I was minutes from walking down the aisle when I found a note tucked into my bouquet. I recognized the handwriting instantly — it was from my best friend and maid of honor, Susan.

The note shattered my world: “I’m so sorry to tell you this way, but I’m pregnant, and Ben is the father.” Ben, my fiancé.

I rushed through the venue searching for Susan and found her crying in the garden. She admitted it happened once and she’d just found out, but I couldn’t forgive her or Ben.

I dropped the bouquet at her feet and walked back into the chapel. Facing our guests, I announced, “The wedding is off. Ben and Susan had an affair. Congratulations, Ben — you’re going to be a father.”

Gasps and chaos erupted, but I kept walking, tears streaming down my face. My cousin Emma caught up to me outside, wrapping her arm around me.

“Let’s go,” she said gently. And just like that, I left behind what was supposed to be the happiest day of my life.