Forget Past for New Romance

For the sake of his childhood crush, Mauricio had left me countless times. We were just about to sign our marriage license at the courthouse when a call from Aurora—the same Aurora he always rushed to—came through. I held his hand tightly, desperation in my eyes.

"Can't you stay? Just until we finish signing the papers, please?"

The photographer was urging us to get ready for the pictures. Mauricio looked dashing in his tailored suit, tall and handsome. But his face lacked any joy or excitement you’d expect from a groom-to-be; all I saw was worry for another woman.

"Sweetheart, let's come back another day. Aurora's not feeling well; I need to check on her."

Not feeling well again? The same excuse he'd used to leave me five times in just one week? The party girl who spent her nights out dancing and drinking was now acting like a fragile damsel—and my boyfriend just couldn't see it. I pleaded with him, holding onto his hand, begging him not to go.

"Please, just this once, can't you stay? We're supposed to get married today!"

But it was as if Mauricio was under Aurora's spell, turning the tables and blaming me for not being understanding.

"Her condition is serious; how can you compare your issues to that? Why can't you be more understanding, like Aurora?"

With a forceful jerk, he pulled his hand away from mine, walking out of the courthouse without a backward glance. I was left there, heartbroken and sobbing uncontrollably.

In that moment, my heart shattered. Memories of the countless times he had left me flashed through my mind. I pictured Aurora holding Mauricio’s hand, mocking me as the jilted bride.

My tears ruined my carefully applied makeup as I cried until I passed out. Perhaps if I became as delicate and "considerate" as Aurora, he might comfort me. Would Mauricio ever regret this? Would he ever treat me with the kindness he showed Aurora?

It didn’t matter anymore. I knew there was no future for us. When I came to, I realized I had lost my memory—but of all the faces I could remember, Mauricio’s was the one I'd forgotten.