“But why didn’t you tell me this before?” I asked. “We’re supposed to plan our wedding together. You know, this woman warned me the other day—”

“Woman? What woman? What did she look like?” he asked, suddenly anxious.

“Forget her. I only care about you. I had no clue you wanted a more intimate ceremony.”

“I didn’t say anything because I thought you wanted it to be grand, and I didn’t want to disappoint you. I love you, Julia,” Fred confessed, and his words immediately erased my concerns.

“It’s fine. We’ll discuss it with my father and find a middle ground,” I replied, trying to reassure him.

Then, I remembered something else. “What about those secret outings, huh?” I asked. “Fred, you better not lie!”

He smiled. “I’m preparing surprises for the wedding day. I promise it’s nothing bad,” he reassured me, and I believed him.

We resolved our issues and refocused on the wedding, although Fred still seemed uneasy about the grandeur of the event.

On the wedding day, I stood at the chapel entrance, feeling nervous and excited. The place looked enchanting, filled with flowers and yellow balloons, a perfect setting for our love story. Guests in colorful outfits were eagerly waiting inside.

Fred was already at the altar when I made my entrance, looking a bit anxious but trying to hide it.

As I walked down the aisle, my heart was full of joy. The ceremony began, and when the minister asked Fred if he took me as his wife, he immediately said, “I do.” Then came my turn, and I eagerly said, “Yes-yes, I do,” too excited to wait for the minister to finish his question.

The moment was almost perfect until a woman in a wedding dress identical to mine burst into the chapel, yelling, “Gotcha!” and pointing at Fred. My father was the first to react, his anger evident.

“Who are you?” he demanded, confused. But the woman, Lily, ignored him, walking straight toward the altar. I was confused, and Fred seemed to struggle to keep his composure.

Then, four more women entered, each claiming a relationship with Fred. Margaret said she was his fiancée, Vivian claimed to have been with him for five years, Louise said they were engaged and trying for a child, and Jae-Hwa, a Korean influencer, accused Fred of using her for money and influence.

“It’s all lies, Julia,” Fred whispered repeatedly, but the chaos only grew. Everyone at the chapel was shocked, and people started whispering things about him. Finally, Fred called the security.

As security started escorting the women out, I recognized Margaret as the woman who had warned me earlier. Despite my frustration, I couldn’t help but defend Fred, convinced of his love for me.

But my father made a bold decision. “Stop! I want to hear their story,” he said to the women. A huge gasp rang out in the gathering.

“Dad!” I exclaimed in shock, unable to believe what was happening. “You can’t be serious! You can’t ruin my wedding day!”

“The day is already ruined, and it’s better to postpone this wedding than watch you make a lifelong mistake,” my father replied thoughtfully.

As the women shared their stories, my heart sank.

“Fred doesn’t love anyone but himself. He’s using my money, even his social media is managed by someone else,” Lily revealed. “More than half of his earnings go back to the social media manager. He doesn’t take most pictures, and his trips are more for pleasure than work—that’s how he managed to date five women at the same time! None of us thought we’d ever see this day, so we didn’t keep proof of his messages.”

Then, she looked at me. “Julia, I’m sure there are times when you’ve had to give him huge amounts of money and—”

“He paid me back,” I said, defending Fred.

“Every time? Did he pay back every time?” I couldn’t respond to that.

“Julia, don’t listen to her. Just because I’m struggling now doesn’t mean—” Fred started, but Lily cut him off.

“He travels a lot as a travel influencer; you barely spend time together. He’s often unreachable, right?”

“Internet connections are sometimes unavailable!” Fred said defensively, but my trust in him started wavering.

“Julia, trust me. I’ve spent six years with Fred. When I ran out of money, he left me,” Lily said. “All he wants is your money.”

Margaret and Vivian also shared their experiences with him, exposing his extravagant tastes and manipulative behavior.

Fred just kept asking me to trust him, but I didn’t know what to do. Thankfully, my father, who was silent all this while, spoke up.

“I know a private investigator. In an hour, I can have all the information we need about Fred. All of you will also be investigated,” he told Lily, Vivian, Louise, Margaret, and Jae-Hwa. Then he asked Fred for his phone and social media passwords, but Fred refused.

“You’re going to invade my privacy for five women who have no idea what they’re talking about? Julia, am I marrying you or your father? Will you let him control your life?”

“If you love me, Fred, clear these doubts!” I found myself saying. “Show me the truth!”

Enough was enough. I loved Fred, but I was no fool. And you know what he did?

“I refuse to prove anything!” he declared coldly. “If you don’t want to marry me, fine.”

He undid his tie, throwing it to the ground.

I felt my world crumbling as he walked away, ignoring my pleas to stop.

Then, the unexpected happened. As he was about to exit the chapel, police officers appeared, ready to arrest him. My father had suspected Fred’s wrongdoings, acted on his instincts, and called the cops.

“I refuse to believe that a man as wicked as you has done nothing wrong. With a little probe here and there, I’m sure they’ll find something,” he told Fred before turning to look at me.

I could see the sadness in his eyes. Watching your daughter’s wedding getting called off at the altar is not easy for any parent.

As Fred was taken away, I was left in tears, but Lily and the other women offered their support. My father assured me I’d find someone better. I hugged him and let my tears flow freely. I had people around me who loved me, and I was strong enough to get through this.

2. A Letter Got My Wedding Canceled

The morning light seeped through the curtains, giving the room a soft glow as I sat in front of the mirror. I started doing my makeup while Mom was behind me, fussing over my dress laid out on the bed.

“Hair and makeup first,” she reminded me gently, “And then we’ll get you into your dress.”

I nodded, focusing on my eyeliner. “I know, Mom,” I replied quietly.

“You’re so calm, Jane,” she said. “Excited to see Anthony?”

I paused, the eyeliner in my hand. “Yes,” I whispered. “He’s really thrown himself into the wedding planning. I never knew he had it in him.

“You know, meeting Anthony was like something out of a cheesy romance novel. At the supermarket, over a watermelon,” I said.

“The story of the watermelon meeting,” Mom said with a twinkle in her eye. “It’s not every day you find love in the produce section.”

That memory brought a big smile to my face. Anthony’s charm, our playful banter, the laughter we shared — it all felt like a beautiful dream.

“But yes,” I continued, applying another layer of mascara, “I’ve always been the one who tries to make others happy. Anthony loved that about me.”

“That’s true,” Mom agreed as she helped me put on my dress. “You’ve always been our little people-pleaser. But remember, today is about your happiness, Jane.”

I met her eyes in the mirror, about to respond, when my phone buzzed. An incoming voice message. I played it quietly, not wanting Mom to hear.

The voice was unknown, chilling. “You need to cancel the wedding, Jane. This isn’t right for you. There are secrets. Trust me. Cancel the wedding.”

My hands trembled slightly. Mom, sensing something was off, leaned in. “What is it, honey?”

I shook my head, trying to dispel the confusion. “It’s… nothing, Mom. I need to step out for a second.”

“In your wedding dress?” she asked, puzzled.

“Yes,” I said, my voice barely steady.

I ignored the superstition about the groom seeing the bride before the wedding and hurried to Anthony’s room. I hesitated at his door before pushing it open. Anthony spun around, surprised.

“Jane! You shouldn’t be here in your dress,” he stammered.

“We need to talk, Anthony. Now,” I said. “What’s wrong?”

“This,” I said, holding up my phone and playing the mysterious voice message. The room fell silent as the voice message ended.

Anthony’s expression shifted from confusion to mild amusement. “Is this some kind of joke? Who would send you that?”

“Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“No, of course not!” He was quick to deny it. Too quick.

I pursed my lips, worried. Anthony stepped closer. “Jane, you can’t let this get to you. We have a big day ahead. And remember, tomorrow’s my big business deal. This could all be a part of it. You know how important this is.”

I took a step back. “So, this is just about your business deal? Is that all our wedding is to you?”

“No, no, of course not,” Anthony backpedaled. “But think about it. After tomorrow, our lives could change. We could be on our way to becoming millionaires. Don’t let some stupid message ruin everything.”

I closed her eyes and muttered, “I need some time to think.”

His face softened. “I understand. But please, think about us, about our future. I’ll go pick up the priest from the airport now. I’ll see you later, waiting at the end of the aisle.” He kissed my hair tenderly and left, making me even more confused.

Back in my room, I was a mix of emotions. Mom came in, immediately sensing something was off.

“Jane, darling, what’s wrong?”

I attempted a reassuring smile, but it faltered. “It’s nothing, Mom. Just… wedding day jitters, I guess.”

I could see she wasn’t convinced. “You can tell me anything, you know that,” she said.

I pondered for a moment. But before I could decide whether to confide in her, a sharp knock at the door interrupted them. “I’ll get it,” I said quickly.

I opened the door to find no one there – just a mysterious package on the doorstep. Puzzled, I picked it up and brought it inside.

Inside the package, I found a series of photographs that made my heart sink – images of Anthony with another woman, their intimacy unmistakable.

But among the photos was a card with a message that sent a chill down my spine: “Karma will show you the way.”

Mom was shocked. “Jane, what is this? Is that Anthony? Is he being blackmailed?”

I didn’t know what to think and called Anthony. Ring… Ring… The phone seemed to echo through the room, each tone hammering my heart. He never answered.

“I know the hotel, actually,” Mom said, looking at the photos. “They have the same lamp in each room.”

“Really? Where?” I demanded, and she reluctantly told me the address.

At the hotel, I pleaded with the receptionist for information on Anthony, but to no avail. Then I heard the name, “Karma,” and noticed a maid with that name. I followed her to a room where I met the woman from the photos.

“Anya,” she introduced herself.

“You’re Jane, correct? I suppose it’s time you knew everything,” she said. “Thanks for the help, Karma. You can leave.”

“How long? How long has this been going on?” I asked, my heart breaking.

“Too long,” Anya replied. “But I only found out about you last week. Can you believe he wanted to keep me as his mistress? That’s when I decided enough was enough. He had to be stopped.”

Before I could respond, a noise from the hallway caught our attention. It was Anthony.

“Quick! Hide and record everything,” Anya said, pushing me toward the bathroom just as the hotel room door opened.

I hid inside and recorded their conversation — the proof I needed of Anthony’s betrayal.

Back at the wedding venue, I told Mom everything, and together, we planned Anthony’s public downfall.

The ceremony proceeded as per the plan, my heart racing as we reached the vows. When the priest signaled for my vows, I signaled to the video technician, who, as instructed, played the recording I had made in the hotel room.

Anthony’s loving words to Anya filled the room as the evidence of his infidelity appeared on the screen. The guests gasped in shock, and Anthony’s face drained of color.

Mrs. Richards, Anthony’s potential business partner, the one who could put him on the way to “becoming a millionaire,” stood up.

“Mr. Sanders, I cannot work with someone who lacks integrity and loyalty,” she declared. “Our deal is off, and I will make sure everyone in our industry knows about this.”

“No!” Anthony bellowed, his hand rising to stop Mrs. Richards. But she walked out, followed by a stream of grumbling guests.

As Anthony tried to chase after Mrs. Richards, Mom tripped him. I looked down at him, feeling a bitter satisfaction. “Karma did her job, Anthony,” I said and walked away.

“What now?” Mom asked on our way home.

“Now, we go home, pack his things, throw them out, and move on,” I declared, ready to start a new chapter of my life. I was no longer a people-pleaser but a woman who had faced deception and emerged stronger.

3. It Was about My Virginity

As I stood in front of the floor-length mirror, my heart was filled with nervousness and excitement. I was about to marry Victor, the man who won my heart, even though his temper worried me at times.

Suddenly, Victor came into the room, breaking the rule that the groom shouldn’t see the bride before the ceremony.

“Jane,” he whispered with a look that sent shivers down my spine, “You look ravishing.”

“Victor, you’re not supposed to be here!” I said. “You know it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, my love. Now close your eyes and go!”

But Victor wasn’t deterred. “Jane, I can’t wait. I want you now,” he said.

His advance unsettled me, especially since we had agreed to wait until our wedding night for intimacy.

“What’s the big deal, love?” he coaxed, his breath warm against my neck.

My stomach turned.

“Darling, we’ve waited so long. We can wait until the ceremony is over. And I don’t want to ruin my hair and makeup, not to mention the dress. We won’t have time to sort things out.”

“Stop it, Jane,” he hissed. “Don’t push me away. This is what I want. I know it’s your first time, but don’t worry, I’ll make it special…”

I kept pushing him away, but he wouldn’t stop. In the moment, I found myself saying, “Victor, you’re not my first.”

Victor froze, his eyes red with anger. “What did you say?” he barked. “You’re not a virgin? How could you make me believe you were a pure woman worthy of marrying me — a powerful businessman? You are disgusting, Jane. You are damaged goods that have been used and thrown aside.”

I pleaded with him, retorting that I had never lied about it, just that it hadn’t come up before. That was the truth — Victor had assumed that I was the delicate flower my parents had presented me to be. And I knew that it was what his family wanted, too. So, I let myself become a sweet little bakery owner while Victor controlled businesses.

Victor grabbed my arm and dragged me out onto the balcony, where the guests were having their welcome drinks on the lawns down below. “There is no wedding!” he bellowed for the crowd to hear. “My fiancée, Jane, had us all believe that she was a pure woman! But that’s a lie! She’s been with other men, and I refuse to marry a castaway toy.”

“Stop, please,” I pleaded in his ear. “Our parents will never look at us the same!” “I don’t care,” he said, releasing me.

The humiliation was unbearable. I fell to the ground, hiding myself behind a pillar. I watched as Victor ran down the stairs to the crowd below. I saw him taking a bottle of whiskey from the bartender and running off — Kira trailing his steps.

She would sleep with Victor before the end of the day. I was sure of it. Kira had made it clear that she wanted Victor for herself.

It felt like my life was over. My parents didn’t even bother to check on me. It was obvious they were ashamed of me.

Retreating to a bench inside, I was lost in my misery until Marcus, one of the bartenders, approached with a kind word. I poured my heart out to him, sharing my entire story, including the painful parts about my past with my first love, Jake, and how I had hoped Victor was different.

“Don’t waste your time feeling horrible for living your life,” Marcus told me. “He couldn’t understand it because he’s not the right person for you. We all have pasts. And I can tell you, that groom of yours is anything but a virgin himself.” I chuckled through my tears.

“Come, I know that you’ve been booked into the honeymoon suite of this villa — I was given the duty of arranging the champagne for your room. Let’s go and order everything off the menu! Let’s teach that groom of yours a lesson. And, let’s give you a part of this day that you can still have.”

I reluctantly allowed myself to follow Marcus. I had nothing else to lose now.

We went to the honeymoon suite, where my clothing had already been hung in the closet, my shoes neatly lined against the wall. Marcus ordered every expensive meal on the menu and kicked off his shoes. He made me laugh more than I had since my wedding planning began. He had a sparkle in his eyes that reminded me of being with someone I loved.

After dinner and a pillow fight, I reached out and kissed Marcus. But I immediately felt it was wrong.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have done that,” I said, turning away.

“No, don’t be sorry. I’m glad you did,” Marcus said, holding me in place.

“I won’t use you to mask my pain,” I told him. “I cannot do that to someone who has made me feel more like myself in the past few hours than Victor has made me feel in months.”

I told myself I would ask Marcus to leave, take a long bath, and wallow in her misery. But then, Marcus called me ‘exquisite’ and kissed me along my neck, and I again fell into his arms.

But the next morning brought a harsh reality. Marcus was gone, and Victor returned.

“Well, looks like you’ve made yourself at home,” he said. I was still in bed.

“Come on. Get dressed,” he continued. “We’re having an impromptu drink with the guests. Most of them were staying here, so I sent word that yesterday was a mistake. I will marry you after all. I don’t want to. I don’t even want to look at you. But I’d look like such a saint, taking you back.”

I didn’t have a choice. I thought of the magical night I had spent with Marcus — him teaching me how to love my body and myself, enjoying every moment.

But Marcus had left me. And Victor was here, giving me a second chance at an easier life — a married woman’s life rather than a shunned one. So, I did as I was told.

I couldn’t see either of our parents at the cocktail party. But I did see that Kira was stuck to Victor’s side. She was the shadow of him that she always wanted to be. And I knew that he had spent the night with her.

One more day, I thought, and I would be the mousy wife, and Kira, among others, would be Victor’s mistress. I was sure that would happen. But then, Marcus appeared at the party, dressed in an expensive suit. “What are you doing with him?” he asked, approaching me.

I was fuming. “You left me!” I snapped. “After last night, you just left. And why are you dressed like that? Are you not a bartender?” Did he not know how helpless and scared I felt without him? How could he hurt me like that?

From the corner of my eye, I saw Victor’s jaw drop. “You slept with the bartender?” Victor spat. “As if you couldn’t sink any lower.”

Marcus glared at Victor. “One more word and I will have you thrown out,” he said. “You can’t do that. A bartender doesn’t have that power,” Victor laughed.

“No, but this villa belongs to my father. And I’m taking over. I was undercover as a bartender yesterday because I wanted to see how things were run from the other side,” he said confidently.

Then, he smiled at me. “I didn’t leave you, Jane,” he said. “I mean, I did. But I had every intention of coming back.”

He pulled a velvet box out of his coat pocket.

“I know you just met me, Jane. But you’re magical, and I want to know everything about you. Your past and your present. I want a future with you. So, get to know me. But please, wear this on your finger while you do so. Marry me, Jane?” Marcus knelt in front of me and held the ring to me.

I nodded, seeing a future with a man who would love and respect me for everything I was.

I squealed when Marcus lifted me up and kissed me. At that point, I knew my fairytale was just beginning. In the wake of their called-off weddings, these courageous women teach us a valuable lesson: sometimes, saying ‘no’ to a wedding is saying ‘yes’ to oneself. Have you ever been in such a situation?