Ava was swept off her feet in a dream romance with Ethan, enriched by tender dates and meaningful talks. When Ethan proposed just three months after they met, Ava was on cloud nine. As the wedding neared, a startling truth shook their storybook love.

Have you ever experienced an encounter that feels pulled from the pages of a romance novel? That was how I felt the day I met Ethan.

In my favorite coffee shop that doubles as a bookstore, I was browsing the aisles for new reads. By chance, our hands brushed against each other.

We both reached for “Pride and Prejudice” at the same time. Meeting his warm, brown eyes, I felt my knees go weak. With a charming, dimpled smile, he said, “Oh, I’m sorry. Seems like we share a taste in books.”

Nervously, I laughed. “No worries. It’s all yours.”

He smiled even wider, leaning close enough for me to notice his woodsy cologne. “How about we share it? Over some coffee, maybe?”

Who could resist? We spent the afternoon in an inviting corner of the shop, lost in conversation over coffee and cherished books. By the time he asked for my number, I was enchanted.

Thus began our whirlwind romance. Dinners under starlit skies, surprise weekend escapes, and those profound late-night talks where it felt like we had known each other a lifetime.

It truly felt as if I was living inside a romantic film. In hindsight, I should have noticed it was all too perfect.

Just three months after meeting, Ethan proposed at our beloved coffee shop. As the sun set, casting pink and orange across the sky, it felt like a fairytale setting.

We were in our familiar spot when he knelt before me, presenting a ring glittering intensely. “Ava,” he began. “You’ve filled my life with joy in such a short time. Will you marry me?”

The tears that came were of pure joy as I nodded, too overwhelmed to speak. “Yes, a thousand times yes!”

After he placed the ring on my finger and held me close, it felt faultless.

We planned a small, cozy wedding at a lakeside venue a short drive from town, reserving the weekend for close family and friends.

The pre-wedding celebration was a delightful haze of laughter, clinking drinkware, and heartfelt speeches.

Ethan’s sister, Olivia, added her signature joy with hilarious comments. “Olivia, you’ll spill that drink,” I joked as we headed to the bathrooms, her glass in her animated hand.

Laughing, she brushed it off, then looked at me with a slightly different expression. “Can’t believe you two managed this,” she mused.

Puzzled, I inquired, “Managed what?”

“The so-called fake marriage,” she replied lightly, sipping her drink. “It was the only way Ethan could get the inheritance. An Oscar-worthy act from you both!”

My world fell away. “What do you mean by fake marriage?”

Realizing her slip, Olivia’s eyes widened. “You didn’t know? I thought you were aware of it all,” she stammered, paling visibly.

The icy shock crashed over me. “Aware of what?”

Nervously checking our surroundings, she whispered, “Ethan’s share of inheritance. Grandpa had a clause that required marriage within six months. We thought it worked to your advantage too.”

My world spun as I reeled from the ground beneath. Everything—the sweeping gestures, the sudden proposal—had been for money. The relationship I thought was genuine was a sham.

I needed to see it for myself. I waited until Ethan’s steady breaths indicated he was asleep, then picked up his phone from the bedside.

With trembling hands, I scrolled through his messages, breaking my heart with each discovery.

Messages to his friends mocked me.