Chapter 1No Secondhand Vows

My wedding was just around the corner.

I was scrolling through Pinterest, looking for wedding planning ideas, when a post caught my eye.

It was a photo of a couple at the altar, their backs to the camera. The caption beneath it read:

“The man I love has already pretended to marry me.”

“So, no matter who he marries in the future, I’ll wish him well.”

The moment I saw the groom’s familiar silhouette, my nine-year relationship shattered into a million pieces, lost in the digital ether.

* * *

When I found the post, I was supposed to be looking at venue decorations. My chat with my fiancé, Liam, was still open, our last exchange just five minutes old. I’d excitedly sent him a link to a wedding photographer’s portfolio.

He’d replied: “Whatever you like, babe. I’m happy if you’re happy.”

The smile was still on my lips when the photo filled my screen. The man in the tuxedo was tall and broad-shouldered. I knew that back better than my own. I didn’t need to see his face.

It was Liam.

My gaze shifted to the woman beside him. She was breathtaking in a mermaid-style gown that hugged her curves perfectly. She had her arm looped through his. They stood before the priest, a perfect couple, exchanging vows in a solemn, sacred ceremony. There were no guests, but the sanctity of the moment was palpable.

The comment section was flooded with people gushing about how perfect they looked together. The top comment was a rallying cry:

“You two are meant to be! Girl, why are you letting him marry someone else? Go get your man!”

The blogger’s profile picture was a cat. I clicked on her page. It was completely blank, except for that one post.

Using my burner account, “Momo,” I left a comment, my fingers moving as if guided by some unseen force.

“Dying to hear the story behind this.”