My wedding to Michael was picture-perfect until a woman stormed in, claiming she was his wife. My world crumbled, but her truth turned our day into something unforgettable. Getting ready, I smoothed my satin gown, the scent of roses calming my nerves. Michael, my rock, was waiting. He was the man who made me laugh on bad days and remembered my love for caramel lattes. His nightly goodnight kisses, even after fights, made me feel cherished. Today, we’d seal our love. My sister, Emma, handed me a mimosa. “Don’t cry off that mascara,” she joked. I grinned, giddy. “I’m marrying him!” In minutes, I’d walk down the aisle to my future.
The venue glowed with fairy lights, and Michael’s grin melted me as I reached him. We were moments from “I do” when the doors burst open. A woman marched in, heels clicking. She was gorgeous—dark curls, red lips—but her intense stare at Michael froze me. “Won’t you tell them?” she said coolly. “Tell them what?” I asked, clutching my flowers. “That you’re my husband,” she said. The crowd gasped. My heart pounded, my ring burning my finger. I looked at Michael, begging for a rebuttal, but he moved toward her, silent. Murmurs grew. My mom stifled a sob, and my bridesmaids gaped. Then he hugged her, whispering something that made her laugh.
My knees wobbled. “Michael, what’s happening?” I choked out. He turned, eyes heavy. “Lila, it’s not like that.” The woman smirked. “That’s one way to say it.” I faced her. “Who are you?” Her gaze softened. “I’m Sophie, Michael’s friend from way back.” Sophie—his old pal, never a wife. “Explain,” I demanded. Michael sighed. “When we were kids, Sophie and I played wedding—candy rings, fake vows. We were eleven, joking around.” He chuckled shakily. “She’s just a friend.” The room hushed. “Then why this?” I asked, voice cracking. “Why hug her?”
Michael’s face fell. “Sophie was in a car crash years ago. They said she’d never walk again.” Guests murmured. “She worked miracles in rehab. I invited her, but she said she couldn’t make it.” Sophie spoke. “I wanted to surprise Michael by walking in. I practiced heels for this.” My heart twisted. She turned to me. “Sorry, Lila. We prank each other, and I thought this would be funny. I mostly wanted him to see me walk.” Tears stung my eyes. Sophie’s fight moved me. “I saw Michael’s posts,” she said, smiling. “He’s crazy about you.” Relief hit me. This was no betrayal—it was inspiring.
I laughed, surprising myself, and the room followed. Michael’s eyes shone with relief. “Let’s get married,” my dad said, offering Sophie a chair. Music started, and the pastor chuckled. “Back to business.” As we vowed, Michael’s gaze anchored me. The reception was joyful—herb-crusted salmon, creamy risotto, and laughter. Sipping champagne, I soaked it in. Sophie sat beside me. “Am I off the hook?” she asked, grinning. “You terrified me,” I said, watching Michael dance with Emma. “But I’m good.” She laughed. “Phew.” Michael pulled me to dance, and as we moved, I felt whole. This wild day showed me love’s strength, making our start even sweeter.
