The Price of Swapping Wives: His Remorse

Shawn Hansen, Wigston's most notorious playboy, always has a thing for dazzling women. This time, his eyes are set on Carrie Myers, my fiance Harvey Anderson's close friend.

And now, he decides to marry her on the same day as my wedding.

When I go to Harvey to discuss the wedding details, I walk in on him holding Carrie and promising, "Don't worry. I'll marry you. Our churches are side by side, and with your face hidden under the veil, I'll swap you in for her. No one will ever notice."

Carrie sobbed, her voice filled with concern. "Angelina is clever. She will undoubtedly notice something is wrong."

He kisses her forehead gently and comforts her, "I'll drug her so she won't be able to think straight or resist."

Only then does she relax, yet she asks curiously, "You really don't mind letting her marry Shawn?"

Harvey thinks seriously before replying, "I love you and must marry you first. Shawn is my good friend, so even if he marries her, he wouldn't touch her. I'll bring her back once he realizes the bride has been switched. By then, the two of you can serve me together."

I can't bear to listen any longer, and I turn to leave with a broken heart.

Despite the sorrow, I am determined to become Shawn's wife.

The rain poured down on me as I wandered aimlessly through the streets, feeling hollow and broken. Each drop of rain stung against my skin, but none of it compared to the ache in my heart.

I had never imagined Harvey would fall for another woman. Worse, he had even planned to swap brides on our wedding day. His expectation that I should share him with someone else stung even more.

Even though I was his fiancée, if he married Carrie first and only came back for me afterward, the world would see me as nothing more than a mistress.

He wanted two women at once, yet he never considered my feelings.

All the years we had spent growing up together as childhood sweethearts didn't matter to him like Carrie's place in his heart.

As I wrestled with these thoughts, I received a message from Harvey. "Darling, I miss you. Are you off work yet?"

I stared at the text blankly for a long while before composing myself and replying, "I'm working late until 10:00 pm tonight."

"Okay. Remember to drink plenty of water, or your stomach will hurt. I'll cook your favorite dish when you get back." His response came instantly and was full of care.

Tears blurred my vision. His care was genuine, but so was his betrayal.

…

After walking for a long time, I got exhausted and dragged myself home.

Before entering the bedroom, I heard Harvey's low and tender voice coming from within. "Please don't cry. It hurts me when you cry."

Then came Carrie's muffled sobs. "I can't help it. I don't want to marry Shawn, but he's forcing me into it."