As the music grew louder and the doors opened wide, I took my uncle’s arm, ready to walk down the aisle. We stepped forward, each step bringing me closer to a new part of my life. But suddenly, his grip tightened, and he leaned in to whisper something unexpected. My heart sank as his words broke through the happy mood, leaving me shocked and speechless. This couldn’t be happening. “Wh– What did you just say?” I asked, and my eyes widened when he replied, “You heard me, Stella. You cannot marry this man.” My uncle was quite old already, and I thought he was just talking nonsense, but what he said next made me freeze in place. This couldn’t be true, could it? I refused to believe it! My uncle repeated himself once again, saying, “Stella, you can’t trust him. I have proof!” My eyes immediately shot toward Jamie, my soon-to-be husband, and I just laughed it off at first. He was perfect for me, and I trusted him with my life. But my uncle came prepared – he swiftly took something out of his pocket and pushed it into my hands. As I looked at it, my heart broke into a million pieces. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. My uncle wasn’t lying… This was real proof. “Now you know the truth,” he whispered, and then he let go of my hand, for at that moment, we arrived at the altar. I needed to make a decision, but I didn’t have much time to think about it. But what did Stella’s uncle show her? Why couldn’t she trust Jamie? And what was going to happen next? I carefully stepped onto the altar and stood across from Jamie. He smiled at me with tears in his eyes, and some of our guests in the front row went, “Awww, look at him!” But I wondered, was he crying out of happiness or guilt? How could he betray me like that?! I took a deep breath to calm myself down and I finally looked him in the eyes. Then the ceremony started, and the officiant began his speech. I had looked forward to this moment so much, but it wasn’t like I had expected it to be. I just couldn’t focus, and I barely paid attention to anything the officiant said. I only wished I’d had a bit more time to think about what I was going to do next… I felt like I was going insane. Before I knew it, it was time for our vows. Jamie’s voice broke while he read his, and they were very sweet, but I didn’t believe a word that came out of his mouth anymore. All I could think about was what my uncle had shown me… I looked around and found his face in the crowd, and he nodded his head at me like he could see right into my thoughts. What was I going to do?! When Jamie finished his vows, everyone clapped and cheered, and many of our guests shed a tear or two. His beautiful words had moved everyone except for me, it seemed. Jamie must have noticed this, too, because he took my hand, squeezed it, and whispered, “Babe, are you okay?” But I couldn’t stand to be so close to him any longer. I said, “I’m sorry,” and I stepped off the altar and ran right back down the aisle. I heard shocked gasps and whispers, “Oh, no! Where is she going?” and Jamie called my name, but I refused to turn around. My mind was a complete mess, and I needed some time to think before I legally bonded myself to this man. Now that I knew the truth… I realized he wasn’t who I thought he was. I locked myself in the bathroom and I finally let it all out. Now that I was alone, I didn’t need to pretend anymore. I cried and cried, and didn’t even care that my make-up was ruined. I wasn’t going to need it anyway… I had made my decision. But at that moment, I heard a knock on my door. “Stella? Are you in there?” It was Monica, my maid of honor. I slowly unlocked the door and let her in. She was visibly shocked to see the state I was in, and I knew that she had many questions. I also knew that if there was one person I could trust with this information, it was her… So, I sat her down next to me and told her, “Monica, he has someone else. Jamie is cheating on me.” Her eyes widened, and she whispered, “No…” but I just nodded. I shared what my uncle had told me as he walked me down the aisle, and I showed her the photo he had given me. It was a picture of Jamie and a woman I didn’t know, walking into a hotel as he held his arm around her shoulder. They were laughing, and well… It was just so obvious that they were more than friends. I was furious with myself for not noticing before. How could I have missed that? Suddenly, all those evenings that he had to “work late” replayed in my mind, and I wondered, had he ever even spoken the truth? Or were all of those extra meetings another excuse to meet up with his mistress? I was determined to find out the truth, but I was going to do it my way. Besides all of those questions, I was sure about one thing: I wasn’t going to marry this liar, and I never wanted to speak to him again. He didn’t deserve it. I told Monica to come up with an excuse while I ran away, but little did I know that things weren’t as they seemed, and I shouldn’t have trusted my uncle blindly. But I would find this out the hard way… I hailed a cab and quickly packed a bag with essentials for a few days. My hands shook as I grabbed clothes, toiletries, and a few snacks. I didn’t have much time. The cab honked outside, urging me to hurry. I took one last look at the room, feeling a pang of sadness, and then I zipped up the bag and rushed out. My mind raced as I tried to come up with a plan. Knowing Jamie would look for me at home, I left my wedding ring on my pillow and drove to a motel. It felt symbolic, like a message that I couldn’t face him. The drive was a blur, my mind focused on finding a place to hide. The motel’s neon sign flickered, and I pulled in, feeling a mix of relief and dread. What was I going to do next? At the motel, I booked a room and turned off my phone, ignoring calls from Jamie, friends, and family. The receptionist gave me a key with a sympathetic smile, and I hurried to my room. Once inside, I sat on the bed and exhaled, feeling the weight of everything. The silence was deafening, but I needed it. I couldn’t deal with anyone right now. I was determined to avoid speaking to anyone, needing time to process the shocking revelation from my uncle. The room was small and plain, but it was a sanctuary. I sat by the window, staring out at the parking lot. I replayed my uncle’s words in my mind, trying to make sense of them. How could Jamie have done this? I needed answers, but first, I needed to think. Settling into the motel room, I tried to calm my racing mind and figure out my next steps. I paced back and forth, then sat down and put my head in my hands. What was my plan now? The uncertainty was overwhelming, but I knew I couldn’t stay here forever. I needed to find out the truth and decide what to do about Jamie. For now, I had to stay strong. In my room, I opened my laptop and started checking Jamie’s social media profiles, determined to track down the woman. My fingers trembled as I clicked through his photos, posts, and friends list. Every picture of us together now seemed tainted. I scrutinized every comment and like, searching for a clue. Hours passed, and I grew more frustrated and desperate. Who was she? I had to find out. I searched for hours with no success. Each profile led to another dead end, and my eyes grew tired from staring at the screen. The woman in the photo remained a mystery, and I felt my hope slipping away. I needed a break, but I couldn’t stop. My mind was racing with questions, and I knew I couldn’t rest until I had some answers. I turned my phone back on and ignored the flood of messages. Notifications popped up one after another – Jamie, friends, family – all wanting to know where I was. I scrolled through them quickly, not ready to face anyone yet. The only message I cared about was from my uncle. His cryptic words haunted me, and I needed to talk to him to understand everything. I only wanted to talk to my uncle, so I called him and arranged to meet at a coffee shop the next morning. His voice was calm but urgent as we set the time. “We need to talk,” he said, and I agreed. Hanging up, I felt a mix of dread and relief. Maybe he could give me the clarity I desperately needed. Until then, all I could do was wait. The worry and stress kept me up all night, barely managing to get any sleep as I replayed everything in my mind. I tossed and turned, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and betrayal. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the photo again. Jamie’s face, the unknown woman. I just needed answers, but the night felt endless. The next morning, I drove to meet my uncle at the coffee shop and I wondered what he was going to tell me. The drive felt surreal, my thoughts jumbled and my heart heavy. As I parked and walked inside, I saw him already sitting at a corner table, looking solemn. I took a deep breath and approached him, hoping to finally get the answers I needed. As soon as we sat down, I asked about the photo he had shown me. “Uncle, where did you get that picture?” I demanded, my voice trembling. He sighed deeply and reached for his coffee, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “I saw them together,” he began, looking me in the eyes. My heart pounded, and I braced myself for his explanation. He explained the photo was taken two nights before the wedding when he saw Jamie with the woman at a hotel. “I couldn’t believe my eyes,” he said. “I watched them enter the hotel, laughing and looking very comfortable with each other.” His words cut deep, and I felt a wave of nausea. How could Jamie do this so close to our wedding day? My uncle said Jamie and the woman seemed very happy, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. “They were so at ease,” he continued, “like they had done this many times before.” His description of their interaction made my stomach churn. I couldn’t understand how Jamie could be so deceitful. Every detail my uncle shared felt like another stab to my heart. He admitted he wanted to follow them but feared being seen, so he didn’t investigate further. “I thought about it,” he said, “but I didn’t want to cause a scene or make things worse. I’m sorry, Stella. I should’ve done more.” His regret was evident, but so was his hesitation. I understood his fear, but it left me with more questions than answers. My uncle apologized for not coming to me sooner, saying he doubted whether to reveal the truth. “I didn’t want to hurt you, Stella,” he said, his voice filled with regret. “But I couldn’t keep it from you any longer.” His eyes were sincere, and I could see the inner conflict he had faced. It wasn’t easy for him to bring this to light, and I appreciated his honesty. He confessed his fear of ruining my marriage but didn’t want to keep such a secret from me. “I was torn,” he admitted. “I didn’t want to destroy your happiness, but I knew you deserved to know the truth.” His words resonated with me, and I felt a mix of gratitude and sorrow. The truth was painful, but living a lie would have been worse. I thanked him for finally telling me, appreciating his honesty despite the pain it caused. “I’m glad you told me,” I said, my voice trembling. “It hurts, but I needed to know.” He nodded, relief washing over his face. We sat in silence for a moment, both absorbing the weight of the situation. Despite everything, I was grateful for his courage to tell me the truth. Back at the motel, I called the hotel to check Jamie’s reservation, hoping for a misunderstanding. My hands shook as I dialed the number, praying there was some mistake. “Hello, can you confirm a reservation for Jamie?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. The receptionist took a moment to check, and I held my breath, waiting for the answer that could change everything. My heart raced as I dialed the number, dreading what the receptionist might reveal. Each ring felt like an eternity, and my mind raced with possibilities. When she finally answered, my voice was barely above a whisper. “Can you tell me if Jamie stayed there recently?” I asked, gripping the phone tightly. The pause before her response felt like a lifetime. I braced myself for her reply. The receptionist confirmed Jamie had a reservation two nights ago, and my heart broke. Her words echoed in my ears, and I felt a sharp pain in my chest. “Yes, he was here,” she said matter-of-factly, unaware of the turmoil she’d just unleashed. I gripped the phone tighter, trying to keep my voice steady. This confirmation was the last thing I wanted to hear. I asked about the reservation and she said the room was booked for an entire week. “A whole week?” I repeated, barely able to process the information. “Yes, that’s correct,” she replied, confirming my worst fears. Jamie had planned to stay longer than I’d imagined. My mind raced with questions, and the betrayal cut even deeper. How could he lie so blatantly? I couldn’t believe Jamie had lied so blatantly, feeling betrayal and hurt wash over me. Each word from the receptionist felt like a dagger. Jamie’s deception was more extensive than I’d thought. My eyes filled with tears, but I held them back. I needed to stay strong, even though the pain was almost unbearable. I couldn’t let him get away with this. When I asked for the room number, the receptionist refused due to privacy laws, frustrating my efforts. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but I can’t give out that information,” she said firmly. I felt a surge of frustration and desperation. “Please, it’s important,” I pleaded, but she remained adamant. Her refusal was a major setback, and I felt my determination hardening. I needed another plan. I thanked her and hung up, feeling more determined to uncover the truth myself. The call ended, but my resolve didn’t waver. I had to find out what Jamie was hiding, no matter what it took. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, and I knew I couldn’t stop now. My heart was heavy, but my mind was made up. I had to see this through. I decided to go to the hotel in disguise, buying cheap dye to darken my hair and wearing sunglasses and a hat. The transformation was quick but effective. I looked in the mirror, barely recognizing myself. It was risky, but I had no choice. I needed to get inside that hotel without being noticed. With my new look, I felt a surge of determination. It was time to find the truth. After changing my appearance, I drove to the hotel and parked outside, scanning for any signs of Jamie or the woman. The parking lot was busy, but there was no sign of them. I took a deep breath, adjusted my sunglasses, and gathered my courage. This was it. I had to act normal and blend in. With one last glance around, I headed toward the entrance. Seeing nothing, I confidently walked inside, pretending I already had a room and greeted the receptionist. “Good afternoon,” I said with a smile, trying to appear relaxed. The lobby was bustling, which helped me blend in. The receptionist barely glanced at me as she returned my greeting. I kept my pace steady, heading straight for the elevators. My heart raced, but I couldn’t turn back now. To my surprise, the receptionist greeted me back, allowing me to head straight to the elevator unnoticed. Relief washed over me as I stepped inside the elevator. I pressed the button for the first floor, my mind racing with possibilities. Had Jamie really booked a room for a week? Who was the woman with him? I needed answers, and I was getting closer. My heart pounded with anticipation as I prepared to search for Jamie’s room. The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out into the hallway, the sound of my footsteps echoing softly. I took a deep breath, steadying myself. This was it. I had to find out what was really going on. Each step brought me closer to the truth, and I couldn’t turn back now. I started my search on the first floor, walking down the corridor and checking room numbers, hoping to find a clue. Each door looked the same, but I examined every detail, hoping something would stand out. The hallway was quiet, and my footsteps sounded loud in the silence. I glanced around, feeling the weight of my mission. I had to stay focused and find Jamie’s room. I carefully checked the rooms, praying not to encounter anyone who might recognize me. My disguise seemed to be working, but I couldn’t afford any mistakes. I listened at each door, hoping to hear a familiar voice or anything suspicious. My heart pounded with every step, but I kept moving. The fear of being discovered pushed me to be extra cautious. After an uneventful first floor, I took the elevator to the second, my nerves on edge. The ride up felt longer than it was, my thoughts racing with possibilities. As the doors opened, I stepped out and resumed my search, each step filled with tension. The second floor held the same layout, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was getting closer. On the second floor, I again found nothing. The disappointment was heavy, but I pressed on. I repeated my careful inspection, checking each room and listening for any signs of Jamie. The silence was both a comfort and a frustration. I couldn’t let this deter me. There were more floors to search, and I was determined to find the truth. The process repeated until I reached the fifth floor. By now, my nerves were frayed, but I couldn’t stop. Each floor brought new hope and new anxiety. I stepped off the elevator and took a deep breath, ready to continue my search. This floor felt different, though. There was a tension in the air, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was close to finding something significant. Turning a corner on the fifth floor, my heart nearly stopped as I saw Jamie exiting a room. He looked different, more relaxed than I’d seen him in a long time. My breath caught in my throat as I watched him, struggling to process what I was seeing. This was real. My mind raced with questions, but I knew I had to stay hidden. I quickly ducked away, hiding and noting the room number he left from, my heart racing. My pulse thundered in my ears as I pressed against the wall, peeking around the corner to make sure he didn’t see me. Once he turned and walked down the hall, I let out a shaky breath. I couldn’t believe I was this close. I had to act fast. Once Jamie was out of sight, I hurried to the door he had exited, my hand trembling as I knocked softly. The silence was deafening as I waited for a response. My heart pounded in my chest, each second feeling like an eternity. I pressed my ear to the door, trying to hear any movement inside. The anticipation was unbearable. The door didn’t open, and I was left deciding whether to wait or come back later. I glanced around nervously, not wanting to be seen loitering in the hallway. My mind raced with options, but none seemed right. I couldn’t just leave, not after coming this far. I needed answers, but standing here felt risky. Time was slipping away. Before I could decide, I heard voices behind me – it was Jamie and the woman from the photo. My heart leapt into my throat as I quickly moved to hide around the corner. Their conversation grew louder, and I strained to hear. “I haven’t heard from her at all,” Jamie said. My emotions swirled as I realized they were heading back to the room. This was my chance. I hid behind a corner, watching them enter the room and listening to their conversation. My heart pounded as I strained to hear their words. Jamie’s voice was clear, and the woman’s laugh rang out, carefree and familiar. I felt a mix of dread and anger rising within me. This was my chance to understand what was happening, and I couldn’t afford to miss a word. “I haven’t heard from her at all anymore… I have no idea what I’ve done wrong,” Jamie said, referring to me. His tone sounded genuinely confused and concerned, which only fueled my frustration. How could he pretend to be clueless when he was the one hiding things? My grip tightened on the corner of the wall as I listened, anger bubbling up inside me. My anger flared as I listened, feeling betrayed and hurt by Jamie’s words and actions as they walked into the room. Each word felt like a knife, twisting deeper into my heart. How could he stand there, acting innocent, while he was with another woman? My emotions were a whirlwind, and I knew I couldn’t stay hidden much longer. This charade had to end. I stood there for a moment, furious, but then I decided that I needed to confront him. This had gone on long enough. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. My heart raced as I prepared myself for what was about to happen. I couldn’t let Jamie continue this lie. It was time to face him and demand the truth, no matter how painful. I knocked on the door again, ready to demand answers. My hand shook slightly as it made contact with the wood. There was a brief silence, then I heard footsteps approaching. My heart pounded in my chest, and I clenched my fists, bracing for the confrontation. This was it. The door creaked open, and I prepared to come face-to-face with Jamie and his lies. The woman opened the door immediately, her eyes widening as she saw me. “Stella?” she said, shocked. I stood there, my heart pounding in my chest. Her recognition of me only deepened my confusion. How did she know my name? What had Jamie told her? My mind raced with questions, and I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach. This confrontation was not going as I had expected. My heart sank – how did she know my name? Had Jamie told her about me, and they still had an affair? The thoughts swirled in my mind, making me feel dizzy. I couldn’t understand how everything had spiraled out of control so quickly. The woman’s expression was one of genuine surprise, but it did nothing to ease my growing sense of betrayal. Jamie appeared behind her, equally shocked to see me. “Stella!” he exclaimed, asking what was going on. His eyes were wide with surprise, and for a moment, we just stared at each other. The tension was thick in the air, and I struggled to find my voice. Jamie’s presence only added to my confusion and anger. I needed answers, and I needed them now. I was too stunned to speak, feeling a mix of anger, confusion, and betrayal. The words caught in my throat as I looked from Jamie to the woman and back again. My mind was a whirl of emotions, and I couldn’t form a coherent thought. The betrayal I felt was overwhelming, and I didn’t know how to process it. All I wanted was the truth. Jamie invited me inside, and I demanded to know the truth, pointing at the woman accusingly. “What is going on here?” I demanded, my voice trembling with emotion. Jamie looked taken aback but gestured for me to come in. “Let’s talk about this,” he said calmly. I stepped into the room, my eyes never leaving the woman. I needed to understand what was happening. Jamie and the woman sat me down, both looking serious but not guilty, which confused me even more. Their calm demeanor clashed with the turmoil inside me. “Please, just listen,” Jamie said, his voice steady. The woman nodded, her expression sincere. My frustration grew as I waited for an explanation. How could they be so composed while my world was falling apart? I demanded Jamie admit the truth, my frustration boiling over as I pointed at the woman again. “Who is she?” I asked, my voice shaking. Jamie raised his hands in a calming gesture. “Stella, you’ve got it all wrong,” he said. The woman looked at me with a mix of sympathy and understanding. I felt my patience wearing thin. “Then explain it to me,” I snapped. To my shock, Jamie started laughing, saying I had misunderstood everything completely. “Stella, this is Lucy,” he said between chuckles. His laughter caught me off guard, and I felt a wave of confusion. The woman smiled, and I saw no malice in her eyes. “What do you mean, misunderstood?” I asked, my anger slowly giving way to curiosity. Jamie’s laughter subsided, and he took a deep breath. He explained the woman was Lucy, his sister who had been adopted as a baby and recently reconnected with him. “We found each other a few months ago,” Jamie said, his voice filled with emotion. Lucy nodded. “I wanted to surprise you after the wedding,” he continued. “I’m sorry for keeping it a secret.” The truth hit me like a tidal wave, and I felt a mix of relief and disbelief. Jamie had kept it a secret, planning to surprise me after our wedding, and I realized my uncle had misunderstood the situation. The pieces started to fall into place, and I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. “So, there’s no affair?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper. Jamie shook his head. “No, Stella, never,” he said firmly. Relief washed over me, but so did regret for doubting him. Jamie took my hands, eyes filled with regret, apologizing for not telling me sooner and causing this misunderstanding. “I’m so sorry, Stella,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I never wanted to hurt you.” I could see the sincerity in his eyes, and it made my heart ache. “I should have been honest with you from the start,” he continued, squeezing my hands gently. I looked at Lucy and then back at Jamie, trying to process the unexpected revelation and my uncle’s mistake. Lucy gave me a small, understanding smile. “I’m really sorry for all this confusion,” she said softly. Jamie’s eyes were filled with concern. I took a deep breath, feeling the tension slowly start to release. It was a lot to take in, but at least now I knew the truth. Finally, I sighed and nodded, telling Jamie I wished he had trusted me sooner but understood his intentions. “I get why you did it,” I said quietly. “But it would have been better if you had told me.” Jamie nodded, looking remorseful. “I know, and I promise to be more open with you,” he said. It felt good to clear the air and start to move past this misunderstanding. We embraced, feeling the weight of the misunderstanding lift, grateful for the truth and each other. Jamie held me tightly, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. “I love you, Stella,” he whispered. “I love you too,” I replied, my voice choked with emotion. Lucy watched us with a warm smile, and I knew that we could move forward from this stronger than before. Although the wedding day wasn’t as planned, it brought clarity and a stronger connection to Jamie’s family. We sat together, talking and laughing, the tension of the past few days melting away. It wasn’t the day I had imagined, but in some ways, it was better. We had faced a challenge and come through it together, stronger and more united. This was just the beginning of our journey.