The Bouquet You Gave Away

"Eight years. Eight years of waiting for him to choose me. At my best friend’s wedding, the bouquet landed in my hands. Everyone cheered for him to propose. He took the flowers… and handed them to his female assistant. “Next time,” he said with that gentle smile.

That was my last next time.

One week later, I’m in a white dress. He’s not the groom. When he finally shows up at the church, ready to claim me, he finds another man at the altar— His cousin.

He thought I’d always wait. Now I’m wearing another man’s ring, carrying another man’s baby. But some doors don’t open twice."