I Agreed to Marry a Man I Didn't Love to Please My Parents, Until I Met Him — Story of the Day

My mom decided marriage was the solution to my single life at 34, so I agreed to a wedding that felt more like a duty than a dream. But when I met someone who made me feel alive for the first time in years, I faced a choice: follow her plan or take a chance on my own happiness.

Preparing for a wedding is stressful for every woman—or at least that’s what everyone says. But I was the exception.

Here’s a little life hack for you: if you don’t want to stress about your wedding, agree to marry a man you don’t love. Sounds crazy, right?

Don’t get me wrong—it’s not like I was walking down the aisle with some horrible person. Matt was a good guy, kind and reliable.

We got along well enough, but I felt nothing for him. No spark, no excitement. Honestly, he felt more like a buddy than someone I wanted to spend my life with.

Our story started six months ago when my mom declared that being 34 and single was practically a crime.

To her, it was a disaster that needed fixing. She and Matt’s parents took matters into their own hands and set us up.

At first, I went along with it to keep the peace, but the closer the wedding day got, the more doubts crept in.

That day, I stood in a bridal boutique with my mom, wearing a wedding dress that didn’t feel like mine.

I stared at my reflection, waiting for some kind of magic moment, but all I felt was… nothing. Well, maybe a twinge of disgust.

“You look like a princess. Your dream is finally coming true,” Mom said, her smile wide. Your dream, Mom, I thought. I held back my words and forced a small smile.

She stepped closer, adjusting the veil on my head as if it were a crown. “In just two weeks, you’ll be a wife. Isn’t that wonderful?” she asked, her voice soft but insistent.

I wanted to scream, No, it’s not wonderful. But I stayed quiet. She had been planning this marriage for me as if my life were her project.

She had never threatened me, but her endless nudging and suggestions made it impossible to say no.

Even the ring Matt used to propose had been picked out by her and Matt’s mom.

“Yes,” I said, keeping my voice flat.

Her face shifted, her smile fading slightly. “You don’t look happy. What’s wrong?” she asked, tilting her head.

I almost laughed at how clueless she sounded. “Nothing, I’m just tired,” I said.

“Being a bride is every woman’s dream,” she replied. “You should feel so lucky.”

“I am,” I said, my smile barely holding.

After the fitting, Mom and I stopped at a small café to grab coffee before meeting with the catering company.

I ordered our coffee and stood at the pickup counter, tapping my fingers on the edge while waiting.

Nearby, a man caught my attention. Something about him—his easy posture, his relaxed smile—made it impossible to look away.

He noticed me staring, and his lips curved into a grin. My face burned as I quickly looked down, pretending to check my phone. Get it together, Meredith.

Finally, the barista called my name. I stepped forward just as the man moved toward the counter. Without warning, our hands reached for the same cup.

Hot liquid splashed onto my sweater and the floor. “Damn,” I said, stepping back and looking at the coffee dripping from my sweater.

“Oh no, I’m so sorry,” the man said, grabbing napkins and offering them to me.

I took a few and sighed. “That was my order.”

“I must’ve mixed it up,” he replied. “I ordered the same thing. Let me get you another.”

Before I could protest, he turned and spoke to the barista. I stood there, awkward, as he waited.

When the drinks were ready, he handed me both cups. “Here you go. Really, I’m sorry about that,” he said.

“It’s fine,” I said. “You didn’t have to do that, but thanks.”

He smiled. “I couldn’t leave a bad impression on someone like you.” Then, he turned and walked out, leaving me speechless.

As I picked up the cups, my fingers brushed against something tucked between them. A note.

Curious, I unfolded it and read the neat handwriting: I’d love to get to know you. Something about you caught my attention. – Chris. His phone number was written below.

I blinked, my heart skipping. Glancing around the café, I searched for him, but he had already disappeared. I slipped the note into my bag, telling myself to forget it.

One evening, doubts about my wedding swirled in my mind, refusing to leave me alone.

I reached into my bag and found the note, the paper slightly crumpled from being ignored. I stared at it, my thumb hovering over my phone.

Finally, I texted Chris. His reply came almost instantly, and before I could overthink, we agreed to meet at the café in an hour.

When I arrived, Chris was already there, standing near a table with two steaming cups of coffee.

“Hi,” I said, feeling a little nervous as I approached him.

“Hey,” he replied, smiling as he handed me one of the cups. “I got your usual. Hope I got it right.”

“That’s sweet. Thank you,” I said, taking it.

He shifted slightly, looking at me. “I was thinking we could grab dinner, if you’re up for it.”

I hesitated, then shook my head. “I’d rather go somewhere quiet. How about the beach?”

He grinned. “The beach sounds perfect. Let’s grab some pizza on the way. I’m starving.”

“Sounds good,” I said, trying not to overthink.

He paused. “Wait, I still don’t know your name.”

“Oh, right,” I said, extending my hand. “I’m Meredith.”

“Nice to meet you, Meredith,” he said, shaking my hand firmly. A strange, electric feeling rushed through me. What was it about this man?

We stopped at a small pizza place, and the smell of melted cheese and fresh dough was making my stomach growl.

Chris carried the box as we walked to the beach, the cool night air brushing against my face.

We talked the entire way, our words flowing easily, like we’d known each other forever.

I learned that Chris loved photography and hiking, just like me. He told me about his favorite books, and they happened to be the same ones I loved.

“I’ve always wanted to move to Iceland,” he said, his voice filled with excitement.

My head snapped toward him. “Iceland? Me too. The cold weather, the landscapes... it’s perfect.”

He smiled. “Maybe someday.”

“Meredith,” Chris said, his voice soft but steady, “I have to admit something. I haven’t felt this way around someone in a long time—maybe ever.”

His words made my chest tighten. I felt it too, though I didn’t understand it. With Chris, I felt safe, like I could let my guard down.

At the same time, he stirred something deep inside me, something I hadn’t felt in years.

Instead of responding, I leaned in and kissed him. It was impulsive, completely unlike me, but I couldn’t stop myself.

When I pulled away, his eyes stayed locked on mine. “Wow,” he whispered, and I laughed nervously.

Then, a bold idea hit me. “Let’s go to Iceland together,” I said. “Start a new life.”

Chris blinked, surprised. “Iceland? You’re serious?”

“Yes,” I said.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Meredith… we barely know each other.”

“So what?” I asked, leaning closer. “You just said you’ve never felt this way. I feel it too. Isn’t that worth the risk?”

“I can’t just drop everything,” he said, his tone hesitant.

I stood, suddenly feeling foolish. “Got it,” I said flatly. “You’re right, it’s stupid.” I turned to walk away.

“Wait!” he called after me. “When can I see you again?”

I stopped but didn’t face him. “Never,” I said quietly. “I’m getting married in less than two weeks.”

“What?” he asked, stunned.

“I don’t love him,” I admitted. “But he’s a safe choice. You were a mistake. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t do it,” Chris pleaded. “Why marry someone you don’t love?”

“Because that’s life,” I said, walking away.

“No,” he called after me, his voice firm. “That’s just existing.”

I tried to forget Chris, telling myself it was a fleeting moment, a mistake I could leave behind.

But his face, his words, and the way he made me feel lingered no matter how hard I tried to push them away.

Still, I convinced myself to stick to the plan. I would marry Matt. It was the right thing to do—or so I thought.

Three days before the wedding, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Chris.

@Chris

I can’t stop thinking about you. I’m ready to drop everything and go to Iceland with you.

My chest tightened as I typed back.

@Me

I’m getting married in three days.

His reply came quickly.

If you change your mind, I’ll be at our café every day at 3:00 p.m.

I stared at the screen, then turned off my phone.

On my wedding day, everything felt like a dream. Standing at the altar, I barely heard the priest’s words.

My mom sobbed in the front row, clutching tissues. Glancing at the clock, I saw it was 2:30 p.m. Something inside me snapped. I knew I couldn’t go through with it.

I leaned toward Matt. “I met someone,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “I don’t think I can do this.”

Matt looked at me, his expression soft. “Then you should run out of here right now,” he whispered back.

“You’re not mad?” I asked, glancing at the priest, who gave us a disapproving look.

Matt shook his head, a small smile forming. “I almost called it off this morning,” he whispered.

Relief washed over me. I smiled back at him, lifting my dress. Without hesitation, I turned and ran down the aisle as fast as my heels would allow.

“Meredith! Come back!” my mom’s voice echoed through the church, but I didn’t stop.

I sprinted through the streets, my wedding dress catching on my heels, slowing me down.

People stopped to stare, their expressions a mix of confusion and amusement. I didn’t care. The café came into view, and my chest tightened.

I stopped abruptly, standing outside the familiar doors, gasping for air. My heart sank—Chris wasn’t there. My head dropped as reality hit me. What was I thinking?

The door to the café creaked open. I looked up, and there he was, stepping out with two cups of coffee.

“Meredith?” he asked, his face full of surprise.

Without a word, I ran to him, throwing my arms around him.

The coffee hit the ground as he hugged me back. “What’s going on?” he asked.

I looked up at him. “I don’t want to just exist. I want to live,” I said, my voice trembling. Then, without thinking, I kissed him.

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