept in the dark.

Thinking I was the happiest person in the world.

My heart felt tightly gripped.

Even breathing became difficult.

My hands trembled as I texted Isabella.

"I need an explanation."

I waited the entire night.

My phone finally lit up.

"See you at the wedding venue tomorrow. I have everything prepared."

Reading this message, I suddenly laughed.

My laughter turned into tears.

Since your heart belongs to another.

Why marry me?

What did I mean to her?

I looked around the carefully decorated bridal suite.

The festive red colors were particularly glaring.

Slowly, I typed a few words.

"No need for the wedding. Let's break up."

Sent.

Powered off.

The actions flowed seamlessly.

Since she had already betrayed me.

Why should I spare her feelings?

Such feelings weren't worth keeping.

I began removing the wedding decorations.

Bright red petals scattered across the floor.

Like my shattered heart.

Four years of relationship.

Ultimately misplaced.

Isabella was indeed exceptional.

She started her own company at a young age.

In others' eyes, I was beneath her.

Everyone advised me to be a good supportive partner.

Especially her best friend Olivia.

She always reminded me to treat Isabella well.

I understood her hardships.

I was considerate in every way.

Attentive to every detail.

I thought this would earn genuine affection.

Instead, it brought betrayal.

In relationships, I could compromise.

But I would never tolerate deception.

Some things, once started, never end.

I refused to gamble.