Standing at the altar, Jett waited excitedly for his fiancée Tavi to walk down the aisle in the beautiful white gown they chose together. But he was shocked when she appeared in a long black dress and explained why she wasn’t wearing her wedding dress.
My wedding day was supposed to be one of the best days of my life, but what happened left a scar I’ll never forget. I never thought things would fall apart so completely.
I met Tavi through a mutual friend, and after a few dates, we were inseparable. She was the lively extrovert, always with friends around, while I was the quiet introvert who avoided big groups.
But with her, everything changed. I wanted to be near her all the time because she made me feel truly loved in ways I’d never experienced. She appreciated me and never made me feel like I wasn’t good enough.
A few months in, I proposed. I knew she was the one, and she said yes immediately, her face glowing when she saw the ring.
“I can’t believe you said yes,” I told her one day. “I don’t know how I got so lucky, Tavi.”
Honestly, I didn’t think I deserved someone as amazing as her.
Our relationship grew stronger over time, and soon we decided to get married. Our families met, and everything seemed smooth. We planned a small summer ceremony with just close family and friends.
It all felt perfect—until it wasn’t.
On our wedding day, I stood at the altar in my black suit, heart racing, waiting for Tavi. I pictured her in the white gown we picked out together.
But she didn’t wear it.
Instead, she walked down the aisle in a long black dress with a matching veil—the kind worn at funerals.
Why is she doing this? I wondered. What’s wrong?
Her eyes burned with anger as she approached. The guests stared in stunned silence.
When she reached me, I took her hands gently and whispered, “Why are you wearing black? What’s happening?”
“I’ll tell you after the ceremony,” she said, staring straight into my eyes. Her face was cold, like I’d done something unforgivable.
“Wait,” I said, raising my hand.
The church went quiet.
“Tell me now,” I pressed, not knowing her words would break everything. “Why black?”
“Because of your mother,” Tavi said. “She told me the truth.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, confused.
Tears filled Tavi’s eyes.
“She told me about you and Plum,” she said, voice trembling. “Your best friend.”
“What? What did my mom say about Plum?” I asked, frowning. I had no idea what she meant.
“She said you’ve been cheating on me with Plum,” Tavi declared. A gasp spread through the guests. “She said you were having an affair and planning to leave me for her. That’s why I’m wearing black—to mourn what we had, Jett.”
I couldn’t believe it.
“That’s not true, Tavi,” I pleaded. “I swear I never cheated. Plum and I are just friends. I don’t know why my mom would say that.”
I looked around for my mother, wanting to confront her, but she wasn’t there. I needed to prove it was a lie.
“I don’t believe you,” Tavi said firmly. “You’re lying because that’s what you do.”
“Tavi, please,” I begged, reaching for her hand, but she pulled away. “My mom never liked you. She’s trying to ruin us. Trust me.”
“I see,” Tavi said, shaking her head. “But it’s not just the affair, Jett. I know your secret. You’ve been lying to me.”
“What secret?” I asked, heart racing.
Tavi glanced at the guests before looking back at me.
“You lied about your family’s money,” she said sharply. “You hid that your family is broke, and you’re marrying me to use my money to save your business. Isn’t that right?”
My stomach sank.
Part of what she said was true, but not the way she thought. Yes, our family business was struggling, almost bankrupt. And yes, I thought marriage might help stabilize things, but I wasn’t marrying her for money!
I loved her—that was the real reason. I didn’t know how to explain without sounding worse.
“Listen, Tavi,” I started. “Let me explain—”
“Explain what?” she interrupted. “That your mom pushed you to find someone rich to fix your family’s problems? She told me everything. I can’t believe I fell for you.”
I wanted to say so much, but words stuck. I was frozen.
“It’s over, Jett,” Tavi said, then turned and walked out of the church.
As she left, guests whispered. My friends came over, but I couldn’t let her go like that. I had to make her understand.
“Tavi, wait!” I called, running after her. “Please, just hear me out.”
“I don’t want your excuses, Jett,” she said, not turning back.
I stepped in front of her. “I swear I’m not lying,” I said. “I don’t know why Mom said those things, but she doesn’t like you. I never told you, but she wasn’t happy about us.”
“And why should I trust you?” she asked.
Before I could answer, Plum stepped out of the church.
“Tavi, listen,” Plum said. “I don’t know what your mother-in-law told you, but there’s nothing between me and Jett. We’re just friends, and he loves you. Believe me.”
Tavi looked at Plum, then at me, doubt in her eyes.
“Look, if I wanted your money, I wouldn’t have signed the prenup,” I said, taking her hands. “I signed it to protect you and your future. I wouldn’t do that if I was after your wealth.”
“But why hide your family’s financial problems?” she asked. “What else are you hiding? How can I trust you now?”
I shook my head, taking a deep breath.
“You’re right, Tavi. I should have told you sooner. I was scared you’d leave me.” I paused, knowing I had to be honest. “There’s more I never told you.”
Tavi crossed her arms, waiting.
“My mom hates me,” I admitted. “She always has. Years ago, I took a DNA test in college and learned my dad wasn’t my biological father. When I confronted her, everything broke. Dad left, taking most of the money.”
“That’s why she lied,” I continued. “She wanted to ruin our wedding because she can’t stand seeing me happy. She pretended to accept you, waiting for the moment to destroy us. I’m sorry I kept this from you. I was ashamed.”
Tavi’s anger softened, replaced by sympathy.
“You didn’t tell me because you were ashamed?” she asked. “We were supposed to share everything, Jett. But you hid so much. How can I trust you after this?”
She was right, and it hurt to hear.
“I’m sorry, Tavi,” I said, looking down. “I know I messed up, but I love you.”
“I’m sorry too, Jett,” she said, wiping tears. “But this is the end. I can’t be with someone who keeps secrets.”
With that, the woman I loved most walked away.
Tears filled my eyes as I watched her get into her car and drive off. I couldn’t stop her—she was right.
My life hasn’t been the same since. I confronted my mother and cut contact, but I tried calling Tavi many times. She never answered.
I lost the love of my life because of lies, betrayal, and secrets I should have shared.