No Wedding
Lily stepped into the room and froze on the threshold. Before her, Mary stood in her wedding gown, looking breathtakingly beautiful. The dress fit her perfectly, highlighting her figure, and a faint, delicate happiness glimmered in her eyes. Lily couldnt contain her delight.
My goodness, youre absolutely radiant! she exclaimed, never taking her eyes off her friend. Im so thrilled for you. At last youve turned the page and opened your heart to new beginnings, leaving Adam in the past. Youre so brave!
A flash of discomfort crossed Marys face, and the smile slipped away. She busied herself with the dress’s fastening, keeping her gaze from Lily.
I should take it off, she murmured, deftly unhooking the tiny side clasps. Only two weeks until the big day. If anything happens to this dress, Ill never find one just like it again.
Lily bit her lip, instantly realising her misstep. Why bring up Adam? Now, when Mary had finally met someone worthy, any mention of the past was pointless! Adam hadnt deserved even a single tear from Maryespecially not after everything hed done!
Once, Mary had truly believed Adam was her soulmate. She was certain their love would last forever. But slowly, everything began to collapse. He became distant, always finding reasons to avoid her, then started to criticise her choicesher friends, her dreams. He talked her into quitting a promising job project and convinced her to turn down an internship abroad. In the end, he pressured her to change her entire career path.
Marys family couldnt make sense of what was happening. They watched her change, losing her spark, but felt helpless. Any attempt to talk only led to argumentsAdam had convinced Mary that her family just couldnt accept him and wanted to destroy their perfect love. The conflict grew, and eventually Mary was barely speaking with her parents.
And then he vanished. Without a word, not even a letter goodbye. All that remained was a deep woundand a child, whom Mary chose to raise, no matter what.
Now, watching her friend hurriedly remove the wedding dress, Lily was overwhelmed by guilt. She only wanted to share in Marys happiness, to see her finally content. The last thing shed meant was to stir up painful memories.
Marys son, little Adam Jr, was now four years old. A lively, curious child, he peppered the world with endless questions. One day he puzzled over why the sky was blue, the next he marvelled at a line of ants on the pavement. Nursery teachers often remarked on his bright mind: Adam quickly picked up new things, memorised rhymes with ease, and listened in rapt attention to long stories.
He spent most of his days with Marys parentshis grandparentswho gladly took on the role of caring for and nurturing him. They chose a nursery with extra English lessons, took him to swimming, started him in dance classes. Mary herself visited him several times a week, but rarely stayed more than an hour.
It wasnt for lack of love. The truth was much more painful. Adam Jr bore a striking resemblance to his absent fatherthose same dark curls, the same teasing glint in his eye, even the same crooked smile. Every time Mary looked at her son, it was as if she was thrown back into the past, to days when shed believed, so desperately, that they could be a happy family. She adored the boy, celebrated his every achievement, cherished every giggle. But along with the joy came a piercing sadness. When she scooped him up or caught his gaze, tears welled up before she could stop them. Shed turn aside, pretend to fix her dress or rummage for something in her handbag, and later, when he wasnt looking, she cried quietly.
One evening, Mary stopped by her parents to collect Adam. He sat, focused, assembling a puzzle on the rug. At the sight of his mother, he leaped up enthusiastically and tugged her over.
Mummy, look! he called, pulling her down beside him. Almost finished. Theres a house, a tree, and heretherell be a dog!
Mary knelt down, forcing herself to smile.
Its wonderful, she praised gently, stroking his hair. Youve done so well, darling. So careful!
Adam thought for a moment, and then looked up at her.
Mummy, wheres my daddy? In nursery, everyone has a dad except me
Mary froze, her insides twisting, but she managed to keep her tone steady.
I dont know, sweetheart. Daddys far away now. But Im sure he thinks of you.
Why doesnt he call? Adam frowned, as if trying to solve a great riddle. Id tell him I can tie my laces now!
He hes just very busy, Mary managed, a tightness rising in her throat. But Im certain hes proud of you.
Adam pondered this, then nodded, as if satisfied, and returned to his puzzle.
All right then. Ill finish this house, and Daddy will know how clever I am!
Mary sat silently beside him, swallowing the lump in her throat. She wanted to comfort him, to say something more, but no words would come. Instead, she simply ran her hand through his curls, taking in the soft scent of childrens shampoo, holding tight to this fleeting momenther son happy and trusting, even with so many unanswered questions.
Yet even now, she found herself thinking of Adam Sr. Deep down, Mary still grasped for excuses on his behalf. Perhaps something terrible had happened? Perhaps he was in trouble and couldnt reach her? These ideas kept her afloat, stopping her from drowning in despair.
Her family had tried to help, urging her to let go of the past and focus on her child, on her life. Friends were more forthrightHe left you. Its time to accept that and move on! But Mary refused to listen. Shed defend her memories fiercely, recalling how happy they’d been, reciting old promises. Arguments always ended with her retreating into herself, and her loved ones giving up with a sigh.
Yet Mary was never idle. She checked social media, called old haunts where he might appear; she even posted online, hoping someone might know something. Nothing. Yet she couldntand didnt want toaccept that Adam had simply left her and wasnt coming back.
Then, after five long years, someone new entered Marys life and managed to thaw her guarded heart. It happened almost by chancethey met at a mutual friends birthday party. George caught her attention immediately. He was dependable, that was the only word for it. He was genuine. Honest, kind, consideratethe best sort of man.
From the very start, Mary felt an ease with George. He never demanded brave faces or constant smiles. If she was tired, hed suggest heading home. If she needed quiet, hed just sit with her. He was the kind of serious, steady man shed always dreamt ofmost importantly, he truly loved her.
She saw it in everything he did: remembering which coffee she liked, the names of her colleagues, always gently taking care of small worries for her. He was ready, almost literally, to sweep her off her feetMary let herself be loved, and she relished it.
What touched her most was how quickly George bonded with Adam. At their first meeting, Adam sized him up anxiously from behind his mothers legs. But George crouched down to his level and asked, Which cartoons do you like best? In half an hour, they were deep in a game, Adam proudly showing him his favourite toys.
Soon, George was a regular fixture at Marys parents, where Adam lived. Hed take the boy to the park, teach him to ride a bicycle, read bedtime stories. One evening, when Mary caught them drawing together, George simply said, Id like to be his real father. If youll allow, Id love to adopt Adam.
Lily was genuinely thrilled for Mary. She saw her friend slowly changethe return of the sparkle in her eyes, the old shadow of worry gone, replaced by a real, joyful smile. But today, Lily had made a careless blundermentioning Adam Sr. in passing, hoping Mary wouldn’t spiral into gloom.
But Mary surprised her.
Ive grown up, she said, with a gentle smile, carefully laying the dress on the bed. And I realise now that my feelings for Adam need to stay in the past. Sometimes I even regret naming my son after his father. Silly of meI wouldnt listen to anyones advice I dont know how you all put up with me.
Lily touched her hand gently.
Will you bring Adam home from your parents?
Yes, Mary replied, her tone suddenly serious. George especially insists. He even suggested changing Adams name. Said it might make things easier for me. Well have to redo the birth certificate when we go through adoption anyway.
She paused, gazing out at the rain running down the windowpane.
You know, I used to fear Adam Jr would always remind me of the past. But now I see I was wrong. Hes my son, and he deserves a real childhood, with two loving parents! Grandparents are wonderful, but theyre not a substitute for parents. George understands this. You should see how devoted hes grown to Adam!
Brilliant idea! Lily brightened. You could ask him which name he likes bestitll help him settle into it.
Im not sure yet. Theres still time; well think things over.
The truth was, Mary was still lying to herself. She still loved Adam Sr., and no amount of time had changed that. But loving him had brought her nothing good. Her parents were seeing her son less and less, because she inevitably ended up sobbing every visit, alarming the boy. Her friends had grown weary of her problems and doubted her sanity behind her back. It was time to let the past go and focus on what mattered now.
Her wedding, for instance.
If only it werent so hard!
George was, without doubt, a good manonly he wasnt Adam. Mary had never felt for George the same deep love; shed only clung to his affection for her own comfort.
If Adam came back Shed give anything to be by his side again.
******************************
There wont be a wedding! cried Mary, passion shining in her eyes, almost skipping in excitement. Were parting ways, like ships in the night!
George stared in disbelief, hardly able to take in her words. The wedding was only a week awaythe menu sorted, flowers picked, the guests invited. Everything was close, almost real Now she was saying thered be no wedding?
What do you mean, no wedding? he asked incredulously, trying to decide if this was some wildly misplaced joke. Mary, whats going on? Explain yourself.
But Mary brushed aside his questions. She darted about the room, snatching things from shelves, hurling them into an open suitcase. Her eyes shone, her lips curled in a smile that was almost shockingly genuine.
Adams back! she blurted, not looking at him. Her voice rang with such pure happiness that something inside him twisted. He returned yesterday. Weve talked At first I couldnt believe it was real!
At last, she stopped and turned to face himher whole expression alight, not a trace of regret, only joy and anticipation.
Im grateful for these past six months, she said, her tone softening a fraction. I felt safe and comfortable with you. Youre a wonderful person, George. But I never truly loved you. Now that I have a chance at real happiness, I cannot let it go.
George felt a hollow coldness spread in his chest. Adam. Always Adam. The same man Mary had spoken of so adoringly it made George feel like an outsider. Hed always known she was thinking about Adam, but hed held on to hope that time would change her heart.
Have you actually spoken to him? he managed at last, his voice strained, barely holding steady. Whats his excuse this time?
He didnt make excuses, she snapped, abruptly. He just told me he realised what a mistake hed made. That he spent all this time thinking only of me!
She turned away, stuffing yet more things into her suitcase as George stood frozen, feeling the world lose all colour.
We spoke on the phone, she continued, rifling through a desk drawer. His parents made him go and study abroad, and he couldnt tell me he was leaving. Can you imagine? All this time, he says he only thought of me, but just couldnt get in touch. But now it’s all changingwell be together at last, and have our happy ending!
In Marys memory, she replayed that first phone call with Adamhis voice unsteady, nervous:
Mary, I know this all looks awful. But you have to understandmy parents backed me into a corner. They said either I attended university in London, or theyd cut me off. I did try to resistI did, but they froze my bank cards and shut off my accounts. I didnt even have my own phone!”
Why didnt you call just once? Marys voice trembled, but she clung to her self-control.
I couldnt. What could I say? That Id caved in and gone along with them?
As Adam stammered through his explanation, Mary felt warmth break over hersoftening all the resentment and grief of the last months. She realised shed been waiting for this call, every hour of every day.
From now on, itll be different, Adam promised. I quit my degree, I came back. Im not going anywhere.
These words echoed in her mind as she now faced George.
She paused, casting about the room, making sure shed left nothing. Only then did she really see Georgehis face white, fixed in place, as if he could see right through her.
Dont worry, Mary said, her voice gentler but unyielding. Ive already let everyone know the weddings off. Told them not to bother you. Of course, youll have sympathisers, but youre strong, youll get through it.
She pulled the suitcase closer and adjusted the handle, making a show of it. Then she looked at George, her eyes free of regret or doubt.
And please, dont ring me, dont send pointless messages or leave voicemails, she said crisply, almost as an order. This is final. I will not change my mind, whatever happens!
She hoisted the suitcase, stumbled slightly under the weight, then straightened and strode to the door, as if any hesitation might shake her resolve.
George stood rooted, struggling against the pain and bewilderment in his chest. He took a long breath, trying to compose himself. He wanted to shout, to demand answers, but he held backhe didnt want to seem desperate. He flexed his hands, then relaxed them, his voice flat now, matter-of-fact:
Maybe youre rushing this? he said, fixing Mary with a steady gaze.
She paused at the door, hand on the suitcase handle, but didnt turn. Her shoulders were tense, fingers clenched.
What if he doesnt want you back? George pressed, walking toward her. What if he wont acknowledge your son? Or has he already proposed?
Mary spun round, cheeks blazing with anger and excitement.
Hes asked me to have a serious talk! she declared hotly. Thats enough! And dont you dare slander himAdam isnt like that!
Her voice wavered, but she pulled herself together, straightened up, and heaved the suitcase to the exit.
You could at least help! she muttered through clenched teeth, struggling with the heavy case.
For a moment, George instinctively moved to help, but stopped himself. Why should he help a woman who had trampled his feelings? He knew, looking at her, that her mind was far away alreadywith Adam. In her eyes was confidencealmost euphoria: soon, everything would begin anew, awash in love and happiness. She was already imagining Adam greeting her, saying that everything would be fine, that finally theyd be together.
But reality was so different. Adam, whod called for that important conversation, wasnt planning any proposal or vowing lifelong love; he wanted simply to tie off old threads and start his new chapterwithout Mary. He was already involved elsewhere.
But Mary, lost in her dreams, couldnt see it. Shed waited so long for this that she was willing to believe anything, just to avoid disappointment yet again.
She struggled to the door, paused, hand resting on the handle as if to say something, then thought better of it, yanked open the door, and was gonewithout a backward glance.
George stood in the silent flat, staring after her. The faint scent of her perfume still lingered in the air, and her last wordsAdam isnt like that!echoed in his ears.
He sank slowly onto a chair, the weight of exhaustion settling over him. The ending had come so suddenly, so irreversibly. Now, he must learn to live with it: without Mary, without future plans, without illusions.
*****************************
Adam opened his flat door, surprised to have visitors so early. There was Mary, suitcases at her side, her face lit with joy, and her eyes shining with expectation. He hesitated, stunned by the sight. Only one thought circled in his mind: How could she have got it so wrong?
Hed thought it was all behind them. When Mary started seeing George, Adam had finally breathed easy. Now he could come back to his home town, live quietly with his wife, free from sudden calls, sobbing messages, or accusations. Hed even felt grateful Mary had moved onit solved everything in one go.
Yes, he had called her. Hed tried to explain that things were different now, even suggested meeting in a public place, but it was meant as a simple courtesyit was nothing more than that.
And now here she was, on his threshold, clearly hoping for something beyond a mere conversation. Adam stepped back, trying to gather his thoughts.
Adam! Mary cried when she saw him. I’ve made up my mind. I’m here, and now we can finally be together!
Her voice was so certain, as if any other outcome was impossible. She took a step toward him, but Adam instinctively held up a hand.
Mary, wait he started gently. You dont know the whole story.
She frowned, her smile faltering.
What do you mean? We agreed to meet and talk, didnt we?
Adam took a deep breath, bracing himself.
Im married, Mary. Have been for two years. My wife and I are very happy.
Mary stopped dead, eyes wide with disbelief. She was silent for several moments, as if unable to accept what she was hearing. Then her face contorted in panic, hurt, and outrage.
What are you saying? she whispered, shaking her head. That cant be You rang me, told me everything had changed!
I called to say a proper goodbye, Adam answered quietly. I wanted us to part on good terms, to make it clear our lives have moved on. But I think you heard something different.
Mary stepped back, fists trembling at her sides. She gripped her hands, desperately trying to regain control, but emotion overwhelmed her.
You you lied to me all this time! she shouted through a storm of tears. How could you? I gave up everything for you!
A flicker of annoyance crossed Adam’s face. He wasnt after an argument, he wasnt about to grovel, but Mary wasn’t leaving without a scene.
I never made you any promises, he said firmly. You decided for yourself that wed be together again. I tried not to hurt you with the truth, but now you see its done.
Mary let out a strangled cry, grabbed one of her suitcases, and hurled it to the floor. Clothes and keepsakes spilled everywhere, but she didnt care. She screamed, she accused, she demanded explanations, her voice rising in pitch and volume.
Eventually, Adam had no choice but to gentlybut firmlylead her out to the communal landing. He shut the door, hoping it was finally over. But Mary persistedknocking, shouting his name, refusing to let go. Neighbours began peering from their doorways, some muttering, others openly complaining.
Only once Marys attempts reached fever pitch and someone threatened to call the police did she finally leave. As she did, she turned, looked at Adams door one last time, and sobbed:
Ill be back! Youll regret this!
Adam closed his eyes, exhaustion crashing over him. He knew it wasnt over. Mary was relentlessif she set her mind on something, she never gave up.
He returned to the living room and slumped onto the sofa, thinking hard. Hed need to act quickly. He couldnt stay in this flat any longerMary would simply return, and create more scenes, drag in the neighbours. Adam reached for his phone, opening a property listing website.
Best sell up and start oversomewhere at the other end of town, he told himself.
********************
Mary wandered the streets, seeing nothing. Blinded by tears, her mind raced with fragmented thoughts; her soul weighed down by a cold, aching emptiness. She still couldnt quite grasp what had happened. Adam, in her fantasies, was supposed to welcome her in his arms, confess hed waited every day for her, pledge to finally stay by her side. But reality was harshcruel, even.
She drifted across the city for hours, searching for composure. Eventually, her feet took her to Georges home. Mary paused at the entrance, wiped at her tears, straightened her hairshe wanted to seem collected, at least. Taking a deep breath, she climbed the stairs and hesitantly rang the bell.
George didnt open right away. When he did, he stood in the doorway, cold and distant, saying nothing, making no move to invite her in.
George, please, she began, her voice trembling. I know what Ive done. I realise how foolishly and unfairly I acted. But I I want to put things right.
She fell silent, searching for words. Her eyes brimmed with fresh tears.
Ill never mention Adam again, she pressed, staring into his eyes. I swear it. That was all a mistake. I see now: only you can truly make me happy. Please, give me another chance.
Her voice rang honest, almost desperate. In that moment she truly believed itbelieved that, if George forgave her, everything could be mended.
George shook his head slowly. He wouldnt fall for this a second time.
Mary, he said quietly, you made your choice. Just hours ago, you stood here with your suitcases and told me you were leaving for him. You were completely certain.
I was wrong! she interrupted. I didnt realise what I was doing! I got swept away! I
George sighed, rubbing his hand over his hair. It wasnt easy, but he knew: he couldnt let emotions sway him again.
You didnt just leave meyou went to him. You chose your course, and I accepted it. Now, because it hasnt worked out, you want to come back?
Yes! Mary cried. Because I love you. You, and only you.
He was silent for a long moment, then gave a dry, final little smile and said, without hesitation:
I cant trust your words anymore. Goodbye, Mary.
Mary felt everything inside her snap. Georges gaze was clearnot angry or vindictive, simply certain. He truly did not believe her anymore.
Please she whispered, her voice faltering.
Im sorry, George said. But this is best for us both.
He shut the door, leaving Mary in the empty hallway. She stood motionless for a moment, then slowly sank onto the step, covered her face with her hands, and burst into tears. This time, her weeping wasnt from anger or disappointmentit was the bitter grief of realising shed lost both Adam and George, and now had no idea how to go on.
