It was my best friend’s wedding coming up.

She invited all my family; she actually considered it as hers too since we are friends from the cradle. I called her up to congratulate her. Her: “Awww, sis, you touched me so deep!” Me: “It’s gonna be fantastic, I swear!” Her: “Yeah, but I just have one small thing to ask.” Me: “Anything you need, babe.” Her: “Don’t bring your husband, please.” Me [confused]: “What?? Why??” Her: “Oh, I need to run” *She cut the call* That same day, I ran into another bridesmaid, and she said, “Wait, you don’t know?” I was FUMING, as she revealed that my husband and best friend had been having an affair behind my back for months. My heart pounded as the shock took over. How could my best friend and husband betray me like this? My mind raced with images of the two people I trusted most, sneaking around, lying to me. Anger boiled up inside me, but beneath it was a deep, aching pain. The bridesmaid’s words echoed in my ears. I needed to confront them. I needed answers. That evening, I waited for my husband to come home. The second he walked through the door, I confronted him. “Why didn’t she want you at the wedding?” I asked, my voice shaking with barely controlled rage. His face turned pale. “What are you talking about?” “I ran into one of the bridesmaids today. She told me everything. How could you do this to me?” He looked down, unable to meet my eyes. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “It just happened.” “It just happened? That’s your excuse?” I felt my world crumbling around me. The next few days were a blur. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep. I finally decided to confront my best friend. I needed to hear her side of the story, as painful as it would be. I met her at a coffee shop, a neutral ground. She looked nervous, probably already knowing that I had found out. I didn’t waste any time. “Why?” I asked, my voice trembling. “Why did you do this to me?” Tears welled up in her eyes. “I don’t know what to say. It was a mistake. A huge mistake. I never wanted to hurt you.” “You didn’t just hurt me,” I said, fighting back tears. “You destroyed everything I believed in. You were like a sister to me.” She broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. But I couldn’t find it in myself to comfort her. The pain was too fresh, too raw. I left the coffee shop, feeling more alone than ever. The people I loved and trusted had betrayed me in the worst possible way. I didn’t know how to move forward, but I knew I had to. For my own sake. Days turned into weeks, and slowly, I started to rebuild my life. I decided to attend the wedding after all, without my husband. I needed closure, and I needed to show them both that I was stronger than they thought. On the day of the wedding, I walked in with my head held high. The whispers and stares didn’t bother me. I was there to support my friend, despite everything. It was her day, and I wouldn’t let their betrayal define me.  As I watched her walk down the aisle, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I realized that I could let go of the pain and anger. It wouldn’t be easy, but I could do it. After the ceremony, I approached her. “Congratulations,” I said, forcing a smile. She looked at me, her eyes filled with regret. “Thank you,” she said softly. We didn’t say anything more. There was nothing left to say. As I walked away, I felt a sense of liberation. I had faced my demons, and now it was time to move on. Life would never be the same, but I was determined to find happiness again. Without them.