He Cancelled Our Wedding 99 Times So I Married Someone Else

The day before the wedding, Oscar Hayward was with me at the bridal shop, picking out my dress.

I had just stepped out of the fitting room.

Oscar was already shrugging off his suit jacket in a panic, turning to leave.

"Bea's sick. Mildred can't handle it alone. I need to get to the hospital. Tomorrow's wedding is off."

There was a time I would have grabbed his arm and demanded to know who mattered more to him—me, or Mildred Fox and her daughter.

But this time, watching his back disappear through the door, I didn't try to stop him.

This was the ninety-ninth time he had cancelled our wedding for Mildred and her daughter.

Half an hour later, Mildred updated her social media.

You're the only person I have left in this world.

In the photo, Oscar had his arm around Mildred. Beatrice Dickerson was calling them Mommy and Daddy.

They looked exactly like a family of three.

My parents could only sigh.

"Janet Summers, is tomorrow's wedding cancelled again? We've already sent out the invitations."

My expression didn't waver. I shook my head.

"The wedding is still on. He's just not the groom anymore."

...

The moment the words left my mouth, Mom pulled a backup set of invitations from her purse. Dad's eyes drifted to the line where the groom's name was printed.

The relief on both their faces was impossible to miss.

"If you're marrying him, your father and I can finally stop worrying."

"Janet, I've always told you Oscar Hayward wasn't worth spending your life on. I'm glad you finally see it."

Some people have to hit rock bottom before they turn around.

This time, I chose to set myself free.

I finalized the dress. Right on cue, Oscar called.

"I remember you've always wanted to try that trendy Instagram-famous restaurant downtown. I got a scalper to book us a table for lunch."

My first instinct was to say no.

But after six years together, the least we deserved was a clean ending.

I walked up to the restaurant entrance.

Oscar reached for my bag, and his other hand moved on instinct toward my waist.

I sidestepped his touch and walked straight inside.

His hand hung frozen in the air. His brow furrowed, a thread of impatience creeping into his voice.

"Janet, stop throwing a tantrum."

"Bea had a sudden episode. I'm the only person Mildred has to turn to."

"You know this already. Before Neil Dickerson died, I promised him I'd look after Mildred and Bea."

I didn't respond. I sat down and opened the menu.

He dropped into the seat beside me, tugging irritably at his tie.

"A man's word is his bond. You wouldn't want to be with someone who breaks his promises, would you?"

I took out my phone and scanned the QR code to order.

He waited. When my silence stretched on, he let out a long breath.

"Alright, don't be upset. The next wedding date won't be cancelled. I told you I'd give you the perfect wedding, and I meant it."

But his promises only ever applied to Mildred and her daughter.

I was always the one who had to step aside.

Just then, a server approached the table.

"Excuse me, miss. Your table already has a four-person meal ordered. If you add more dishes, it might be too much food. Would you like me to cancel anything?"

Before I could react, a familiar voice rose from behind me.

"The line for the restroom was ridiculous. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long, Janet."

Mildred Fox walked toward us, holding Beatrice's hand.

She slid into the seat on Oscar's other side. Beatrice squeezed herself into the space between Oscar and me.

I sat there, momentarily stunned.

Oscar opened his mouth to speak, but Mildred beat him to it.

"This is all Oscar's fault, really. I mentioned once that I wanted to try this place, and he actually remembered. Even paid triple to a scalper for the reservation."

"Janet, don't bother cancelling whatever you ordered. Go ahead and eat."

Watching her stake her claim like she owned the table, I couldn't help but laugh.