Kevin, we need to talk, Margaret stood in the doorway of the grooms suite, radiant in her wedding dress yet wearing a strange, determined expression.
Kevin looked up, surprised. He had just finished adjusting his bow tie and was about to step out. The ceremony was only half an hour away.
Margie, whats this? A bride isnt supposed to see the groom before the wedding, he said with a grin. Bad omen, they say.
What omen now? she replied, stepping forward and shutting the door behind her. In the eyes that had always loved him, there was now something foreign and cold. I have to tell you something.
Kevin felt a knot tighten inside. Hed known Margaret for four years and could read every tone, every glance. He had never seen her like this before.
Whats wrong? he asked, even though his gut was already screaming that the answer wouldnt be good.
Margaret inhaled deeply, like someone about to plunge into icecold water.
Ive changed my mind about marrying you, she said flatly. My exboyfriend proposed again. Hes more promising.
Kevin stared at her, unable to process the words. Outside the hotel, June sunshine bathed the streets of Bath, guests were gathering downstairs, the bridesmaids were laughing, and music drifted up from the reception hall. In that small room, his world collapsed.
Youre joking? he managed.
No, she whispered, eyes downcast. I know this is terrible timing, but its better now than to suffer later.
Suffer? Kevin felt anger rising. You were going to suffer with me? All those four years were what? Waiting for something better?
Margaret winced as if she had a toothache.
Dont simplify it. We were good, really. But Oliver hes always been special to me. You knew that from the start.
Kevin remembered. Theyd met at a mutual friends birthday party. Margaret had just ended a twoyear relationship with Oliver Hart, a successful restaurateur whod left for New York to expand his business, breaking Margarets heart. Kevin had patiently collected the shards of her broken heart, month after month, never pushing, just being theresteady, understanding, loving. Eventually, Margaret seemed to return his feelings, at least thats how he believed it.
Did he come back? Kevin asked, trying to steady himself. When?
A month ago, Margaret answered quietly. He called while you were on a work trip to Manchester.
And you decided just like that? After a month?
It wasnt simple, she said, meeting his gaze with resolve. I fought with myself, but when he proposed Kevin, you have to understand. Hes opening a restaurant group in Europe. Ill have my own cosmetics line. Its a completely different life.
Kevin stared at the woman he had called the love of his life that morningbeautiful, intelligent, ambitious. She managed a highend salon and dreamed of her own business. He, a modest civil engineer with a decent but unremarkable salary, had always supported her ambitions.
What about our plans? The house we talked about? Kids?
I have other plans, she said, stepping back toward the door. I need to go. Oliver is waiting downstairs.
Here? He showed up on our wedding day? Kevin could hardly believe it.
I asked him to come, Margaret said, already reaching for the handle. I didnt want to be alone after this conversation.
What about the guests? My mother drove from Birmingham just to see this?
Ill tell everyone, she interrupted. Ill say its my fault, that it was a sudden decision.
Its sudden! Kevin raised his voice. Yesterday you told me you loved me! This morning you kissed me and promised happiness!
I was wrong, Margaret lowered her eyes. Im sorry this happened.
She slipped out, the door closing softly behind her.
Kevin stood in the middle of the room, stunned, crushed, unable to comprehend. The clock on the wall read fifteen minutes until the ceremony. Below, guests were waiting, music was playing, everything was ready for a celebration that would never happen.
He sank onto the bed, loosening his bow tie. Thoughts swirled: why? How could she? What now? How could he face the crowd?
The door opened again, this time without a knock. Igor, his best man and closest friend, stepped in.
Kevin, whats going on? Igor looked bewildered. Margaret just walked through the hall in her dress, crying, with a man. They got into a black Mercedes and left. What the
Shes not marrying me, Kevin said flatly. Her ex is back. Hes more promising, you see.
Igors mouth opened, then shut, then opened again.
Bloody hell on the wedding day? Seriously?
More than seriously, Kevin stood, pacing. We need to tell the guests. Cancel everything.
Ill help, Igor placed a hand on his shoulder. How are you holding up?
I dont know, Kevin admitted. It feels like a nightmare.
Going to the reception hall and announcing the wedding was cancelled turned out to be the hardest thing hed ever done. He faced sympathetic looks, whispered gossip, sharp questions. Margarets parents looked as shocked as he didshe hadnt told them anything. His own mother, who had traveled from Birmingham, sobbed, repeating, How could this happen, love?
When the guests finally left and the paid banquet sat untouched, Kevin sat alone in the suite, phone buzzing with calls and messages from friends, colleagues, relatives. He didnt answer any.
Here, Igor said, handing him a glass of whisky. Drink. It might ease the sting.
Kevin took a sip; the alcohol burned his throat but did not soothe his soul.
You know whats the worst part? he said after a long silence. I always felt she wasnt fully mine. That somewhere deep down she still carried Olivers image. I hoped time would erase it.
It happens, Igor replied, sitting opposite. First loves, all that. But to dump you on your wedding daythats crossing a line.
She always loved grand gestures, Kevin muttered bitterly. Remember how we met?
At Sophies birthday party, Igor nodded. She was in a black dress, looking sad about Oliver.
And I walked up and said
Perhaps black isnt your colour? Igor finished, chuckling. And I gave her that ridiculous potted daisy.
And she smiled for the first time that night, Kevin recalled, closing his eyes. She said life goes on.
And now she leaves you for the very man she once mourned, Igor said, shaking his head. Lifes a cruel joker.
The night passed without sleep. Kevin lay awake, replaying the past four yearshappy moments, fights, reconciliations, future plans. Was it all a lie? Or did she truly love him until Oliver resurfaced?
In the morning he returned to the rented flat theyd shared to pack his things. He opened the front door with his key and felt an emptiness. Margaret had already taken her favorite figurines, framed photos, even the bath cosmetics.
On the kitchen table lay an envelope. Inside was a note and a spare key to the flat.
Kevin, Im sorry for everything. Youre a good man and deserve happiness. I have to follow my own path. Ill collect my things later. M
Brief, dry, without explanation or remorse, as if four years could be crossed out with a single note.
Kevin sank onto the couch theyd chosen together after a long debate over colour. Shed wanted a practical beige; hed argued for a bold blue.
Blue sofas are for single lads, shed said then. Were a family.
Family the word now burned his mind.
That day he gathered his belongings and moved in with Igor, who offered a spare room until he got his bearings. He took a few days off work; his manager, understanding the situation, approved the leave. He fell into a numbness that friends and family couldnt pull him out of.
A week later, his old university friend, Sophie, called.
Kevin, can we meet? I need to talk, she said, tension in her voice.
They met at a small café near Igors flat. Sophie looked both nervous and determined.
You know Ive known Margaret since university, she began. I feel odd bringing this up, but you should know something.
About her and Oliver? Kevin managed a bitter smile. Thanks, but I dont need more details.
Its not about them. Its about you, Sophie pressed. I overheard Margarets conversation with Oliver before the wedding. They were talking about you.
What did they say? Kevin asked, unsure he wanted the answer.
Oliver asked why shed ever agree to marry you. She replied, Youre reliable, safe, predictable. Its comfortable, but boring. Sophie paused. Then Oliver said, A safe wall is nice, but living inside it feels like being trapped. Margaret laughed, and they agreed to move on.
The word boring hit Kevin harder than any insult. It cut deeper than the betrayal itself.
Why tell me this? he asked.
Because it isnt true, Kevin, Sophie said, looking straight at him. Youre not boring. Youre thoughtful, funny, genuine. With Margaret, you just became a shadow of yourself, afraid to step out of line, to upset her.
Kevin thought of all the times hed compromised his plans, cancelled trips to the hills because Margaret feared for him, stopped seeing friends she didnt like. He realized hed let her dictate his life.
Why didnt you say this earlier? he asked.
Would you have listened? Sophie shook her head. You idolised her, saw her as a goddess. It was easier to stay in the fantasy.
Are you saying youre sorry for me? he asked.
No, she replied. Im saying its not your fault. Its hers. She chases sparkle, fireworks, something dazzling. Oliver is that flashbright, loud, spectacular… and then it fades.
After that conversation, Kevin felt a jolt of clarity. He returned to work, found a new flat, started running each morninga habit hed abandoned because Margaret disliked early rises.
The ache softened over time, though occasional nighttime emptiness lingered. He still caught himself thinking, Should I have told Margaret but life kept moving.
Three months later, he saw her in a department store, staring at rings in a jewellery window. She was still as beautiful, confident, and radiant as ever.
Hello, he said, approaching.
Margaret turned, surprise flickering across her face, then a forced smile.
Kevin hi, she said, cheeks flushing. How are you?
Better than three months ago, he replied honestly. Still looking at rings?
She blushed and looked away. Yes, Oliver and I were planning for next month.
Congratulations, he said, genuinely. I hope it all goes through this time.
Kevin, she began, biting her lip. I know this hurts you. Im truly sorry.
No need, he raised a hand, stopping her. Everythings been said. I just wanted to thank you. He hesitated, then found the words. For leaving. If you hadnt, I would have kept living someone elses life, losing myself.
She frowned. I dont get it.
Its simple, he smiled. Goodbye, Margaret. Be happy.
He walked away feeling an unexpected lightness, as if a heavy load had finally been set down.
Later that afternoon his phone rang. It was Margarets number.
Hey, he answered, curiosity outweighing anger.
Kevin, can we talk? her voice sounded unsteady.
We already did today, he reminded her.
No, seriously. I cant stop thinking about what you said about living someone elses life, losing yourself.
What should I think about? he asked, shoulders relaxed. I meant exactly what I said.
Were you unhappy with me? she asked, a hint of hurt in her tone.
No, he answered truthfully. I was happy, but it was a happiness that required me to give up parts of memy wishes, my interests, my principles. I became a version of you wanted, quieter, more convenient.
Silence stretched. Then she whispered, Did I lose myself with you?
I dont think so, he said with a grin. You always knew what you wanted and chased it.
Another pause. Maybe I was wrong, she said softly. Maybe I shouldve stayed.
Stop, he interjected. You made the choice you believed was right. I accept it. Theres no turning back.
Why? she asked, tears in her voice. If we both made mistakes
Because I no longer want to be the spare tyre, the backup plan. I dont want to wonder whether youre looking for something brighter, more promising.
Youve changed, she said after a beat.
Yes, he agreed. And thats perhaps the only positive outcome of our story. Thank you for the call, Margaret, but dont call again.
He hung up, inhaled deeply, feeling a strange mix of sorrow and relief. One chapter closed, but a new one awaited, and he would write it himself.
Six months later, on a snowy December morning, Kevin stood on the viewing platform of a ski resort hed always dreamed of visiting. He finally learned to ski, and as he gazed at the sunsparkling slopes, genuine happiness filled him.
Beautiful, isnt it? a voice asked beside him.
He turned and saw a woman in a bright blue ski jacket, her brown eyes flashing with golden specks.
Indeed, he replied, smiling. First time here?
Third, she said, taking off a glove and extending her hand. Anna.
Kevin, he shook it. Are you a pro?
More of a stubborn hobbyist, she laughed. I fall a lot but always get back up. And you?
Just a beginner, finally living a longheld dream, he said, eyes on the slope where skiers swooshed past. You know, we often postpone things, thinking maybe later. Then we realise, if not now, maybe never.
Philosopher, she teased, tilting her head. I like people who think about life.
And I like people who can fall and rise again, he answered. Want to tackle this run together? I promise well make some spectacular falls.
Deal, Anna laughed, her voice echoing over the snowy hills. First one to the café at the bottom buys the mulled wine!
She darted down, and he chased after, feeling his heart swell with pure, unfiltered joy. For the first time in years he was completely, unapologetically himself. The pain of the past had faded, replaced by the thrill of his own path.
Sometimes you must lose something valuable to discover something pricelessyour own true self.
