No Wedding
Lily stepped into the bedroom and froze in the doorway. Before her stood Rebecca in her wedding dress, looking breathtaking. The gown hugged her figure in all the right places, and a serene, almost ethereal happiness shone in her eyes. Lily couldnt hold back her awe:
My goodness, youre absolutely glowing! she exclaimed, her eyes wide, never straying from her friend. Im so happy for you! At last, youre turning the page and opening your heart to new feelings, leaving Nick behind! Youre amazing!
Rebeccas face twitched almost imperceptibly; her smile vanished in an instant. She quickly reached for the delicate clasps at her side, her fingers working nimble and fast without meeting Lilys gaze.
Best not to keep it on, she muttered, deftly undoing tiny hooks. Only a fortnight until the big day. If anything happens to the dress, there wont be time to find another like it.
Lily bit her lip. She knew immediately shed said too much. Why mention Nick at all? Especially now, when Rebecca had finally found a man worthy of her. Nick didnt deserve a second thought after everything hed done.
Once upon a time, Rebecca truly believed Nick was ‘the one.’ She saw their love as permanent, unbreakable. But then things started to crumble. First, he began to pull away, finding excuses not to see her. Then he openly criticised her choicesher friends, even her dreams. He talked her into quitting a promising project at work, persuaded her to pass up a training placement in Paris, and eventually pressured her to switch careers entirely.
Rebeccas family noticed she was changinglosing herselfbut they couldnt help. Every attempt to talk ended in rows. Nick convinced her her family just couldnt accept him, that they were set on tearing down their ‘perfect love.’ The conflict escalated, and eventually, Rebecca stopped speaking to her parents altogether.
Then, one day, Nick simply disappeared. No explanations, not even a goodbye letter. All he left behind was a deep wound in her heartand a child. Rebecca decided shed keep the baby, come what may.
Now, watching her friend hurriedly slip out of her wedding dress, Lily burned with guilt. She only wanted to see Rebecca happynot bring back painful memories.
Little Nicholas was four now. He was a lively, curious boy, full of questions. Hed wonder why the sky was blue, where clouds went, and get endlessly fascinated by bugs in the garden. His nursery teachers often commented on how bright and quick he was, memorising poems and stories with ease.
He spent most of his time at Rebeccas parentshis grandparents. They embraced their role in his upbringing, picking an excellent nursery, taking him swimming, sending him to ballet class. Rebecca came to see her son a few times a week, but rarely stayed longer than an hour.
The truth was painful. Young Nicholas was the image of his fatherthose same dark curls, those same mischievous eyes, that same half-smile. Every time Rebecca looked at her son, she was dragged back to the days when she believed in their happy family. She loved her boy fiercely, thrilled at every smile, every success. But along with that love came a raw, wrenching pain. Every cuddle, every glanceshed find tears prickling her eyes. Shed turn away, pretending to fix her clothes or rustle in her bag, only to quietly cry when Nicholas wasnt looking.
One evening, Rebecca picked her son up from her parents. The boy was deep in concentration, piecing together a jigsaw on the carpet. The minute he saw her, he beamed and raced over.
Mummy, look! He tugged her back to the jigsaw. Ive almost finished. Heres a house, and a tree, andand soon, a dog!
Rebecca knelt, forcing a smile.
Its lovely, dear, she said, stroking his hair. Youre so clever, putting it all together so neatly.
Nicholas frowned in thought, then looked up at her:
Mummy, wheres my daddy? All the other children at nursery have a daddy, but I havent got one…
Rebecca froze. Her insides knotted, but she kept her voice gentle.
I dont know, love. Daddys far away right now. But he thinks about youhe really does.
Why doesnt he ring me? Nicholass brow furrowed, as if he wrestled with some great logic puzzle. I could tell him Ive learnt to tie my shoelaces all by myself!
Hes… hes just very busy, Rebeccas words were barely above a whisper. Her throat tightened with every syllable. But I know hes proud of you.
Nicholas nodded, seemingly content, and back to the jigsaw he went.
Thats alright, then. When I finish the house, Daddyll see how smart I am!
Rebecca sat in silence, watching him, swallowing back tears. She tried to find words of comfort, but they wouldnt come. Instead, she reached out again, smoothing his curls, breathing in the sweet scent of childrens shampoo, desperate to preserve this momenther son, happy, content, asking questions she could not answer.
Yet Rebecca couldnt stop thinking about Nick. Somewhere deep inside, she still looked for excuses for him. Maybe something terrible had happened? Maybe he was in trouble, unable to get in touch? These thoughts kept her afloat, kept her from sinking into complete despair.
Her mum tried gently to nudge her forward, telling her to live in the present and focus on Nicholas. Friends were more blunt: He left you. You need to accept it and move on. But Rebecca refused to listen. She argued passionately about how happy theyd been, reminded them of his promises. Arguments always ended the sameRebecca shutting herself off, her friends stepping back with a sigh.
She didnt sit idle. Every so often, shed scroll through social media, call old haunts where he might show up, even post appeals for information. All in vain. But she couldnt, or perhaps wouldnt, accept that Nick had left of his own free will, never intending to return.
And then, after five long years, someone new entered her lifea man who finally melted the ice around her heart. It happened by chance, at a mutual friends birthday party. Edward drew her in immediately. He was reliable, if anything. He was genuine. Warm. Caring. The very best of men.
From the earliest meetings, Rebecca realised she could be herself with him. Edward asked no pretence, demanded no forced cheerfulness. If she was tired, hed gently suggest they leave for home. If she wished for silence, he would simply sit quietly beside her. He was exactly the man she needed: calm, self-assured, and, most importantly, truly smitten with her.
It was in the little things: he remembered how she liked her tea, quickly learnt her colleagues names and asked after them, and handled the tedious parts of life without complaint. He would have carried her on his shoulders if shed let him. And Rebecca, truth be told, began to let herself enjoy being cherished.
But what truly touched her was the way Edward took to young Nicholas. During their first meeting, the boy eyed his mothers new acquaintance suspiciously, clutching her hand. But Edward surprised her: he crouched down to Nicholass level and asked which cartoons he liked. Within thirty minutes, they were building a model train together, Nicholas chattering excitedly about his toys.
Eventually, Edward became a regular guest at Rebeccas parents, where Nicholas lived. Park trips, bike lessons, bedtime storiesEdward threw himself into it all. One day, Rebecca found the pair of them drawing together. Edward looked up and said simply, Id like to be a real father to him. If youd let me, Id adopt Nicholas.
Lilys heart leapt for her friend. She saw Rebecca changingher eyes sparkled again, the constant shadow of worry faded, her smiles became real. But today, Lily had made an awful blundershed revived an old wound by mentioning Nick. Now, she could only hope it hadnt plunged Rebecca back into despair.
But Rebecca reacted with surprising composure.
Ive grown up, she said, folding the dress carefully on the bed. And I know now that my feelings for Nick belong in the past. Sometimes I regret naming my son after him. How foolish I wasnever listened to advice… How did you put up with me?
Lily reached over and squeezed her hand.
Are you thinking of bringing Nicholas to live with you?
Yes, Rebecca replied, instantly serious. Edward especially wants that. Hes even suggested changing Nicholass name, says it will help me, too. Well have to redo the birth certificate when adoption goes through anyway.
She paused, watching raindrops race down the windowpane.
You know, I used to fear that my son would always remind me of the past. But now I realise I was wrong. Hes my boy, and he deserves a childhood with two loving parents. Grandparents are wonderful, but theyre no substitute. Edward truly understands that. And you should see how much he cares for that boy!
Thats a wonderful plan! Lily brightened. Maybe ask Nicholas what name he would like? It might help him get used to everything.
Im not sure. Theres time. Ill think about it.
In truth, Rebecca wasnt as resolved as she pretended. She still loved Nick, and that feeling hadnt faded. But that love had only brought her pain. Her parents were growing distant, tired of her tears every time she visited, scaring Nicholas. Her friends had long lost patience with her stories and whispered amongst themselves about her sanity. It was time to let go and focus on the present.
On the wedding, for example.
But it was so incredibly hard.
Edward was, without a doubt, a good man. Yet… he wasnt Nick. Rebecca didnt feel the same depths for him, only let herself be swept along by his loving devotion.
If Nick returned… she would give anything to be by his side…
***************************
There wont be a wedding! Rebecca declared, eyes ablaze, almost dancing across the floor. Were going our separate ways, like ships passing in the night!
Edward stared at her, trying to comprehend. Only a week leftthe menu sorted, flowers chosen, guests invited. Everything felt so real, so close… And now she was calling the wedding off?
What do you mean there wont be a wedding? He could hardly believe his ears. Rebecca, whats going on? Talk to me.
But Rebecca barely listened. She flitted about, grabbing her things, tossing them into an open suitcase. Her eyes glimmered, a real, not forced, smile lighting up her lips.
Nicks back! she blurted, not meeting Edwards gaze. Her happiness was so raw that his insides knotted. He came back yesterday. We talked… I couldnt believe it was real at first!
She finally turned, facing him with a look of pure anticipation, not a trace of regret.
Im grateful for these last six months, she said, her tone softening. Life with you was calm and safe… Youre a good man, Edward. But I never truly loved you. Now, with a chance for real happiness, I have to take it.
Edward felt a cold emptiness spreading through him. Nick. Again. The man Rebecca spoke of with such longing that Edward always felt second best. He knew she still thought of Nick but hoped time and new love would change her heart.
Have you actually spoken to him? he choked out, his voice tight as a wire. What story did he give you this time?
He didnt make excuses, Rebecca shot back, sharper now. He just said he realised what a mistake hed made. This whole time, all hes thought about is me.
She turned away again, packing feverishly, while Edward stood motionless, his world going grey.
We spoke on the phone, she went on, rummaging through a drawer. His parents forced him to study overseas, and he couldnt warn me. Imagine! All this time hes been thinking of me, but had no way to get in touch. Now everything will be differentwell be together and finally have our happy ending!
Rebeccas mind flashed back to that calltheir first after so long apart. Nicks voice, trembling, rushed:
Rebecca, I know how this must seem. But you have to understandmy parents gave me no choice. They said, London or out of our lives. I really tried to fight, truly. But they cut me offfroze my accounts, took my phone. I didnt even have a way to call you.
Why not just ring me, even once? Rebeccas voice trembled, trying not to betray her hurt.
I couldnt. What could I say? That I was a coward, letting them push me around?
In that moment, listening to his halting words, Rebecca felt warmth spreading inside her. All her anger, all the bitterness seemed to wash away. She realised shed waited for this call every single day.
Everythings different now, Nick went on. Ive left university, come back. And I wont leave again.
Those words echoed in her head, standing now before Edward.
She hesitated a moment, then scanned the room as if checking for anything left behind. Thats when she noticed how pale Edward was, his face drained, his gaze locked on nothing.
Dont worry, she added, not unkindly, but firm as steel. Ive told everyone the weddings off. Explained it all, asked them not to bother you. No doubt youll have a few sympathetics gathering, but youre strong, youll get through.
Rebecca reached for her suitcase, adjusting the handle with deliberate care. She glanced one last time at Edward, eyes showing neither regret nor doubt.
And please, dont call or send pointless messages, she said sharply, almost commandingly. My decisions final, and nothing will change it!
She pulled up the heavy case, wavering only for a second before straightening and making for the door as if any hesitation might break her resolve.
Edward stood in the centre of the room, his insides twisting in shock and confusion. He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. He wanted to yell, to demand answers, but he kept controlnot wishing to appear the desperate one. His hands clenched, then loosened, fighting to keep his tone normal:
Are you not rushing this? he asked, eyes fixed on her.
She paused at the doorway, suitcase handle tightly gripped, but didnt turn.
What if he doesnt want to pick up where you left off? Edward pressed, stepping nearer. What if he refuses to acknowledge your son? Or is he already offering marriage?
Rebecca spun round, her face lit up with excitement and irritation. She strode toward Edward as if to prove her point.
Hes invited me to talk things throughand thats enough! Dont you dare try to blacken his nameNicks not like that!
Her voice wavered slightly at the end, but she quickly pulled herself upright, dragging the case to the door again.
You might help, she muttered through gritted teeth, struggling with the suitcases weight.
Edward almost stepped forward, as though to help, but stopped himself. Why should he help someone whod trampled his heart? Even now, he saw she was miles away, already with Nick in her mind. Her eyes glittered with maniashe was certain happiness and love awaited. She pictured Nick greeting her with a smile, promising her the world.
But reality would be far less kind. Nick was planning only a talk, to draw a line under the pastnot proposals or vows. In fact, Nick was already in another relationship.
But Rebecca, intoxicated by hope, saw nothing else. Shed waited too long for this moment, believing in any possibility but disappointment.
Hauling her suitcase to the door, she paused just a moment, hand on the handle as if about to speak. But she thought better of it, flung open the door and vanished without a backward glance.
Edward remained rooted, eyes on the closed door. The fragrance of her perfume lingered, and her words echoed: Nicks not like that!
He slowly sank into a chair, weariness crushing him. Everything had unravelled too quickly, too completely. Now he had to find his own way forwardwithout Rebecca, without plans, without illusions
***************************
Nick opened the door, surprised to find visitors so early. Rebecca stood on the step, clutching two suitcases, her face shining with hope. He stared, speechless. Just one thought whirled in his mind: How could she have got this so wrong?
Hed truly believed it was all over. Once Rebecca and Edward started seeing each other, Nick had let himself breathe easy. He could finally return to London, settle in with his wife, no longer fearing late-night calls or accusations. Hed even been grateful to Rebecca for moving onit solved everything.
He had, indeed, called herjust to explain that things had changed, offering to meet for a civil word, nothing more.
But now, she was here, on his doorstep with luggage, clearly expecting much more than a conversation. Nick stepped back, trying to collect his thoughts.
Nick! Rebecca exclaimed, no hesitation at all. Its decided. Im here now, and we can finally be together!
She spoke as if there were no other possibility. She stepped forward but Nick put out his hand to stop her.
Rebecca, wait… he said gently. Theres something you dont know.
She frowned, her smile fading fast.
What do you mean? We agreed to meet and talk!
Nick took a steadying breath.
Im married, Rebecca. Two years now. My wife and I are very happy.
Rebecca froze, her eyes wide with shock. She stared silently for several seconds, as if unable to process it. Then her face twisted, a mixture of panic, outrage, and pain flooding her features.
What are you saying? she whispered, shaking her head. That cant be right… You rang me, said everything had changed!
I called, Rebecca, to say goodbye, properly, Nick answered softly. I wanted to explain that the past was overthat we both needed to move on. But I think you misunderstood me.
Rebecca stepped back, fists trembling. She clenched them, struggling for composure but overwhelmed by emotion.
You youve lied to me all this time! she shouted, her voice shaking. How could you do this? Ive given up everything for you!
Nicks patience began to fray. He didnt want a shouting match, didnt want to justify himself, but Rebecca clearly wouldnt leave without a showdown.
I never promised you anything, he replied evenly. You decided wed be together. I was only trying to avoid hurting you. But now, its clearyes?
Rebecca screamed, grabbed a suitcase, hurled it to the floor, scattering her things everywhere. She screamed, accused, demanded answers, her voice climbing higher and higher.
Nick had no choice but to firmly and politely show her out onto the landing. He shut the door, hoping that would end things. But Rebecca didnt stopshe banged on his door, screamed for him, called out his name. The neighbours began to peer out, some with disapproving tuts and coughs, others loudly complaining.
Eventually, as her shouts intensified, the neighbours threatened to call the police. At last, Rebecca left. Before disappearing, she glanced back through streaming tears and cried out:
Ill be back! Youll see!
Nick closed his eyes as the exhaustion washed over him. He knew this wasnt the end. Rebecca was stubborn, and if shed set her mind to something, she wouldnt give up easily.
He went through to the lounge, collapsed onto the sofa and thought grimly. He needed to act fast. Staying in this flat was no longer an optionRebecca might come back, cause more trouble. He pulled out his phone and opened an estate agents website.
Time to sell up and find somewhere elsepreferably in another part of London
*********************
Rebecca walked the streets blindly. Tears blurred her vision, her mind spinning with half-formed thoughts, her heart heavy and empty. She still couldnt accept what had happened. In her imagination, Nick greeted her, arms wide, laughed for joy, declared they would finally be together. The reality was harsh and merciless.
She wandered the city for hours, trying to steady herself. Her feet led her to Edwards flat. Rebecca paused outside, wiped her tears and smoothed her hair; she needed to look composed. With a deep inhale, she climbed to his floor and hesitated a moment before pressing the bell.
When Edward finally opened the door, his face was cold and distant. He stood there silently, making no move to let her in.
Edward, please, she began, her voice shaking. I know what Ive done. I realise how stupid and cruel it was… But II want to set things right.
She faltered, searching for the words. Her eyes sparkled with fresh tears.
Ill never mention Nick again, she pressed on, looking straight at him. I promise. It was all a mistake. I know now: youre the one who makes me happy. Please, give me another chance.
Her voice was raw, almost desperate. Right now, she truly believed itif only Edward would forgive her, everything might come right.
Edward shook his head slowly. No, he wouldnt fall for it again.
Rebecca, he said quietly, youve already made your choice. Not long ago, you stood in my flat with your bags, telling me you were leaving for him. You were so sure.
I was wrong! Rebecca broke in. I didnt know what I was doingI was all over the place, I
Edward sighed, ran a hand through his hair. It pained him too, but he knew he couldnt let emotions rule him again.
You didnt just leave me, Rebeccayou left me for him. You made your choice, and Ive accepted it. Now, because it didnt work out, you want to come back?
Yes! she cried. Because I love you. Just you.
He paused a moment, then his tone hardened with finality:
I cant believe you anymore. Goodbye, Rebecca.
Rebecca felt something inside her break. Edwards gaze was gentle, not cruel, but there was no doubt, no softness left. He didnt trust her anymore.
Please she whispered, but her voice faltered.
Im sorry, he said. But this is best for both of us.
He closed the door, leaving Rebecca alone in the hallway. She stood frozen a moment, then slowly slumped onto the step, head in hands, and began to sob. Now her tears were no longer out of anger or pride, but the cold realisation that she had lost Nick, lost Edwardand had no idea how to go on.
