After He Abandoned Me At The Altar For Her

I gave up my New York socialite status to live with my husband in a basement for seven years.

On our wedding day, he abandoned me to attend a christening party with Brooke and her son. While everyone laughed at my expense, he updated his Instagram feed with the caption: "Loving you brings joy to Mom and Dad." The photos showed him, Brooke, and their son looking like a perfect family.

I commented sarcastically, "Congrats. Permanently sealed." Armed with the DNA test results, I filed for divorce. But later, he showed up with red-rimmed eyes, kneeling before me, pleading for me not to leave.

Christian finally called after three days of complete silence. Before I could say anything, a woman's voice filled the line:

"Elianna, I'm truly sorry. I've been feeling down; the past couple of days marked the anniversary of my husband's death."

"Christian was so concerned about me that he missed the wedding."

"I’ve already talked to him about it."

"And the post was meant to comfort me; he has deleted it now, so please don't take offense."

The woman turned towards him:

"Christian, honestly, the wedding was a significant event; how could you leave like that?"

"We're adults now, let’s not behave like kids throwing tantrums, alright?"

"I could spoil you for a lifetime. Can Elianna do that?"

"Come on, let's set a date for a proper ceremony. I'm feeling much better now, so I can handle being on my own."

Her words were gentle but accusatory. I felt a wave of nausea and was about to speak when Christian interrupted:

"Brooke, if you send me back now, I truly won't return again!"

"Your mood has just improved a little; how could I leave you alone at such a time?"

His tone was something I had never heard before. In front of me, he was always the emperor, his words like commands.

Suppressing the bitterness inside, I said, "Christian, if Brooke needs you, there's no point in you coming back. I'll send you the divorce papers."

I was done listening to their flirtations and spoke directly.

"Elianna, when will you stop blowing things out of proportion? Isn’t it enough already? Threatening me with divorce?"

"Didn't you hear Brooke just now? She was grieving her husband’s anniversary!"

"Was it wrong for me to be there for her? Try to have some perspective."

"You're crossing the line!"

Christian raised his voice as soon as I mentioned divorce, flooding me with accusations.

I pressed my lips together, used to such outbursts.

"You're crossing the line!"

Christian often accused me of that. My care was seen as stifling his freedom; my cautious suggestions as holding him back.

In the past, those words would drive me to immediate self-reflection.

Was I really interfering too much?

I would then apologize, promising to grant him the freedom he desired.

But we were husband and wife, together for seven years.

Since when did caring become a restriction on his freedom?

"Christian, this time it's real."

This time, as I meticulously planned and eagerly awaited our wedding day, the groom walked away.

As he cuddled someone else’s child while their mother happily nestled beside him, I was worn out.

Perhaps sensing the chill in my voice, Christian hesitated slightly, softening his tone:

"Elianna, you're overthinking. Brooke was grieving; I was afraid she'd spiral, so I cheered her up."

"The wedding can happen anytime."

"This time, however you want it, it’s all up to you."

"And that Instagram post, I've deleted it. They were just photos, and I’m the child’s godfather, so taking a family picture was only natural."

"Elianna, why can’t you show some empathy?"

Brooke Black, Christian's childhood sweetheart and ideal crush, and his first love at sixteen.

Her insincere voice came through the phone:

"Elianna, it's all my fault. Christian only did it for me."

"If it helps ease your anger, I'm willing to suffer any punishment, even crawling to your house in apology."

Crawling in repentance? She really dared to say that.

I scoffed and replied:

"Go ahead, I’m not asking you to do both, just pick one!"

"If you want to apologize, do it quickly. The divorce papers will be ready this afternoon."

My words were met with silence on the other end.

Brooke had spoken thoughtlessly, never expecting me to take her up on it.

She stammered for a while, and Christian took over the phone:

"Elianna! Why are you acting so unreasonable? Brooke was just trying to calm things down, and you expect her to actually crawl in apology."

"Besides, if anyone should apologize, it's you. I'm not done with you about that reckless comment!"

"Do you realize how many people have contacted me and Brooke because of your comment? Brooke was already in a fragile state; you've made it worse!"

"And you have the nerve to bring up divorce? Fine! Let's divorce! Just don't regret it!"

He shouted, not waiting for my response, and abruptly hung up the call.