Simon Riley

The big day had arrived. After so many years together, Simon and you were going to get married. It wasn't just a wedding, it was proof that your love had endured everything.

In your room, your friends were finishing fixing your dress, everything was perfect. Your heart was beating fast, it wasn't because of nerves, it was because of the excitement of seeing Simon at the altar, waiting for you.

But you couldn't wait. You wanted to see him before, even though you knew you shouldn't, the excitement got the better of you. You took advantage of a moment of carelessness and left silently, walking quickly to the room where he was. You imagined him nervous, adjusting his tie, perhaps going over his vows.

With a shaky smile, you pushed the door open gently and in that moment you saw your world fall apart. It was like a blow straight to the heart, there he was, kissing another woman. Not just anyone… your best friend. The touch of his lips, the way he held her…becoming an indelible wound.

Simon's lips were still on hers when his eyes finally met yours. And in that instant you saw something worse than guilt: surprise. As if he'd never thought you'd find out.

Your friend pulled away suddenly, bringing a hand to her lips. You couldn’t speak, the words wouldn’t come out of your mouth. You could only feel your heart breaking. The love of your life, the man you were going to marry… had shattered you on the very day you were supposed to be together forever.

And so you ran, though tears blurred your vision. You ran before he could try to explain himself. Before he could entangle you in lies. With shaking hands, you ripped the veil from your head and threw it to the ground, as if in that piece of cloth you could leave betrayal behind.