Emma, Im not marrying you after all. My ex has proposed again, and hes more promising, the bride announces on her wedding day.
Emily, we need to talk, Kevin stands in the doorway of the grooms suite, looking stunning in her white dress, but with a determined, unfamiliar expression.
Kevin raises his eyebrows in surprise. He has just finished tying his bow tie and is about to step out. The ceremony is only thirty minutes away.
Emily, you cant see the groom before the ceremony, he jokes, smiling. Its a bad omen.
What omen? she steps forward, shutting the door firmly behind her. The lovefilled eyes hes known for years now seem cold and distant. I have something to tell you.
Kevin feels a knot tighten inside. He has known Emma for four years and can read every inflection, every glance. He has never seen her look like this.
Whats wrong? he asks, even though his gut already screams that it wont be good news.
Emma inhales deeply, as if preparing to plunge into icy water.
Ive changed my mind, she says evenly. My exboyfriend has proposed. Hes more secure.
Kevin stares at her, stunned, as the June sun streams through the hotel windows. Downstairs, guests mingle, the bridal party laughs, music plays. In this room, his world collapses.
Youre joking? he finally manages.
No, she whispers, dropping her gaze. I know this is terrible timing, but its better now than to suffer forever later.
Suffer? Kevins anger rises. You were going to suffer with me? All these four years were what? Waiting for something better?
Emma winces as if she has a toothache.
Dont simplify it. We were good together, truly. But Oliver he was always special to me. You knew that from the start.
Kevin nods. He remembers meeting Emma at a mutual friends birthday party. She had just ended things with Oliver Wright, a successful restaurateur who owned a chain of eateries. Their twoyear romance ended abruptly when Oliver moved to the United States to expand his business, leaving Emma heartbroken.
Kevin spent months gently mending the pieces of her heart, never rushing, never pressuring. He was therereliable, understanding, loving. Eventually, Emma seemed to return his feelings, or at least thats what he believed.
Did he come back? Kevin asks, trying to collect his thoughts. When?
A month ago, Emma replies softly. He called while you were on a work trip to Manchester.
You decided this quickly? In a month?
It wasnt easy, she says, her eyes hardening with resolve. But when he proposed Kevin, you have to understand. Hes launching a restaurant holding company across Europe. Ill have my own cosmetics line. Its a completely different life.
Kevin watches the woman he still sees as the love of his life. Emma, beautiful, smart, ambitious, works as a manager in a beauty salon and dreams of her own business. He supports her, even though hes just a modest engineer earning a decent, but nothingtowritehomeabout, salary in pounds.
What about our plans? he asks. The house we talked about? Children?
My plans have changed, she steps back toward the door. I have to go. Oliver is waiting downstairs.
Here? Kevin cant believe it. He showed up on our wedding day?
I asked him to come, Emma says, reaching for the handle. I didnt want to be alone after this conversation.
What about the guests? The parents? My mother drove from Bath just to see us?
Ill explain to everyone, she interrupts. Ill say its my fault, that its a sudden decision.
Its sudden! Kevin raises his voice. Yesterday you said you loved me! This morning you kissed me and promised happiness!
I was wrong, Emma lowers her eyes. Im sorry it turned out like this.
She leaves, closing the door softly behind her.
Kevin stands in the middle of the room, stunned and crushed, unable to process what just happened. The clock on the wall reads fifteen minutes to the start of the ceremony. Somewhere below, guests wait, music plays, everything is set for a celebration that will never happen.
He collapses onto the bed, loosening his bow tie. Thoughts whirl: why? How could she? What now? How does he face the crowd?
The door opens againthis time without a knock. Ian, his best man and closest friend, steps in.
Kevin, whats going on? Ian looks bewildered. Emma just walked through the hall in her wedding dress, crying, with some man. They got into a black Mercedes and left. What the?
Shes not marrying me, Kevin says flatly. Her ex is back. Hes more promising.
Ian opens his mouth, closes it, then opens it again.
Your mother on your wedding day? Seriously?
More than seriously, Kevin replies, pacing. We have to tell the guests. Cancel everything.
Ill help, Ian puts a hand on his shoulder. How are you holding up?
I dont know, Kevin admits. It feels like a nightmare.
Going to the reception area becomes the hardest thing he has ever done. He must announce that the wedding is off, endure sympathetic looks, whispered gossip, endless questions. Emmas parents look as shocked as he doesobviously, she never told them about her plans. His own mother, who drove up from Surrey, weeps, repeating, How could this happen, love?
Later, when the empty banquet hall finally empties and the paidfor dinner sits untouched, Kevin sits alone in the suite, staring at a blank wall. His phone buzzes with calls and messagesfrom friends, colleagues, relativesbut he doesnt answer.
Here, Ian says, sliding a glass of whisky across the nightstand. Drink. Itll ease the sting.
Kevin takes a sip; the burn in his throat offers no relief.
Do you know whats the worst part? he says after a long pause. I always felt she wasnt entirely mine. That somewhere deep down she still held Olivers image. I thought time would erase it.
It happens, Ian says, settling opposite him. First loves, the whole lot. But breaking up on your wedding day thats beyond the pale.
She always loved grand gestures, Kevin mutters, a bitter smile curling his lips. Remember how we met?
At Sophies birthday, Ian nods. She was sitting there, looking miserable in a black dress, mourning a breakup.
And I walked over and said
Maybe black isnt your colour? Ian finishes, laughing. I gave her that silly potted daisy.
She finally smiled that night, Kevin recalls, closing his eyes. She said she felt life moving forward again.
And now shes left you for the same bloke she once mourned, Ian shakes his head. Lifes a cruel comedian.
The night passes without sleep. Kevin lies awake, replaying the past four yearshappy moments, arguments, reconciliations, future plans. Was it all a lie? Or did she truly love him until Oliver resurfaced?
In the morning he returns to the rented flat to pack his things. He unlocks the door and feels an immediate emptiness. Emma has already cleared out her favourite knickknacks, photos, and even the bathroom cosmetics.
On the kitchen table lies an envelope. Inside, a short note and a spare key.
Kevin, Im sorry for everything. Youre a good man and deserve happiness. I have to follow my own path. Ill collect my things later. Emma
Brief, blunt, no apologies beyond the one line. As if four years can be erased with a scrap of paper.
Kevin slowly collapses onto the sofa they once chose together after a long debate over colour. Emma wanted beige, practical; he preferred a bold blue.
Blue sofas are for single lads, she had once said. Were a family.
Family the word now burns like acid.
That day he gathers his belongings and moves in with Ian, who offers a spare room until everything settles. He takes a few days off work; his boss, understanding the situation, grants him leave. Kevin feels numb, as if a strange paralysis has taken hold, and neither friends nor family can pull him out.
A week later, his old university friend Sophie calls.
Kevin, can we meet? I need to talk, she says, tension in her voice.
They meet at a small café near Ians flat. Sophie looks both nervous and determined.
Ive known Emma since university, she starts. I hate to stick my nose into this, but you should hear something.
About her and Oliver? Kevin asks, a bitter smile forming. Thanks, but I dont need more details.
Its not about them, Sophie says, leaning forward. Its about you. I overheard Emma speaking with Oliver before the wedding. They were talking about you.
What did they say? Kevin asks, halfexpecting the worst.
Oliver asked why she ever agreed to marry you, Sophie pauses. She replied, Because youre reliable, predictable, safe. With you life is calm, but boring.
Kevin feels something tighten inside. Boring. The word hits harder than any betrayal.
Then Oliver said, But hes just a simple engineer. Whats there to love? And Emma answered, He loves me truly. Hes steady, like a stone wall. Oliver laughed and said, A stone wall is great, but living against it feels like being locked in.
Kevins mouth goes dry. He looks into his coffee, the steam rising like his swirling thoughts. Anger, hurt, shamemost of all, a bruising embarrassment that he was the boring one.
Why tell me this? he asks.
Because its not true, Sophie says, meeting his eyes. Youre not boring. Youre thoughtful, witty, kind. Next to Emma you just faded, became a shadow, afraid to take a step that might scare her off.
Kevin remembers all the times he compromised his plans for hers, cancelled trips with friends because she worried, gave up his hiking holidays because she feared his safety. He had even stopped seeing some mates she disliked.
Why didnt you say this earlier? he asks quietly.
Would I have been heard? Sophie shakes her head. You idolised her, Kevin. She was your goddess.
Are you saying youre only telling me because you feel sorry for me?
No, she replies, steady. Because I want you to see that the problem isnt you. Its her endless chase after something brighter, flashier. Oliver is that fireworksglittery, loud, and burns out fast.
After their conversation, Kevin feels a shift. He snaps out of his stupor, returns to work, finds a new flat, starts jogging each morninga habit hed abandoned because Emma disliked early runs.
The ache lessens, though occasional pangs of emptiness linger. He still catches himself thinking, I should have told Emma but life moves on.
Three months later, he spots Emma in a department store, standing before a jewellery display, looking at rings. Shes still radiant, confident, the same ambitious sparkle.
Hello, he says, approaching.
Emma flinches, then forces a smile. Kevin hi. How are you?
Better than three months ago, he replies honestly. Are you picking rings again?
She blushes, looks away. Yes, Oliver and I are getting married next month.
Congratulations, he says, genuinely surprised. I hope it goes all the way this time.
Kevin, she bites her lip. I know this hurts. Im really sorry
No need, he raises a hand, stopping her. Everythings been said. I just wanted to say thank you.
Thank you for what? she asks, puzzled.
For leaving, he says simply. If you hadnt, Id still be living someone elses life, losing myself.
I dont get it, she says, frowning.
Its fine, he smiles. Goodbye, Emma. Be happy.
He walks away, feeling a lightness he hasnt felt in years, as if a heavy load has finally been set down.
Later that afternoon his phone rings. The caller ID shows Emmas number.
Hello? Kevin answers, curiosity replacing anger.
Kevin, can we talk? her voice sounds unsteady.
We already spoke today, he reminds her.
No, I mean really talk. I cant stop thinking about what you said about living someone elses life, about losing myself.
What am I supposed to think about? he shrugs, though she cant see him. I meant exactly what I said.
Were you unhappy with me? she asks, a hint of hurt in her tone.
No, he answers honestly. I was happy, but it was a happiness that required me to give up parts of memy wishes, my interests, my principles. I was shaping myself to fit your expectations, becoming smaller, quieter, more convenient.
A pause hangs between them. Then she asks, Did I lose myself with you?
I dont think so, he smiles. You always knew what you wanted and chased it.
Silence settles again. Finally, Emma says, Kevin, maybe I made a mistake. Maybe I shouldnt have
Stop, he cuts in. Dont. You made the choice you thought was right, and I respect that. Theres no turning back.
Why? her voice trembles. If we both erred
Because I no longer want to be the spare tire, the backup plan. I dont want to wonder if youre looking elsewhere for something brighter, more promising.
Youve changed, she admits.
Yes, he agrees. And thats probably the only positive outcome of our story. Thank you for the call, Emma, but please, dont call again.
He hangs up, takes a deep breath, and feels a strange mix of sadness and relief. One chapter ends, and a new one begins, waiting for him to write it himself.
Six months later, Kevin stands on the viewing platform of a ski resort in the Lake District, finally fulfilling a longheld dream of learning to ski. The snowy slope glitters in the winter sun, and he feels utterly content.
Beautiful, isnt it? a cheerful voice calls from behind.
He turns and sees a woman in a bright blue ski jacket, her brown eyes sparkling with golden flecks.
Very, Kevin replies, smiling. First time here?
Third, she says, taking off a glove and extending her hand. Anna.
Kevin, he shakes it. Are you a pro?
More like a stubborn hobbyist, she laughs. I fall a lot but always get back up. And you?
Just a beginner, finally living a dream, he says, watching the slopes where skiers weave down. You know, there are things you keep putting off, thinking maybe someday. Then you realize, if you dont do it now, it might never happen.
Philosopher, Anna says, tilting her head. I like people who think about life.
And I like people who can fall and get up again, he replies. Want to tackle this run together? I promise a graceful tumble.
Deal, Anna giggles, her laughter echoing over the snow. First one to the café at the bottom buys the mulled wine!
She darts down the hill, and Kevin follows, his heart filling with pure, unblemished joy. For the first time in a long while he feels completely himself. And that feeling is worth every loss and heartbreak he endured.
Sometimes you have to lose something precious to discover something pricelessyour own self.
