As I served at a wedding, I saw my husband, David, the groom. My world fell apart when I saw him with another lady, pretending to be someone else. Everything I knew about my life changed then.
Oh, weddings… They always brought back thoughts of David and my wedding day. Our wedding was nothing extravagant.
Two young lovers, we didn’t care about fancy décor or a big reception. After seven years of marriage, such recollections still made me smile.
As a catering waiter, I was always at weddings. Every time I entered a nicely decorated venue with fresh flowers, I thought of our quiet ceremony. I wish I had known how fragile things can be.
Like every day, we arrived early to set everything before the guests and newlyweds arrived.
The guests arrived an hour later, their joyful talk filling the hall as they waited for the bride and groom to return from their photo session. I was in the restroom when my coworker Stacy came in, pale with fear.
“Lori, listen,” Stacy shakily whispered, “I think you should go home.”
“Go home?” Why would I? I requested. Want more shifts for yourself? I need the money as much as you do.”
I had never seen Stacy so nervously shake her head. “Lori, you don’t get it. I believe you should not be here.”
“You talking about what? “Why are you acting strange?” I said. “Stacy, seriously, what’s up?”
She bit her lip and looked down the corridor. “You won’t like what you see.”
Stacy’s words raced through my mind as I returned to the hall. I nearly fainted seeing the bride and groom. Stacy was right—I shouldn’t have come.
David stood in front of the guests, my David. Seven years with my partner, now with another woman.
I choked on my breath. As if the ground had ripped under me. I couldn’t understand what I saw. I turned and hurried outside, crying. I couldn’t wake up from the nightmare.
Gasping for air, I crashed against the wall outside. When tears blocked my eyesight, I pushed myself to gaze at the sign with the bride and groom’s names: “Welcome to the wedding of Kira and Richard.” Richard? What a lie!
Stacy ran out. She spoke to console me, but I couldn’t hear her. I was consumed by his betrayal. Anger grew as I wiped my tears. I wouldn’t let him off the hook. No way. I would wreck this wedding and reveal his deceit.
I returned to the hall as the bride and groom gave their first toast. Though my heart raced, I knew I had to do this.
I marched over to David and grabbed the microphone. He stared at me in disbelief and rage, but I didn’t care. Even what came to him was justified.
‘I have an announcement! I shouted into the microphone, booming through the hall. The room was silent as everyone looked at me.
This poor bride clung to David like her lifeline. Her wide, scared eyes showed she didn’t grasp what was occurring.
“David, or Richard, has deceived you!” Angered, I started. He’s married! To me!” Like an exploded bomb, the words floated in the air. I saw their astonishment and disbelief as the crowd gasped.
“What?” The bride whispered as she stammered. Her tears filled her eyes as she looked at David. “Richard, what’s up? Who’s this woman?
David shook his head, pretending to be confused. “I… I don’t know,” he stumbled. This woman has never appeared in my life.
“You were blind after seven years of marriage?” Burning with wrath, I shouted.
“What? Wait, seven years of marriage? he questioned, still playing ignorant.
“Stop pretending you don’t know me,” I said. “You’re worsening it, David.”
“My name is Richard!” he yelled, desperate. “I don’t know your David. You’re insane!”
Oh, really? Narrowing my eyes, I murmured. “What’s this?” My phone showed our wedding photo as I pulled it out. I displayed it for all to see. With many straining to see, the room fell silent.
Kira, the bride, approached, focusing on the image. She trembled as she said, “Richard…?” “How could you hurt me? How could you deceive me? To her?” She pointed at me, shaking her hand as tears fell.
“Kira,” Richard whispered, softening as he reached for her. I swear, I don’t know who this woman is or why she’s in my photo. Never would hurt you.”
The bride shook her head and retreated. “I loved you, Richard… or David, or whoever you are,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “How could you betray me? I don’t recognize you anymore.”
“I’m Richard,” he said, becoming desperate. Kira, I love you. Being honest!”
I chuckled bitterly. “He’s probably only with you for your money,” I remarked contemptuously.
Shut up!” David screamed in terror and hatred.
The bride shook her head, crying. I cannot, Richard. Someone who lies and does something so nasty can’t be with me.”
She faced me. “I’m sorry,” she muttered. “Really didn’t know.”
“It’s not your fault,” I said, softening. He lied to us.”
David begged, “Kira, please,” but it was too late. Her bridal dress trailed behind her as she turned and ran toward the door.
David ran after her without thinking. “Kira! He cried “Wait!” as he ran through the doors after her, leaving the startled guests and myself silent.
I stormed outside to inform David I was divorcing him. He was sitting on the curb, crying, when I found him.
I answered, “Of course, play the drama,” crossing my arms.
He looked up, furious. “You! This is your responsibility!” he yelled. My wife left me because of you! A crazy waitress!
“I’m crazy?” Loudly, I replied. “You married another woman while married to me!”
“I’m not your husband! This is my first time seeing you!”
Oh, really? Taking out my phone, I challenged. “Then let’s call David, who you say you’re not, and see what happens.”
“Call him!” He snapped.
I tried calling David on speaker, but it kept ringing. “How strange that you’re not picking up,” I sarcastically remarked.
I heard his voice as the ringing stopped. “Yes, dear. Everything okay?”
What the…?” Staring at the man in front of me, I stammered.
“I’m not your husband!” His voice was softer but still agitated.
“Honey,” I whispered into the phone, attempting to stay calm, “I think you should come here; something strange is going on.”
David came 30 minutes later. He and Richard stood silently staring at each other for what seemed like forever. They were like mirrors—identical in every way.
Richard finally spoke, smiling wryly at me. “If I were in your shoes, I would’ve done the same,” he said.
David looked at me with hurt and perplexity. “How could you think I would do something like this to you?” he questioned quietly.
“He’s your exact double,” I shouted, anxious to explain.
“Yes,” David said softly. It hurts that you thought that.
I’m sorry, honey. “I was so angry and hurt,” I replied, taking his hand.
Richard and David were adopted from the same orphanage as babies. However, different family adopted them. They were unaware of each other. What I heard was unbelievable. My husband has an unknown twin sibling.
“But that doesn’t change the fact that my wife hates me,” Richard replied, dejected.
“We’ll fix that,” I said.
“Yes, get in my car, and let’s go,” David said, walking toward the car.
“She’ll never forgive me,” Richard murmured.
“She will when she sees David,” I said.
The motel where Kira was likely staying was reached in solitude. We tried to enter her room but were denied. It crushed my heart to hear her crying through the door.
We persisted. We shouted at her under her window to gain her attention. She stared out the window, crying, her eyes crimson.
“Kira!” I shouted and waved to gain her attention. “Your fiance didn’t lie! Husband didn’t cheat on me! Look!” Richard and David were identical, standing side by side.
Surprised, Kira widened her eyes. “How is this possible?” she shouted.
“We separated in the orphanage!” Richard retorted.
After staring at us, she closed the window, sinking our hearts.
“See? I told you she wouldn’t forgive me,” Richard replied, despairing. Kira raced out, crying, as the door burst open as he finished speaking. She hugged and kissed Richard tightly.
David hugged me. “I’m sorry I doubted you,” I said, looking up.
David grinned and brushed my face hair. Probably would’ve done the same. I’m honored that you’re still fighting for me after seven years of marriage.”
I giggled and nudged him before kissing him. My spouse gained a sibling, and I gained a lifelong friend.