Vera was crying bitterly and softly mumbling to herself:
“What will happen now, Mum? Oh, the shame… Everyone in the village will be gossiping and laughing because the groom didn’t show up for the wedding.”
“I’d rather the ground swallowed me up than have to face people.”
“Don’t cry, Vera, we’ll figure something out,” her mum reassured her as best she could, even as her mind raced. Then, an idea struck her.
“Peter!” she called to the neighbor. “Let’s head to the train station for the morning train.”
“No problem,” the neighbor replied. “For you, Nadine, I’d even bring down a star from the sky.”
Nadine loudly slammed the front car door and settled in comfortably.
“We’re going to find a groom for my Vera,” she declared seriously.
Peter looked at her in surprise. “Are you joking? Do you think someone will volunteer?”
“Why not? I’ll pay him well, and everyone loves money.”
With confidence, Nadine headed towards the platform where the train had just arrived. She approached two handsome young men, exchanged a few words with them, and before long, was leading them to Peter’s car.
“Peter, we’re off to the shop,” she said. “We’ll buy suits for the groom and the best man.”
“Does he have his documents?” Peter smiled.
“Everything’s in order!” Nadine assured him. “This is my future son-in-law, Eugene, and his witness, Nicholas.”
“Look here, the groom’s arrived!” the guests sang. “Hooray! Finally!”
Vera joyfully dashed out the door and then stopped in her tracks: unfamiliar young men were stepping out of Peter’s car. Her mother hugged her and took her aside behind the car.
“This is Eugene. Either you marry him right now, and part ways quietly later, or you face a lifetime of shame and gossip. Choose quickly.”
Vera couldn’t even speak; she just nodded. And a moment later, a smile shone on her tear-streaked face.
The wedding was a success, with the whole village celebrating until dawn. Eugene immediately embraced his role, leaving Vera astounded. When the guests finally went home, Vera extended her hand to Eugene and was taken aback by the tenderness with which she said, “Thank you. You really saved me.” And seriously added, “Don’t worry, the divorce will be quick.”
“I’m not planning to divorce,” Eugene stated firmly. “In fact, I want to get to know you better.”
Vera had not expected this at all. “Oh my! Well, imagine that!” she exclaimed. “One man swore eternal love and disappeared, while a total stranger wants to spend his life with me…”
“What do you mean, a stranger?” Eugene asked, hurt. “I liked you the moment I saw you, Vera.”
“But you—” began the bride angrily, but the young man cut her off.
“From today, I’m your husband. You know, my mum always worried I’d never marry and find my fate, and I always told her that fate would find me. And it did. Do you think I’d give up just like that? Don’t answer now; think it through first.”
So, Vera thought it over. And she thought for nearly 25 years, during which they raised three children and she and Eugene lived happily ever after. Nadine could hardly believe that what could have been the shame of the village turned into lifelong happiness for her daughter.
