**Diary Entry**
Sometimes, all it takes is one sentencea single careless wordto shatter the world youve built over years in an instant. Thats exactly what happened to me. Even now, I can hardly believe this isnt some melodrama but my actual life.
My name is Emily, and until a few days ago, I was a bride-to-be. Happy, in love, eagerly awaiting what I thought would be the brightest chapter of my life. Oliver and I had been together nearly three years. I wont pretend it was perfect, but then again, whose relationship is? We were two halvesarguing, making up, dreaming together. And when I fell pregnant, Oliver didnt walk away, as some might. He didnt hide behind empty promises. Instead, he proposed, and we began planning our future. It felt like a dream.
Choosing the dress took ages, my hands shaking as I traced the lace. The venue, the menu, the musicevery detail was perfect. My mother wept with joy, and my father he was quiet, but I assumed it was just nerves. On the day itself, I woke early, stared into the mirror, and couldnt believe itmy fairy tale had arrived.
We married at the registry office, everyone cheering, Long live the bride and groom! Afterwards, the reception began at a smart restaurant in central London. Laughter, toasts, dancing. Everyone was happy. Everyone except me.
About an hour in, I stepped outside for air. And without meaning to, I overheard a conversation that turned my world upside down. My father stood with Oliver, smoking in a quiet corner. I didnt mean to eavesdrop, but when I caught my fathers tone, I froze.
I fell into the same trap, he said with a bitter laugh. Married her mother out of duty. No love, no happinessjust a lifetime of obligation. You shouldnt have started this, Oliver. Shell ruin your life, just like her mother ruined mine.
I couldnt move. I dont remember walking away. It wasnt just a betrayalit was a double-cross. My father, the man I idolised, my idea of what family should be. And Oliver. He didnt argue. Just stood there silently, nodding. He knew. Both of them knew. And neither cared enough to keep it quiet.
I ran. No explanations. No looking back. Just stumbled forward, numb. I didnt cryI sobbed. Shook. Every part of me twisted with pain. There was no home, no family, no love. Everything felt tainted, deceitful. Id thought my family was solid. But Id been living a lie.
I disappeared. Returned two days later. Didnt speak to anyone. Silently, I left the keys to the car my father had given me on his desk. Then I called Oliver. Im filing for divorce today, I said. Were done. At first, he refused to believe itshouted, begged, tried to explain. But it was over. I cut him out completely.
Yes, its hard. But maybe the truth saved me. Because if I hadnt heard that conversation, Id have spent my life trapped in a delusion, building a future with someone who never truly wanted itwho saw me as a mistake, a duty.
Now Im alone. A scar on my heart and a child in my belly. But Im free. And Ill never let anyone betray me again. Sometimes, running from a wedding is better than living a lifetime of lies.
