Did he actually skip his own wedding and then send a photo with another woman?
Are you serious? Pink? On your wedding day? Claire nearly tipped over her latte as she stared at Emily.
Whats wrong with it? Emily twirled in front of the mirror, admiring the powderblue gown. Its romantic.
Emily, youre thirtytwo! Pink is for teenagers.
Who said? Emily turned to Claire. I want to feel like a princess. Im only getting married once, so I deserve it.
Claire sighed, took a sip of her coffee.
Fine, its your wedding, your call. If I were you Id go with ivory it suits you better.
The shop assistant waited patiently, holding a third dress.
Ladies, perhaps youd like to try this one? Its an elegant model with a train.
Go on, Emily nodded.
She slipped into the new dress and emerged from the fitting room. The ivory number was stunning a straight silhouette, offtheshoulder bodice, a sweeping train. Exactly what Claire had suggested.
Wow! Claire spun around Emily. Now thats what I call a queensize look.
Emily examined her reflection. The dress fit like a glove.
James will love it?
Of course! Hows he holding up? Nervous about the big day?
Emily shrugged, tracing the embroidery on the bodice.
Im not sure. Hes been oddly quiet all week.
Men get jittery before a wedding, Claire soothed. Its just the weight of responsibility.
Probably.
Emily bought the ivory gown. The assistant boxed it up, and the two friends left the boutique.
Everything set? Claire asked as they settled in a café opposite the shop. Venue booked, rings purchased?
Yep. The weddings this Saturday, two days from now. The venues secured, the menus approved, the bands booked.
Guests confirmed?
Almost everyone. About eighty people.
Claire whistled.
Big celebration, then.
My mum insisted on a proper sendoff. She says if Im getting married, I should go big. Shes actually more excited than I am.
What about Jamess parents?
Emily grimaced.
His mum will be there. His dad dropped out, says its Jamess decision, his responsibility.
Strange.
Their relationships a bit tangled, I stay out of it.
They finished their coffees, and Claire headed off to her errands while Emily went home. The flat was quiet; her mum was at work, her dad tinkering in the garage.
Emily grabbed her phone and texted James:Bought the dress its absolutely gorgeous! Cant wait for Saturday.
Twenty minutes later his reply came:Fine.
Just one word. Emily frowned. James had never been a chatterbox, but lately hed turned into a mime. She called him.
Hello? his voice sounded weary.
Hey, its me. How are you?
Fine.
James, whats up? Youve been off for a week.
Silence, then a deep breath.
Listen, Emily, I need to tell you something.
Her heart skipped.
What is it?
Not over the phone. Meet me?
When?
Tomorrow, by the fountain in the park, sixp.m.
Alright, Emily felt a chill settle in her bones. See you then.
He hung up. Emily sat on the sofa, phone clenched in her hand. Was he having cold feet? Theyd been together three years, planned everything, bought the rings, booked the venue.
That evening her mum called.
Emily, did you get the dress?
Yes, Mum, its beautiful.
Youll show it tomorrow?
Tomorrow, Im exhausted, need sleep.
Alright, love. Rest up. The biggest day of your life is just around the corner!
Emily ended the call and lay down without changing out of her nightclothes. The biggest day if James didnt back out.
The next day she arrived at the park fifteen minutes early, perched on a bench by the fountain, watching the water ripple. Couples strolled, kids chased each other, cyclists whizzed by just a typical summer evening.
James arrived precisely at six, tall, darkhaired, in jeans and a shirt, his expression serious, almost grim.
Hi, he sat down beside her.
Hi. What did you want to say?
He stared at the fountain, then turned to her.
Emily, I dont know how to put this
Just tell me.
Im not sure Im ready for the wedding.
Emily felt the world tilt.
What?
I need time to think. Maybe we should postpone?
Postpone? Her voice trembled. The wedding is in two days! Guests invited, the venue paid for!
I know, but
But what?! Emily stood up, fury bubbling. James, what are you talking about? Weve been together three years! Weve planned everything!
He also rose, hands in his pockets.
Im sorry. I just cant right now.
Why?
I cant explain. I just cant.
Emily stared at him, disbelief written across her face.
Youre joking, right? This is a prank?
No.
Then whats happening? Explain!
James shook his head.
Not now. I need to sort myself out.
He turned and walked away. Emily stood frozen, halfdream, halfnightmare.
She grabbed her phone and dialed Claire.
Claire, hes calling off the wedding!
What? James?!
Yes! Just now. He says hes not sure, needs time.
That idiot! Claire cursed. Where are you?
At the park, by the fountain.
Stay put, Im on my way.
Claire arrived half an hour later, hugged Emily, and the two sobbed into each other.
What do I do? The weddings in two days!
Cancel it, Claire said firmly. Call the venue, tell them its a noshow.
What about the guests?
Ill text everyone. Say its been called off due to unforeseen circumstances.
And the parents?
Tell them the truth. He ran off, that happens.
They sat on the bench until dusk, then Claire drove Emily home.
Emilys mum opened the door, saw her daughters tearstreaked face, and instantly knew.
Whats happened?
James called it off.
Her mum went pale.
How?
He said hes not sure, needs time.
Emilys dad stepped out of the garage.
What do you mean called it off? The day before the wedding?
Hes gone.
Dad swore under his breath, something he rarely did.
Where is he? Ill talk to him!
No, dont. I just want to sleep.
Emily retreated to her room, lay on the bed, the emptiness louder than any sob.
The next morning her mum brought tea.
Emily, you have to call the guests, cancel everything.
I cant.
You can. Ill be right here.
Together they sat at the kitchen table, and Emily phoned each guest, explaining the wedding was cancelled. Some were sympathetic, some were angry, some just hung up.
Dad drove to the venue to sort out the payment. He came back with a grim look.
They wont refund us. The contract says we lose the deposit.
How much did we lose? her mum asked.
Two thousand pounds.
Emily covered her face with her hands. Two thousand pounds a years savings vanished.
Its alright, her dad said, ruffling her hair. Youre alive and well. Money can be earned again.
Saturday arrived the day that should have been the wedding. Emily woke early, stared at the ivory dress hanging in the wardrobe, tears welling again. Her phone buzzed.
It was a message from James. She opened it and her heart stopped. A photograph filled the screen: James in a tuxedo, arm around a woman in a white dress, both smiling next to a red wedding register. The caption read: Sorry, Im already married. Ive loved her forever. I just never had the courage to tell you. Forgive me.
Emily bolted to the bathroom, her world turned upside down. Her mum burst in, eyes wide at the picture.
This this
Dont say a word, Emily whispered, clutching the phone. Just sit with me.
Her mum sank onto the floor beside her, hugging her tightly.
This isnt your fault. Hes a scoundrel, thats all.
Emily could barely breathe.
An hour later Claire arrived, saw the photo, almost smashed her phone against the wall.
Im going to kill him! Where does he live?
I dont know, Emily said, wrapping a blanket around herself. He rented a flat, never told me the address.
What about his friends?
None. He said he had none. We only ever met at my place or cafés.
Claire shook her head.
Its got to be a repeat. Hes been doing this for years.
A week passed. Emily ate barely, stayed in bed, stared at the ceiling. Her mum kept urging her to eat, but Emily just turned her head.
Claire visited daily, bringing fruit, trying to lift the mood.
On the eighth day a stranger called.
Emily?
Yes.
My name is Lydia Antonova. Im Jamess mother.
Emily sat up.
What do you want?
I need to meet you. Its important. I have something to tell you.
They met at the same fountain. Lydia was a short, plump woman in her sixties, eyes tired, cheeks damp.
Thank you for coming, she said, wiping her eyes.
I suppose you have an explanation.
Lydia pulled a handkerchief from her bag and dabbed at her tears.
James isnt the man you think he is. Hes a professional fraudster. He courts women, plans weddings, then marries someone else and splits the money.
Emily stared.
I already know that.
No, you dont. Hes done this three times before you. Youre his fourth victim.
What about the woman in the photo?
Shes an actress he hired for a fake ceremony. Theres no legal marriage.
Emily felt a cold wave.
Youre joking?
I wish I were. Hes been stealing from families, getting half the deposit back from venues.
Is this a joke?
No. Im tired of his lies. Im ashamed of my son, but I need you to know the truth.
Emily stood.
Thank you, but I have to go.
Wait, Lydia handed her a slip of paper. These are the addresses of the other women he duped. Maybe you can do something together.
Emily slipped the paper into her bag and left without looking back.
At home she told her parents everything. Dads face turned crimson.
Im going to the police!
Dont. What evidence do we have? Its his word against ours.
Its fraud!
Mom unfolded the list of addresses.
What about the other women? Maybe they want justice too?
Emily dialed the first number.
Hello? a woman answered.
This is Emily. Did you date James Anton?
Silence.
How did you find my number?
My mother gave it to me. I was his bride too.
Me too, the voice hardened. Im not alone.
Four of us now. Can we meet?
Yes. Come over.
Emily met the other three women Marina, Lena, and Oksana. Each had been left at the altar and had lost money: Marinas family £1,500, Lena £2,000, Oksana £1,800, Emily £2,000. They gathered in a snug café, plotting their next move.
Marina had tried the police, but the officers said there was no crime he hadnt taken the cash directly.
Lena suggested a newspaper expose.
Oksana doubted it would help; he could change his name and keep conning.
Emily thought, then spoke:
What if we confront him together? Demand the money back, or well go public papers, social media, the whole lot.
They all nodded.
Lydia gave them the address of Jamess flat. That evening the four women knocked on his door. He opened, stunned.
What do you?
Can we come in? Or would you prefer the neighbours hear what youre up to?
He stepped aside, letting them in. They sat, eyes fixed on him.
Marina began: We know what youre doing. We have proof.
What proof? James tried to smile, but it looked pathetic.
Your mothers testimony, Emily said. Shes ready to repeat everything to the police.
Jamess face turned ashen.
He wont
She will, Claire interjected, and well all back her up.
James slumped onto the sofa, covering his face.
What do you want?
£7,300 the total we lost.
I dont have that!
Youll find it. Or well publish your picture and story everywhere. No more brides, no more money.
James stared, panic flickering in his eyes.
How long?
A month. One month and the cash is back.
Its impossible!
Its not. Youve stolen before, you must have savings.
He looked up, fear and anger battling.
Fine.
The women left, and on the street Emily wondered, Do you think hell actually pay?
Marina smirked, Hell pay. Hes terrified of being exposed.
A month passed. James sent weekly updates, saying he was gathering the money. At the end of the month he invited the four women to meet again. He handed each a sealed envelope.
Heres what I owe you.
They opened the envelopes the sums matched exactly.
Marina handed him back his envelope. Now disappear, and never do this again. Otherwise well really go public.
James nodded, eyes downcast.
Emily returned home with the cash, gave it to her parents.
Heres what we lost on the wedding, she said.
Mom looked at the money, then at Emily.
How did you manage that?
We banded together. All of us former brides.
Dad embraced her.
Proud of you.
Emily finally smiled, genuinely, for the first time in weeks.
Six months later Emily landed a new job, made fresh friends. The sting of Jamess betrayal had dulled, never vanished entirely but became quieter.
One evening her mothers phone rang.
Emily, its Lydia. I just wanted to say thank you.
Thank you for what?
Because of you, James got a proper job. He says hell never cheat again.
Really?
Yes. Hes learned his lesson.
Emily hung up, thinking perhaps the whole mess hadnt been in vain. Maybe shed saved future brides from heartache.
The ivory dress never saw the aisle. Emily gave it to a friend who was actually getting married, and she attended that wedding, cheering for someone elses happiness.
Her own happiness, as Mum always said, was still ahead just needed a bit more caution and a lot less faith in pretty words without deeds.
