I wasn’t supposed to be at this wedding.
And this wasn’t just any wedding—it was Talia’s wedding. My younger sister had always been the one everyone adored. Life seemed easier for her, while I, Marina, had to fight for everything. And now? She had taken something that was mine. Gavin was supposed to be my future. I had loved him, trusted him, and planned my life with him. But everything changed the day I walked into my home and saw them together. Gavin looked guilty. Talia looked victorious. “I won, Marina,” she said. “Checkmate.”
A year later, I received an invitation. Talia and Gavin were getting married. And she wanted me there. Was it out of obligation? Or did she just want to see my reaction? Either way, I knew one thing: I wasn’t attending to watch quietly. I had a plan.
The ceremony passed in a blur. I stood in the back, watching Gavin and Talia exchange vows. Their smiles looked real, but I knew better. They built their happiness on betrayal. I took a sip of champagne, reminding myself why I was here. Tonight, Talia would feel the pain she caused me.
As the reception started, the room filled with laughter and clinking glasses. A slideshow played on a massive screen, showing their engagement pictures. To outsiders, they seemed like the perfect couple. I knew the truth. The pain of the past year flashed through my mind—canceling my wedding, leaving behind my dreams, and struggling to move on.
Then, the moment arrived.
The slideshow suddenly changed. A new video played—security footage. It showed Talia and Gavin, sneaking into my home. The room fell silent. Gasps filled the air. The evidence was undeniable.
I looked around. My parents looked horrified. Guests whispered. Talia’s confidence shattered. But before she could react, Leo stepped forward. My closest friend had been part of my plan all along.
Then, something unexpected happened. Leo got down on one knee. “Marina, will you marry me?”
I smiled. “Yes.”
Cheers erupted. Talia looked furious. Gavin looked lost. But it didn’t matter anymore. I wasn’t here to win. I was here to move on.
