Stranded for His Mistress on Our Anniversary

On my birthday, my boyfriend was in the hotel we had reserved, decked out in the suit I had picked for him, marrying his beloved, Colette. His friends showered them with praise, calling them the perfect couple. I typed a comment: [Wishing you a whole bunch of kids.]

Victor called me immediately, his voice tense, "Can you quit the drama? This is the last time. Once I check off this final wish from my list, I'll be back."

---

I found out Victor was marrying Colette through Facebook. His friend Kobe had recorded the whole wedding and shared it, gushing about how perfect they were together. I forced a bitter smile and tossed out the cold dinner I had prepared.

Today was my birthday. Victor had promised we'd celebrate together, so I cooked dinner and baked a spiced honey cake, only for him to get an urgent call from work. He asked me to wait. But as midnight came and went, Victor didn't return; instead, I watched the grand wedding of Victor and Colette unfold.

Numbly, I shoveled a piece of cake into my mouth and clicked on Kobe's full wedding video. I had accidentally added too much sugar to the cake, but now it tasted like nothing at all.

In the video, Victor looked dashing in the suit I had chosen for him. Colette was beside him, beaming as she held his arm. They walked down the aisle to the stage, exchanged rings under the officiant's declaration, and I stared blankly at the ring.

I opened the drawer where I kept our ring box, only to find it empty. It felt like a dagger to my heart.

The wedding rings Victor and I had chosen together were now on Colette's hand. We were supposed to marry next month; I spent months booking the venue, picking out Victorian-style dresses, and selecting the rings. I never thought I'd end up planning someone else's wedding.

I remembered a year ago when Victor proposed to me, kneeling without a ring, no witnesses, just a bouquet of roses. His eyes were red as he looked up at me, saying, "Francesca, I'm sorry. I promise, once I get through this, I'll give you a grand wedding."

I accepted the bouquet and agreed. He held me, showering me with declarations of love, assuring me he was mine alone.

But now, he was marrying another woman.

The video continued. After they exchanged vows with "I do," the officiant announced, "Now, the groom may kiss the bride!"

Colette shyly tilted her face, and amidst the cheers, Victor pulled her in for a passionate kiss.

I glanced at the stack of wedding invitations still piled in the corner and decided to call Victor. When he answered, his voice was curt, and the background was loud with chatter and lively music. After a moment of silence, I asked, "When are you coming back?"

I overheard his friend's voice, "Victor, the wedding's over, are we heading to the honeymoon suite now?