A joyous rehearsal meal turned into my world-ending night. I learned of my fiancé’s sad betrayal and that my family had helped him hide it hours before my wedding. I lost all I believed about love, trust, and family when secrets and loyalties fell.

I calmly watched my fiancé, Mason, tie his shoelaces by the door before leaving again. His “work emergencies” had become a daily occurrence, and my stomach turned deeper with each new day.

“Do you must go?” I asked, trying to speak clearly.

He ignored me. “Yeah. Last-minute meeting. Can’t refuse.”

I said, “You’ve been saying that a lot lately,” to sound light.

He briefly looked at me. “Are you accusing me?”

Quickly, I retreated. “No. Just stating a fact.”

But I was drowning in doubt. Something was wrong. Mason was always on his phone, messaging an unknown person. He disappeared for hours or days without explanation. I asked inquiries, and he got defensive.

I wrung my hands on our bed as Mason showered that night. His bedside phone lit up. A fresh message. I hesitated, but my chest agony demanded the truth. I knew his password. He didn’t know I did.

Shaking hands, I unlocked it.

A group chat called “Mason and Talia” sent the message.

Blood chilled.

Talia was my best friend from age 12. I tapped the group to see members. Mason. Talia. My mother, brother Jacob, and sister Lena.

Shocked, I gazed.

Eight months have passed since the chat. The first Mason message read:

Mason expressed regret for the unfortunate discovery. But I adore Talia. I still adore Ava. I must keep her. Need more time. Do not inform her.”

What followed sickened me.

Mason, please refrain from harming Ava, as stated by his mother, Diane. She’s your fiance.”

Mason admitted, “I know.” I love Talia too.”

My mom responded after several days without messages.

Diane asked, “Do you truly love her?”

@Mason: “Yes.”

Jacob and Lena joined the chat.

What if you try an open relationship? @Jacob

@Lena: “Yes. Increasingly common. Ava may comprehend more than you think.”

According to Mason, she would never do that. She’s too conventional.”

@Diane: “We’ll assist you.” We’ll keep this secret until you’re ready.”

Mason said, “Thank you all so much.”

Seeing months of texts made my hands tremble. Photos of Mason and Talia smiling, kissing, and even explicit ones burnt into my consciousness.

Together they vacationed. The sickness forced me to cancel the vacation. Family went without me. With Talia.

They knew. Every single one. They withheld it from me.

I emailed myself every screenshot. Then I deleted Mason’s phone chat.

I forced a grin when he emerged from the shower with a towel around his waist, humming like he hadn’t just thrown my world apart. I remained silent. Every part of me wanted to scream.

Before leaving, he kissed my cheek. “Love you.”

“Love you too,” I lied.

Next two days, I scarcely slept. My stomach twisted. Mason, of all things, suggested I was pregnant. He brought an exam home.

I wished to force it on him.

So I played along. Because I planned.

The rehearsal dinner approached. I opted against confronting him. To everyone who betrayed me, I would reveal the truth.

Mason stated he had to conduct an errand before dinner. Probably to see her. I was done caring.

I scheduled all screenshots to be emailed and texted to his family, mine, and Talia’s at 6:30 p.m., halfway through supper. Unmissable was my goal.

I arrived at the restaurant to a smile and embrace from my mother.

“Ava, you’re lovely. I’m thrilled for you and Mason.”

Knowing what will hit her, I smiled.

“Thanks, Mom. Me too.”

I saw Talia laughing with pals like she had no cares. Her treachery hurt most. We shared everything since childhood—except loyalty.

Mason arrived before dinner, grinning and greeting everyone like he was the luckiest guy alive.

He stood and toasted with his glass.

I appreciate your attendance tonight. It means everything to us. Ava, I knew you were my lifelong love when we met. I—”

Buzz, buzz, buzz, ding, buzz.

The room lit up with phones. Frowning, people took them up. Confusion spread rapidly.

Mom froze at her phone. Her expression was colorless. She supported herself with the table.

Audible, Talia gasped. Mason’s face changed from confusion to dread while reading.

Wide-eyed, he faced me. I can explain, Ava.”

Standing gently, I let the silence settle like dust before a storm.

“Don’t worry. I think screenshots explained everything.”

Standing, Aunt Joanne gestured at my mother. “How could you hurt your daughter? How dare you approve?

Am I heartless? Mom yelled. Think Ava’s an innocent angel? She was always self-righteous—

“You helped her fiancé cheat!” Joanne snapped. “Be ashamed.”

Talia sprang up and ran to me, crying. Please, Ava… Never meant to hurt you.”

“You never meant to hurt me?” Hissed. You were my BFF.”

“I still am,” she muttered. “It was beyond our control. I want our closeness.”

SLAP.

My hand touched her cheek before I stopped.

Do not approach me. Forever.”

Mason grabbed my arm. “Don’t hurt her!”

I yanked my arm. “You defend her? You ruined everything. You’re coward. You lied to me. And for what? To secretly associate with my best friend as my future husband?

Cracked voice. Please, Ava… I adore you. I erred.”

“No,” I retreated. Forgetting an anniversary is a mistake. Not communicating feelings is a mistake. You decided. My family did too.”

Chaos prevailed in the room. Shouting. Accusations. Tears.

I faced Aunt Joanne. Let’s go.”

We approached the door. I flipped the wedding cake off its stand at the dessert table on my way out. The splat was satisfying.

“Enjoy your sweet little life,” I whispered with one last turn.

Cool, peaceful evening air blew outside. Finally, I could breathe.

Aunt Joanne hugged me. I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

Exhaling, I said, “It’s fine.” The wedding is off. Mason payed for everything. The site. The food. Even the dress. He won’t get reimbursement.”

Joanne laughed grimly. “Poetic justice.”

“Oh, and get this,” I said, taking out my phone. “I found Mason and Talia trash-talking his boss on screenshots. Guess where those texts went?

An eyebrow lifted by Joanne. You did not…

“I did.”

She whistled softly. “You’re your mother’s worst nightmare.”

We laughed, but I cried.

I lost my fiancé, best friend, and family trust in one blow. I also regained self-respect.

Joanne watched me walk. You braved it, Ava. Most people would have fled.”

“I almost did,” I said. “But I couldn’t let them trample me.”

“You’ll be fine. Someone will truly deserve you.”

“I’m not even thinking about that yet,” I answered. “Right now, I’m glad I’m not getting married tomorrow.”

She chuckled. “That would’ve sucked.”

I nodded, letting the wind dry my tears. “This is over. I can restart.”

Finally, I meant it after months.