AnnaMaria
Eli inhaled deeply as the living-room doors opened.
His suit was flawless, his tie straight, his smile rehearsed—but nothing could hide the heaviness in his chest. This was supposed to be the happiest day of his life. In many ways, it was: he was marrying Sofia, the woman who had shown him love when he’d nearly convinced himself he wasn’t meant for it.
But when Sofia walked into the room, radiant and glowing, her eyes immediately sought the front row. The chairs reserved for her family.
Empty. Every single one.
Three seats for her mother, father, and sister Elena. A fourth for Matt, Eli’s childhood best friend.
He blinked, hoping they were simply late. But the ceremony started on time, and he knew. He had known since Elena’s phone call two days earlier:
“Eli… I’m sorry, but my engagement party is the same day. You know how Mom is. We have to be there. It’s not personal.”
Those words—not personal—cut deeper than any insult. Apparently it wasn’t personal to abandon his wedding. It wasn’t personal to prioritize a party over his real ceremony. And Matt? What was supposed to be a “quick stop” had stretched into the entire day.
Still, when Eli saw Sofia walking toward him with unwavering certainty, something inside him steadied. She deserved a perfect day. He would not let their absence ruin it.
He held himself together through the ceremony, though each glance at those empty chairs tightened the knot in his throat. At the reception, whispers followed him. Some guests asked gently where his parents were. Others didn’t ask at all.
Overwhelmed, Eli stepped outside to the terrace. The cold air cut through him.
Then, his phone buzzed.
A message from Matt:
“Eli, we need to talk. You don’t know everything. It wasn’t what you think. —M.”
His stomach twisted. Matt never texted like that. Something was wrong. And his family was involved.
Sofia found him eventually, wearing comfortable shoes but still glowing.
“I don’t want today shadowed for you,” she murmured, squeezing his hand. “If you need to talk to Matt, go. I’ll be home waiting.”
And in that moment, Eli loved her even more.
He drove to the small bar Matt had mentioned. His friend was twisting a bottle in his hands, anxious.
“Man… I’m so, so sorry.”
“Then explain why you didn’t show up,” Eli demanded.
Matt swallowed. Not guilt—something heavier.
“They… wouldn’t let me.”
“Who?” Eli asked.
“Your parents,” Matt said. “And Elena. They told me you didn’t want me there. That you’d be upset. They insisted I’d be doing you a favor by going to Elena’s party instead.”
A hollow ache spread through Eli.
“Why would they say that?”
Matt hesitated.
“Because Elena wanted the spotlight—and your parents let her have it. Also… they were upset with you for not telling them you were serious about getting married.”
Eli froze.
“I did tell them. At dinner. Elena was right there.”
Matt nodded slowly.
“And she later told them you were ‘probably unsure.’ That they shouldn’t take it seriously.”
The truth hit him like a punch.
His family hadn’t skipped the wedding because they didn’t care—they skipped it because Elena wanted the spotlight, and everyone else followed her lead.
The next day, Eli confronted them.
“No more excuses. I know what you did.”
Silence fell like a stone in water. His father cited “poor communication.” His mother tried to soothe him. Elena tried to explain. None of it mattered.
“I’m done,” Eli said softly. “I’m done chasing approval. If you want to be in my life, you come to me. I’m not knocking on this door again.”
He walked out, the weight in his chest lifting with every step. At home, Sofia wrapped her arms around him without a word.
And in that embrace, Eli realized:
His family may have abandoned him on his wedding day—
but he wasn’t alone anymore.
