I thought I was walking down the aisle to a thriving tycoon, until his actual wife arrived at the ceremony with three small children in tow.
Girl, youve lost your mind! Thats a oneofakind gown; you cant just have it altered on a whim! the couturier declared, waving his arms as if conducting an invisible orchestra. Its like asking Leonardo daVinci to give the MonaLisa a moustache!
Im paying £500 for this dress and I expect it to fit like a glove, Miriam said calmly, though a storm roiled beneath her composed surface. You can see theres excess fabric here. Ive lost weight over the past month.
At the last fitting you weighed exactly the same! the designer retorted. Brides either slim down or put on a few pounds, but not so dramatically. This dress was cut to your exact measurements.
Mr. Whitaker, Miriam sighed, the wedding is in three days. I have no time for arguments. Please make the changes Im asking for.
He gave her a skeptical glance, then acquiesced with a nod. The dress hung a little loosely indeed. Miriam had shed five kilograms during the frantic weeks leading up to the nuptialsnot from diets, but from endless errands and nerves. Invitations, the venue, the photographer, the floristall the burdens had settled on her shoulders. Oliver Harper was too absorbed in his construction firm to notice the minutiae.
Fine, Whitaker softened, pricking the hem with pins. Well make a queen out of you. But dont lose any more weight, or I cant guarantee the result.
Miriam smiled at her reflection. The ivory dress, its lace bodice and billowing skirt, looked like something from a storybook. She turned, admiring the silhouette. Could she really become the wife of Oliver Harper, the charismatic owner of a booming building company, in just three days?
Her phone buzzed. A message from Oliver: Stuck in a meeting, see you tonight. Kiss.
She swallowed a sighthird delay this week. Business demanded attention. After the wedding, theyd have more time together.
That evening, while waiting for Oliver at home, she thumbed through photos for the wedding album: their first seaside trip, a ski holiday in the Alps, the restaurant where hed proposed. Ten months wasnt long, but when you know someone is the one, why wait?
A soft click signaled the front door. Oliver entered, tired but smiling, slipping his jacket onto the armchair and pulling Miriam into a kiss.
Sorry Im late. The investors from Manchester need my focus.
No problem, she replied. Hungry? Ill heat up dinner.
I grabbed a bite at the office, he said, rubbing his eyes. Tell me how the fitting went.
Miriam narrated the designers tantrums while Oliver drifted, eyes flickering to his phone.
Youre not listening, she noted.
Sorry, urgent matter, he typed a quick reply. What did you say?
Never mind, she stood. Im going to shower. Its been a long day.
The water washed away fatigue but not the gnawing unease. Lately Oliver seemed distantperhaps wedding nerves, perhaps work pressures. She stepped out, towel wrapped, and heard a hushed conversation from the bedroom.
Yes, everythings fine. No, dont worry, Ive got it under control Yes, of course
Miriam froze in the hallway. Who was he whispering to so affectionately? She crept to the door.
Ill be home soon, Oliver said, ending the call.
Home? He was already home. A cold knot tightened in her chest. She opened the door.
Who were you talking to?
Oliver flinched, then answered, Victor, my deputy. We were planning tomorrows meeting.
You said youd be home soon.
What? he frowned, then laughed. Oh, I meant Ill be back at the office soon. I misspoke. Im exhausted, Mari.
She wanted to argue, but he moved forward, enveloping her in a hug scented with expensive cologne andoddlya hint of perfume. She dismissed the thought. Perhaps his secretary had worn a spritz earlier.
Three days, and youll be Miriam Harper, he whispered. Sounds lovely, doesnt it?
She nodded, pressing against his chest, her doubts a faint echo of prewedding nerves. What could go wrong?
The next morning she visited her friend Kate to collect the beaded shoes shed asked Kate to embellish.
You look worried, Kate observed, pouring tea. Prewedding jitters?
I dont know, Miriam twirled the cup. Yesterday was strange. Oliver was on the phone, saying hed be home soon, though he was already home.
And what? Maybe he misspoke.
He said it again, but his voice soundeddifferent. And there was a trace of perfume on him.
Miriam, youre being paranoid, Kate waved a hand. He runs a company with a hundred staff, half women. Of course there could be a scent.
True, maybe youre right, Miriam managed a smile, though anxiety lingered.
Youre ready for married life? Youve barely lived together.
Weve spent weekends together, gone on holidays. Thats enough to know someone.
Hmm, Kate muttered. And the parents? Hes never introduced you to his.
They live in another city, elderly, cant travel. Theyll come for the wedding.
Strange theyve never visited in ten months.
Olivers busy. You know, his firm, the downtown office, trips abroad Kate listed. But none of his business partners are coming to the wedding?
Theyll be. Victor will, and a few others.
Just a few? No friends?
He doesnt like big crowds.
Kates skeptical look lingered; shed never trusted Oliver fully. A perfect, mysterious, perpetually occupied mancould anyone be an open book?
That night they sat at the kitchen table; Oliver scrolled on a tablet while Miriam stirred a sauce.
Oliver, I need to ask she began, voice trembling. Are we really ready for marriage?
He looked up, puzzled.
What do you mean?
Weve never been to each others homes, Ive never met your parents, I barely know your friends.
Weve discussed this a hundred times, Oliver set the tablet aside. Ive spent most nights in your flat because my house is being refurbished. Youll meet my parents at the wedding. My friends? I dont have many; Im a workaholic, you know that.
Yes, but
No buts, he said, hugging her from behind. In two days youll be my wife. Well move into the new house I bought for us. A wonderful life awaits, I promise.
Miriam nodded. Shed never seen the house, but Oliver claimed it would be a surprise after the ceremony. The gesture felt sweet yet unsettling.
By the way, she added, have you collected the rings from the jeweller?
Oliver froze for a heartbeat.
Not yet. Ill swing by tomorrow.
I could go myself. I need to be in that area anyway.
No! he snapped. Its my responsibility. Ill handle everything.
That night Miriam lay awake while Oliver slept beside her, the ceiling a blank canvas for her swirling thoughts. She loved him, trusted himwhy did a part of her scream danger?
Morning found Oliver leaving early, saying he needed to settle work matters before the wedding. Alone, Miriam took a daring step. She found Victors number in her contacts and dialed.
Hello? a male voice answered.
This is Miriam, Oliver Harpers fiancée. I need details about tomorrows event.
Excuse me? Victor sounded confused. What event?
Our wedding, Miriam said, feeling a chill. Youre invited, arent you?
A long pause.
I dont know any Oliver Harper, Victor finally said. You must have the wrong number.
But youre his deputy at the construction firm
Im an accountant at a travel agency, the man corrected. Never worked in construction.
Miriam sank onto a chair, legs numb. She thanked Victor and hung up, staring at the empty space. Who was the man she was about to marry?
She opened her laptop, typed the company name Oliver claimed to own, and searched. Several firms with similar names appeared, but none listed an Oliver Harper as director. Social media, news articles, project listingsall silent.
From a cupboard she pulled a box of photographs and documents Oliver had left. A passport, drivers licence, a business cardwere they genuine? She called the number on the card; an automated message declared the number nonexistent.
The front door openedOliver returned. She quickly resealed the box.
What are you doing? he asked, kissing her cheek.
Looking at our photos, Miriam lied. Tomorrows the big day.
Great, he grinned. Ive got the rings. Want to see?
She nodded. He produced a velvet pouch, revealing two golden bands.
Beautiful, she whispered, a lump forming in her throat.
Try them on? he offered, pulling the smaller one.
No, she stepped back. Bad omen. Youll wear them tomorrow.
He laughed, My superstitious bride. Lets keep it a surprise.
He smelled of expensive cologne mixed with a whiff of something floralperhaps his secretarys perfume. She dismissed it.
Im heading to Kates, Miriam announced. Ill spend the night there. Tradition, right? The groom shouldnt see the bride before the ceremony.
Of course, Oliver agreed. Ill be at a friends place. See you tomorrow, love. He kissed her long, as if sealing their last goodbye. A tear slipped down her cheek.
At Kates, Miriam spilled everything: the call to Victor, the fruitless searches, the odd scents and mismatched words.
Im scared he isnt who he says he is, she concluded, wiping her eyes.
Lets check his full name, Kate suggested, opening her laptop. Oliver Ivor Harper, born 15May1979.
Birthdate?
Same.
Kate typed furiously, scrolling through results.
Nothing, she said. Usually a successful businessman shows up somewherenews, forums, social media.
Maybe hes secretive?
How secretive can you be? Kate shook her head. And that fake Victor
Miriam, youre being duped. The question is why.
Money? Miriam guessed. But I have none. Im a schoolteacher.
Property? Cars?
My parents own the house; I have no car.
Could he be a swindler planning to marry, collect gifts, then vanish?
Does that happen?
More often than you think, Kate replied. Usually the victims are wealthy, but not always.
Miriam spent a sleepless night turning the puzzle over. By dawn a quiet resolve settled: she would attend the ceremony, look the man in the eyes who had lied for ten months, and ask why.
The wedding was set in a modest country house outside the city. Miriam arrived an hour early to change and ready herself. Guests began to filter inher parents, friends, coworkerswhile Olivers side was conspicuously absent.
In the bridal suite friends fussed over her dress and hair. The gown fit perfectly, yet it felt alien, like a costume she never asked for.
Olivers here, a friend whispered, peeking in. He looks handsome in his suit!
Miriams heart hammered. Would the truth finally surface?
Fifteen minutes remained before the ceremony. She stood at the window, watching the last cars arrive. Then a silver minivan pulled up, and a woman stepped out, clutching three children. She was welldressed, eyes wide with anxiety, speaking softly to the kids who obediently followed her toward the restaurant entrance.
A shiver ran down Miriams spine. Something told her this was no accident. She slipped out of the room and drifted into the main hall, where guests gathered. Oliver stood near the register, his back to the door. The entrance opened, and the woman entered.
The room fell silent. Oliver turned slowly; his face turned ashen.
Paul? the woman whispered, voice trembling. Whats happening?
Miriam moved closer, still unsure of what she was witnessing. Oliveror Paul?stood between two women, eyes darting.
Alice, he finally managed. What are you doing here?
What am I doing? Alices voice cracked. Your mother called me, said you were getting married! Paul, we have three kids!
The guests murmured. Miriam felt the floor tilt beneath her, gripping a nearby chair.
Oliver? she called out. Who is this woman?
Nono, Im not Oliver, Alice shouted. My name is PaulDavidKline. Hes my husband. The father of my children. I manage a car dealership.
Miriam looked at the childrentwo boys and a girl, the eldest about ten, the youngest fourwho stared at Paul with confusion and hurt.
Dad? the older boy asked. Why are you in a suit? Is there a wedding?
Quiet, Kirill, Alice snapped, Dad will explain everything later.
Paul finally found his voice.
Alice, children, wait outside. Ill explain.
No, Alice crossed her arms. Im staying until I know whats happening.
Miriam stepped forward, eyes locked on the man shed loved.
Who are you, really? she asked softly.
He lowered his head.
PaulKline.
Are you married?
Yes.
And these are your children?
Yes.
A cold void opened inside Miriam. Ten months of love, promises, future plansall dissolved like mist.
Why? she managed, voice breaking. Why did you do this?
Paul remained silent. Alice seized his sleeve.
This has been going on for two years, hasnt it? Your trips, the delaysliving a double life!
Not now, Alice, Paul pleaded.
Now! she shouted. I endured your absences, believed every word! And you
Miriam interjected, Why pretend to be a businessman? Why lie about work, about parents, about the proposal?
A hush fell so deep a fly could be heard buzzing. All eyes were fixed on the unfolding drama.
I I didnt plan this, Paul finally whispered, scanning the crowd. It just spiraled out of control.
Out of control? Miriam echoed. You dated me for ten months, proposed, organized a wedding, and it all got out of control?
It started as a chance encounter, Paul began. You were beautiful, intelligent. I wanted to impress you, so I said I owned a company. Then I couldnt stop.
What was the point of marrying? Alice asked.
Paul fell silent, eyes dropping.
Maybe to disappear after the ceremony, collect gifts, cash, Kate suddenly declared, stepping forward. Is that it, Paul?
No! he protested. I couldnt hurt Miriam that way.
But you did hurt her, Kate continued. And your wife. How long did you intend to keep two families?
Pauls silence spoke louder than any confession. Alice turned to Miriam.
Did you know he was married? she asked.
No, Miriam shook her head. I only learned he lied yesterday.
Disgusting? Horrifying? Alice replied. Exactly.
She faced the children.
Lets go home. We have nothing to do here.
The kids obeyed, heading for the exit. Alice lingered a moment longer.
Ill take the children and go to my mother. You can stay or leave, Paul.
She walked out, head held high.
Paul stood alone, surrounded by judgmental gazes. Miriam stared at him, the man shed thought she loved now unrecognizable.
You should leave, she whispered.
Marian, please, I can explain
Theres nothing to explain, she said, shaking her head. Just go.
He lingered a heartbeat, then turned and walked toward the door. No one stopped him.
Miriam remained in the center of the hall, her white wedding dress suddenly feeling like a costume in a strange play. The guests murmured, bewildered. Kate slipped her arm around Miriams shoulders.
Lets get out of here, Kate suggested. Ill drive you home.
No, Miriam said suddenly, eyes flicking to the banquet tables. Weve already paid for the feast. The guests are here. Lets just celebrate.
What are we celebrating? Kate asked.
My freedom, Miriam whispered, a faint smile forming. Imagine if the other woman had shown up after the ceremony, or a year later, or when we already had children.
She scanned the room.
Sorry forSorry for the chaos, but tonight we will raise our glasses to new beginnings.
