My wedding day was meant to be one of the happiest moments of my life, but it turned into a painful memory that I still struggle with. I never imagined it would end this way.

I met Jane through a mutual friend, and from the start, we were inseparable. She was the bubbly extrovert, always surrounded by friends, while I was the introverted type who shied away from crowds. Despite our differences, we clicked in a way I’d never experienced before.

As I stood at the altar, eagerly waiting for Jane to walk down the aisle in the stunning white gown we’d picked out together, I was horrified when she appeared in a long black dress. My heart sank as she revealed why she chose to wear black.

“It’s all because of your mother,” Jane said, tears filling her eyes. “She told me everything.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, confused and alarmed.

Jane continued, her voice trembling. “She told me you’ve been cheating on me with Lauren, your best friend. That you planned to leave me for her. That’s why I’m wearing black—to mourn the love we once had, Nathan.”

I was stunned. “This isn’t true, Jane,” I pleaded. “I swear, I never cheated on you. Lauren and I are just friends. I don’t know why my mom would say that.”

I scanned the crowd, desperately looking for my mother, but she was nowhere to be seen. I wanted to confront her, but Jane wasn’t interested in hearing me out.

“I don’t believe you,” she said firmly. “I know you’re lying because that’s what you’ve always done.”

“Jane, please,” I begged, reaching for her hand, but she pulled away. “Mom never liked you. She’s trying to sabotage us. Please, you have to trust me.”

“It’s not just about the affair,” Jane said, shaking her head. “I know your secret. You lied about your family’s finances. You’re marrying me to use my money to save your business. Isn’t that true?”

What Jane said had a grain of truth. Yes, my family business was struggling, and yes, I hoped that marrying Jane might help, but I never intended to use her for money. I loved her deeply, and that was why I wanted to marry her.

“Listen, Jane,” I said, trying to explain. “I never meant for any of this to come out like this—”

“Explain what?” she cut me off. “That your mother pressured you to find a wealthy woman to save the family business? She told me everything. I can’t believe I fell in love with someone like you.”

At that moment, I felt helpless. I wanted to explain, but the words wouldn’t come. “It’s over, Nathan,” Jane declared, her voice resolute, and walked out of the church.

I chased after her, desperate to make her understand. “Jane, wait! Please, just listen to me.”

“I don’t want to hear your lies,” she said, not even turning around.

Lauren, who had been a silent witness, stepped forward. “Jane, there’s nothing going on between Nathan and me. He loves you. Trust me.”

Jane looked between Lauren and me, uncertain. “If I wanted to marry you for your money, I wouldn’t have signed the prenup,” I said, holding Jane’s hands. “I did it to protect your money and future.”

“But why hide your family’s financial situation?” Jane asked. “What else are you hiding?”

“You’re right,” I admitted, tears streaming down my face. “I should have been honest. My mother despises me. After I took a DNA test in college, I discovered my father wasn’t my biological father. When I confronted her, my world fell apart. Dad left, taking all the money with him. Mom lied to ruin my happiness, including my wedding.”

Jane’s expression softened with sympathy. “You didn’t tell me because you were embarrassed. We were supposed to build a life together, but you kept so much from me. Can I ever trust you again?”

“I’m sorry, Jane,” I said, my voice breaking. “I know I made mistakes, but I love you.”

“I’m sorry too, Nathan,” she replied, wiping her tears. “This is how we part ways. I can’t live with someone who keeps secrets.”

And with that, Jane left. I watched her drive away, my heart shattered. I tried reaching out to her, but she never answered. I lost the love of my life due to lies, betrayal, and secrets I should have never kept.

My life has never been the same since that day.