I was sure I was about to marry a successful businessman, until his actual wife showed up at the ceremony with three kids.
Girl, youve lost your mind! Thats a oneoff designer dress, you cant just have it taken apart! the couturier shouted, flinging his arms dramatically. Its like asking Leonardo daVinci to doodle a moustache on the MonaLisa!
Im paying £500 for this gown and I expect it to fit perfectly, Emma said calmly, though inside she was a bundle of nerves. You can see theres excess fabric here. Ive lost weight over the past month.
You were the same weight at the last fitting! the designer snapped. Brides dont shed five stone in a month. This dress was cut to your exact measurements.
James Hawthorne, Emma sighed, the wedding is in three days. I dont have time for arguments. Please make the alterations I asked for.
He gave her a sour look, then nodded. The dress did sit a bit baggy. Emma had dropped about five kilos in the whirlwind of wedding prep not from diets but from endless errands and nerves. Invitations, the venue, photographer, florist everything fell on her shoulders. James was too busy running his construction empire to bother with these details.
Alright, Charles Whitaker softened, pricking the fabric with pins, well make a queen out of you. But stop losing weight, I wont be responsible for the result.
Emma smiled at her reflection. The white dress with a lace bodice and a full skirt looked like a fairytale. She turned sideways, admiring the silhouette. Could she really become the wife of James Hawthorne, the owner of a big building firm and, undeniably, the most charming man shed ever met?
Her phone buzzed. A text from James: Running late at the meeting. See you tonight. Kisses.
Emma swallowed a sigh. Third time this week. Business, she thought, it never stops. After the wedding theyd have more time together.
That evening, while waiting for James at home, she sorted photos for the wedding album. First holiday to Brighton, then skiing in the Lake District, then the restaurant where James proposed. Ten months wasnt a long courtship, but when you know hes the one, why wait?
A knock James was back, tired but smiling. He tossed his blazer onto the armchair and pulled Emma into a kiss.
Sorry Im late. Investors from Birmingham needed my attention.
No problem, Emma replied. Hungry? Ill heat up dinner.
I grabbed a bite in the office, James said, rubbing his eyes. Tell me how the fitting went.
She launched into the drama with the designer; he nodded distractedly, glancing at his phone now and then.
Youre not listening, Emma said.
Sorry, urgent matter, he typed a quick reply. What were you saying?
Never mind, she stood. Im off for a shower. Its been a long day.
The water washed away fatigue but not the unease. Lately James seemed distant maybe wedding jitters? Maybe work pressure? She stepped out of the bathroom, towel wrapped, and heard James speaking softly on the phone downstairs.
Yes, everythings fine. No, dont worry, Ive got it under controlyes, of courseIm also
Emma froze in the hallway. Who was he talking to so tenderly? She crept to the door.
Ill be home soon, James said, ending the call.
Home? He was already home. A knot tightened in her chest. She opened the door.
Who were you talking to?
James flinched, then turned:
Victor, my deputy. We were discussing tomorrows meeting.
You said youd be home soon.
What? James frowned, then laughed. Ah, I meant Id be at the office soon. Misspoke. Im knackered, Em.
She wanted to argue, but James already pulled her into a hug. He smelled expensive cologne with a hint of something floral. Emma brushed it aside, thinking perhaps his secretary had been nearby.
Three days and youll be Mrs. Hawthorne, he murmured. Sounds lovely, doesnt it?
She nodded against his chest, doubting herself as wedding nerves swirled. What could possibly go wrong?
The next day Emma popped over to her friend Kates to collect the beaded shoes shed asked Kate to embellish.
You look worried, Kate said, pouring tea. Prewedding panic?
I dont know, Emma twirled the cup. James was on the phone yesterday, said hed be home soon, even though he was already home. And there was that whiff of perfume.
Emma, youre being paranoid, Kate waved a hand. He runs a company of a hundred people, half of them women. Of course he could smell a bit of cologne.
Maybe youre right, Emma forced a smile, though the anxiety lingered.
How about the families? You still havent met his parents.
They live up north, retired, cant travel. Theyll be at the wedding.
Strange youve never visited them in ten months.
James is swamped. You know, his firm has offices in the City, trips abroad Kate listed. Why hasnt any of his business partners RSVPd?
Theyll be there. Victor and a few others.
Just one? What about friends?
Hes not a fan of big parties.
Kate gave her a skeptical look, but said nothing. Emma knew Kate had been wary of James from the start too perfect, too mysterious, too busy. But not every man is an open book, right?
That night Emma decided to talk. They were in the kitchen, James scrolling on a tablet while she stirred the sauce.
James, can I ask are we really ready for marriage? she began, nerves rattling the ladle.
What do you mean? he asked, surprised.
Weve never really seen each others homes, weve never met your parents, I barely know any of your friends.
Weve talked about this a hundred times, James set the tablet down. Ive been staying at your flat while my house is being renovated. Youll meet my parents at the wedding. As for friends I dont have many. Im a workaholic, you know that.
Yeah, but
No buts, he said, pulling her into a hug from behind. In two days youll be my wife. Well move into the new house I bought for us. Well have a wonderful life, I promise.
Emma nodded. Shed never seen the house, but James promised a surprise after the ceremony. It felt sweet, yet still unnerving.
By the way, have you collected the rings from the jeweller yet?
James froze.
No, not yet. Ill swing by tomorrow.
Maybe Ill go myself? I need to be in that area.
No! Ill handle it. Its my responsibility.
That night Emma lay awake, James breathing beside her, while she stared at the ceiling, trying to sort her feelings. She loved him, trusted him, but a part of her screamed something was off.
Morning came, James left early, saying he had to sort work stuff before the wedding. Emma was alone and decided to act. She found Victors number in her contacts and dialed.
Hello? a male voice answered.
This is Emma, James Hawthornes bride. I need to confirm details for tomorrows event.
Excuse me? Victor sounded confused. What event?
Our wedding, Emma said, heart pounding. Youre invited, right?
There was a long pause.
I dont know any James Hawthorne, Victor finally said. You must have the wrong number.
But youre his deputy at the construction firm
Im an accountant at a travel agency, never worked in construction.
Emma sank onto a chair, numb. She thanked him and hung up, staring at the empty wall. Who was this man shed been planning a life with?
She opened her laptop and typed the company name James claimed to own. A few similar firms appeared, but none listed a director called James Hawthorne. Social media gave nothing. No news articles, no project listings.
She rummaged through a box of his documents left at her place passport, drivers licence, a business card. The licence looked real, but the cards number didnt exist when she called it.
The front door opened James was back. She quickly tucked the papers away.
What are you up to? he asked, kissing her cheek.
Just looking at our photos, Emma lied. Tomorrows the big day.
Yes, he smiled. Ive got the rings. Want to see?
He pulled a velvet box from his pocket. Inside, two gold bands gleamed.
Beautiful, Emma whispered, a lump forming in her throat.
Try them on? he offered, holding up the smaller one.
No, she stepped back. Bad omen. Youll wear them tomorrow.
He laughed. My superstitious bride. Fine, surprise it is.
He smelled that familiar cologne again, but Emma brushed it off probably his secretarys perfume.
Im heading to Kates for the night, she said. Remember the tradition the groom doesnt see the bride before the ceremony.
Of course, James said. Ill stay with a friend. See you tomorrow, love.
He kissed her long and gentle, as if it might be the last. A tear slipped down her cheek.
At Kates, Emma spilled everything the call to Victor, the deadend search, the weird scent.
I think hes not who he says he is, she said, wiping her eyes.
Lets check his full name, Kate suggested. James Ivor Hawthorne, born 15 May 1979.
They typed it in, scrolling through results.
Nothing, Kate said. Usually a successful businessman shows up somewhere news, forums, LinkedIn.
Maybe hes just private?
Or a fraud. Kate frowned. That fake Victor Emma, youre being duped. Why?
Money? Emma guessed. But Im a schoolteacher, no cash.
No house, no car.
Maybe hes after a wedding gift, then disappearing?
It happens. Kate nodded. Ive read about it. Usually the victims wealthy, but not always.
Emma spent a sleepless night turning the situation over. By morning a quiet resolve settled in: shed go to the ceremony, look him straight in the eye, and ask why.
The wedding was set in a cosy country inn outside London. Emma arrived an hour early to change and get ready. Guests were already gathering her parents, friends, a few work colleagues. Jamess side was still missing.
In the bridal suite, friends fussed with her dress and hair. The gown fit perfectly, but Emma felt like she was wearing someone elses skin.
James is here, one friend announced, peeking in. Looking sharp in his suit!
Emmas heart thumped. This was it.
Fifteen minutes left until the ceremony. She stood by the window watching the last cars arrive. Then a silver minibus pulled up, and a woman with three children stepped out. She was welldressed, looking anxious. She whispered something to the kids, who dutifully followed her toward the entrance.
Emma felt a chill. Something told her this wasnt random. She slipped out of the suite and headed for the main hall, where guests were already seated. She saw James standing by the registration desk, back to the door. As the minibus doors opened, the woman strode in.
The room fell silent. James turned slowly, his face turning ashen.
Penny? the woman said, voice shaking. Whats happening?
Emma moved closer, still confused. James or was it? seemed torn between two women.
Its Alice, the woman continued, eyes flashing. Your mother called me, said you were getting married! Paul, we have three kids!
The guests murmured. Emmas stomach dropped. She clutched a nearby chair.
James? she called out. Whos this?
What James? Alice shouted, His name is Paul Derek Kline. Hes my husband, the father of my children. I work in a car dealership.
Emma stared at the children two boys and a girl, the oldest about ten, the youngest four, looking bewildered.
Dad? the older boy asked, Why are you in a suit? Is this a wedding?
Shh, Kirill, Alice scolded gently, Dad will explain.
Paul or James finally found words:
Alice, kids, wait outside. Ill explain.
Alice crossed her arms. Im not leaving until I know whats going on.
Emma stepped forward, eyes locked on the man shed thought was her future.
Who are you really? she asked quietly.
He lowered his head.
Paul Kline.
And youre married? Emma pressed.
Yes.
And these are your children?
Yes.
Emma felt something snap inside. All those months, the love declarations, the future plans a lie.
Why? she whispered, voice cracking. Why did you do this?
Paul stayed silent. Alice grabbed his sleeve.
This has been going on for two years, hasnt it? Your trips, the delays, the business calls youve been living a double life!
Alice, not now, Paul muttered.
No, now! Alice shouted. I trusted you! I believed every word you said!
Emma interjected, Why pretend to be a businessman? Why lie about your job, your parents, the proposal?
The hall was so quiet you could hear a moth flutter. All eyes were on the unfolding drama.
I I didnt plan for this, Paul finally said, voice trembling. It just got out of hand.
Out of hand? Emma repeated. You dated me for ten months, proposed, organized a wedding and it all got out of hand?
I met you by chance, Paul began, you were beautiful, smart. I wanted to impress you, so I said I owned a company. Then I couldnt stop.
Alice, eyes wet, asked, Why marry?
I thought I could disappear after the wedding, take the gifts, the money, and vanish.
Dont lie, Kate, who had stepped forward, said. Youre not a conartist, are you?
No! Paul protested. I could never do that to Emma.
But you did, Kate replied. How long were you planning two families?
Paul was speechless, his silence louder than any words.
Alice turned to Emma.
Did you know he was married?
No, Emma shook her head. I only found out yesterday.
Its horrific, Alice said. Absolutely horrific.
She faced her kids.
Lets go home. We have nothing to do here.
The children obeyed, marching toward the exit. Alice lingered a moment.
Ill take the kids and go back to my mother. You can stay or leave, Paul.
She walked out, head held high.
Paul stood in the centre, surrounded by judgmental glances. Emma looked at him, barely recognizing the man shed loved.
You need to leave, she said softly.
Emma, please, I can explain
Theres nothing to explain, she replied, shaking her head. Just go.
He lingered a heartbeat, then turned and walked out. No one stopped him.
Emma stayed, in her white wedding dress, among the stunned guests. Kate came over and hugged her shoulder.
Lets get you out of here, Kate whispered.
No, Emma said suddenly. Weve already paid for the banquet. The guests are here. Lets just celebrate.
What are we celebrating? Kate asked, bewildered.
My freedom, Emma managed a weak smile. Imagine if shed shown up after the ceremony, or a year later, or when we already have kids?
She looked around the room.
Sorry for this spectacle. There wont be a wedding, but the venue is paid for, the music booked. Lets just have a good time.
Emma was the first to pour a glass of champagne, drinking it in one gulp. Within an hour the room was filled with dancing, laughter, stories. The sting of betrayal still burned, but something inside told her shed get through it.
Later, when the guests had left, Emma sat on the steps of the inn, still in her gown. Kate joined, offering a glass of water.
How are you? Kate asked.
I dont know, Emma admitted. Exhausted, cheated, but oddly grateful that it all cameIll rebuild my life on my own terms, knowing Im stronger than any lie ever could make me feel.
