“It’s because of your mother,” Allison said. “She told me everything.”

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

Tears welled in Allison’s eyes.

“She told me about you and Kendra,” she said, her voice shaking. “Your best friend.”

“What? What did my mom say about Kendra?” I asked, squinting. I was completely lost.

“She said you’ve been cheating on me with Kendra,” Allison declared, and a gasp rippled through the guests. “She said you two were having an affair and that you planned to leave me for her. That’s why I’m wearing black—to mourn the love we once had, Garrett.”

I couldn’t believe what she’d just said.

“It’s not true, Allison,” I pleaded. “I swear I never cheated on you. Kendra and I are just friends. I don’t know why my mom would say that.”

I scanned the crowd, desperate to find my mother, but she was nowhere in sight. I wanted to confront her, to prove she was lying.

“I don’t believe you,” Allison said firmly. “You’re lying because that’s what you always do.”

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

“Oh, I see. But it’s not just about the affair, Garrett,” Allison shook her head. “I know your secret. I know you’ve been lying to me.”

“What secret?” I asked, my heart pounding.

Allison glanced around the church before locking eyes with me.

“You lied about your family’s finances,” she spat. “You hid that your family is bankrupt, and you’re marrying me to use my money to save your business. Isn’t that true?”

Oh, no, I thought.

What Allison said was partly true, but I never meant for it to come out like this. Yes, our family business was struggling, nearly bankrupt. And yes, I thought marrying Allison might help, but I wasn’t marrying her for her money!

I loved her, and that was the real reason I wanted to marry her. I didn’t know how to explain this.

“Listen, Allison,” I started. “Let me explain, I—”

“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 was so blind to fall for someone like you!”

I wanted to say so much, to explain that I wasn’t lying, but the words wouldn’t come. I was frozen.

“It’s over, Garrett,” Allison declared, then stormed out of the church.

As she walked away, the guests whispered among themselves. My friends rushed over, but I couldn’t let her go like that. I had to make her understand.

“Allison, wait!” I shouted, running after her. “Please, just listen to me.”

“I don’t want to hear your lies, Garrett,” she said without turning around.

I stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

“I swear I’m not lying,” I protested. “I don’t know why Mom said this, but I think it’s because she doesn’t like you. I never told you, but Mom wasn’t happy about our relationship.”

“And why should I believe you, Garrett?”

Before I could answer, Kendra walked out of the church.

“Allison, listen,” she said. “I don’t know what your mother-in-law told you, but there’s nothing between me and Garrett. He’s just a friend, and he loves you deeply. Trust me.”

Allison looked at Kendra, then at me, uncertainty in her eyes.

“Look, if I wanted to marry you for your money, I wouldn’t have signed the prenup,” I said, holding her hands. “I signed it to protect your money and your future. I wouldn’t have done that if I was after your wealth.”

“But why did you hide your family’s financial situation?” she asked. “What if you’re hiding more? Why should I trust you?”

I shook my head, taking a deep breath.

“You’re right, Allison. I should’ve told you about my family’s situation, but I was scared you’d leave me.” I paused, knowing I had to tell her everything. “There’s something else I never told you.”

Allison folded her arms, waiting.

“My mom hates me,” I confessed. “She always has. Years ago, I took a DNA test in college and found out my father wasn’t my biological father. When I confronted her, everything fell apart. Dad left, taking most of the money with him.”

“That’s why she lied to you,” I continued. “She wanted to ruin my wedding because she can’t stand seeing me happy. She pretended to accept you, waiting for the right moment to destroy us. I’m sorry for keeping this from you. I was ashamed.”

Allison’s anger softened, replaced by a look of sympathy.

“You didn’t tell me because you were ashamed?” she asked. “We were supposed to build a life together, Garrett. But you hid so much. How can I trust you after this?”

She was right, and it hurt to admit it. I should’ve been honest from the start.

“I’m sorry, Allison,” I said, looking down. “I know I messed up, but I love you.”

“I’m sorry too, Garrett,” she said, wiping tears from her cheek. “But this is the end. I can’t live with someone who keeps secrets.”

And with that, the love of my life, the woman I cherished most, walked away.

Tears streamed down my face as I watched her get into her car and drive away from the church. I couldn’t stop her because I knew she was right.

My life has never been the same since that day. I confronted my mother and cut all ties with her, but I also tried calling Allison countless times. She never answered.

I lost the love of my life because of lies, betrayal, and secrets I never should have kept.