A flight to surprise my fiancé turned into something I never expected. One kiss, one stranger, and one shocking discovery later, my plan to uncover the truth spiraled into an unforgettable adventure.
I stood in the boarding line clutching my ticket and a cup of cold coffee. The day had started like most days in my life lately: overthinking and just enough caffeine to fuel my questionable decisions.
I was flying to visit Oliver, my fiancé. The man had impeccable suits, a charming smile, and a schedule so packed it felt like I needed to book an appointment just to remind him I existed.
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He’d been working in another city, closing some “big deal.” But lately, the deal seemed to involve more late nights with his secretary. She wasn’t just a thorn in my side but the whole rosebush.
I’d tried to ignore it until THAT text came a few days ago. A message from Oliver lit up the screen:
“Can’t wait to see you. Don’t forget your signature suit!”
But before I could even craft a reply, the message disappeared. Vanished.
“Strange,” I muttered just as Oliver’s name popped up on my screen.
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“Hey, did you just get a text from me?”
“Yes…”
“Oh, that was for Greg!” he blurted out a little too quickly. “We’ve got a big meeting tomorrow. You know how Greg is always forgetting stuff!”
Sure, Oliver. Sure.
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That’s when I decided I’d had enough of the cryptic texts and excuses. I wasn’t about to sit around playing detective in my own relationship.
When I boarded the plane, my window seat was occupied. A man in his forties lounged there as if he were the protagonist in some indie film.
“Excuse me, that’s my seat,” I said with a smile.
He glanced up lazily. “Is it? I thought seating was more of a suggestion.”
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“And I thought manners weren’t optional.”
After a dramatic sigh, he moved. It turned out his name was Lucas, and he had a gift for testing the limits of human tolerance. By this time, he’d spread his belongings across our shared space and casually suggested I “relax a little,” and I sat there wondering if I’d been cursed.
Suddenly, the captain announced we’d be making an unscheduled landing in a small town due to bad weather.
Perfect. Stuck in the middle of nowhere. What else could go wrong?
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***
The town’s airport was so small it felt like we had landed in a different era. Wooden benches creaked under the weight of weary passengers, and the single vending machine hummed lifelessly, its contents reduced to a solitary pack of stale gum.
Eventually, a manager brought the news. “We’ve arranged accommodations for all passengers. Due to the circumstances, the airline will cover the cost of tonight’s stay at the nearby hotel.”
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The word “hotel” sent the crowd into a frenzy. People bolted for the shuttle like their lives depended on it, jostling for a spot and leaving me standing there in the aftermath of their rush.
“Hi,” I said. “I’d like a room, please.”
The receptionist barely glanced up as she typed furiously into her computer. “We only have one room left.”
“One room?”
“Yes,” she confirmed, still typing. “It’s already been booked by the airline for you both.”
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“Excuse me,” I interrupted, stepping closer to the desk. “Can’t I just book a separate room? I’ll pay for it myself.”
The receptionist sighed, finally looking up. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but the hotel is fully booked. Every room in town is. Unless you’d like to try camping.”
I glared at Lucas, who grinned like he’d just won the lottery.
“Looks like we’re roommates.”
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***
When we walked in, my heart sank. It was tiny, barely enough space for one person, let alone two.
“I’ll take the couch,” I said quickly.
“Fine by me,” Lucas replied, dropping his stuff onto the bed.
To my horror, he immediately started spreading his things around.
“Are you trying to set a record for the fastest way to irritate someone?” I snapped.
“Just making myself comfortable.”
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By the time dinner rolled around, I was on the verge of losing my mind. We headed to the hotel’s small restaurant, where Lucas acted as if we were on some luxury retreat.
“This steak isn’t bad,” he said, cutting into his meal with ease. “Honestly, today’s been fun. Don’t you think so?”
“Fun?”
He laughed. “You need to lighten up. Life’s an adventure.”
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He shared that he was flying to surprise his fiancée. I told him about Oliver, about how busy he’d been, though my voice faltered when I described our “strong” relationship.
“Sounds solid,” he said, though his tone suggested otherwise.
When the flight was finally back on schedule, I thought I’d be free of Lucas. But life had a funny way of complicating things.
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***
After we landed in New York, the energy outside the airport was pure chaos. People were darting around like ants, dragging suitcases and waving at taxis. Lucas, standing beside me, looked oddly cheerful—far too pleased with his plan to surprise his fiancée.
“So, what’s the big plan?” I asked, half-teasing.
“Show up, sweep her off her feet, remind her why she said yes in the first place,” he replied with a cocky grin.
I snorted. “Romantic. I hope she’s there to be swept off her feet and not, you know, with someone else.”
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Lucas said nothing, and I immediately regretted the jab.
“You?” he countered after a beat. “What’s your game plan?”
“I thought about it. Why not surprise Oliver? He hasn’t called or texted in days. A little spontaneity could be fun.”
“Bold move,” Lucas said, nodding in approval. “Let’s see who has the more dramatic reunion.”
We hailed a cab, and as Lucas gave the driver an address…
“Wait,” I blurted. “That’s where I’m going.”
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Lucas glanced at me, his smirk widening. “Fate. Gotta love it.”
It was absurd. Out of all the places in New York, we were heading to the same building. What were the odds?
***
When we arrived, I stepped out of the cab, heart pounding, and walked toward the entrance. That’s when I saw them. Oliver. And his secretary, Sophie.
They strolled out of the office building together, laughing. She wore a dress that screamed “expensive,” and he leaned in too close.
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Then it happened. The kiss. Not a polite, professional peck, but the kind of kiss that made the ground feel like it was falling out from under me. I froze.
“Kate,” Lucas’s voice snapped me out of my daze. He had followed me, his expression shifting from confusion to fury as he took in the scene. “Is that…”
Before I could process what was happening, Lucas grabbed my arm and steered me back toward the cab.
“Follow them,” he ordered the driver, slipping him a $50 bill.
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The cab jolted forward, Lucas leaned back, running a hand through his hair. His jaw was tight.
“That’s Sophie,” he said suddenly.
“What?”
“The woman with your fiancé,” he clarified. “That’s Sophie. My fiancée.”
My brain scrambled to piece it together.
“Are you sure?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.
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Lucas let out a harsh laugh, shaking his head. “Oh, I’m sure. That dress she’s wearing? I bought it for her. She said it was for some ‘important meeting.’”
“So, let me get this straight. Your fiancée kissed with my fiancé. What are the chances?”
“Apparently, too good,” he said dryly.
The cab driver glanced at us in the rearview mirror, clearly entertained by the drama unfolding in his backseat.
Lucas looked at me. “You okay?”
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“Peachy,” I said with a forced smile. “How about you?”
“Never better,” he replied, the sarcasm in his voice matching mine.
We both fell silent, watching as Oliver and Sophie disappeared into the restaurant. The cab slowed to a stop.
“Well,” he said, breaking the silence. “Now what?”
“I have an idea! But it’s going to require some creativity.”
“I’m listening.”
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“Good,” I said, already reaching for the door handle. “Because this is going to be fun. Give me a few minutes.”
I darted around the corner, finding a small bakery. One cake caught my eye. Perfect. I quickly bought it, grabbed a card, and returned to the restaurant.
“What’s that for?” Lucas asked as I handed him the cake and my engagement ring.
“Trust me,” I said, my voice steady. “Are you in?”
He smirked. “If it ends my relationship with style, I’m all in.”
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***
We walked into the restaurant like actors entering a stage, adrenaline buzzing in my veins. The warm glow of candlelight illuminated Sophie and Oliver, seated at a cozy corner table, laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world.
As we approached their table, their laughter faltered. Sophie’s face stiffened, her smile freezing like a glitching robot. Oliver quickly wiped his mouth with his napkin as if preparing for a courtroom defense.
“Kate?” Oliver stammered, looking as though he’d seen a ghost.
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“Lucas?” Sophie added.
“Well, well,” I said with a smile. “Fancy meeting you two here.”
Sophie, ever the professional, recovered first. “Oh! Lucas, this is Oliver. Oliver, this is Lucas. And Kate, you both know her. Huh! We were just, uh, wrapping up a business meeting!”
“Business meeting?” I repeated, my tone drenched in sarcasm. “Fascinating. Are kisses part of your standard business negotiations, or was that just a special offer?”
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Lucas leaned in, his expression mock-thoughtful. “You know, I wondered the same thing earlier. Guess we weren’t imagining it.”
Oliver jumped in. “Sophie and I were just, uh, brainstorming strategies.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Oh, brainstorming. That’s what we’re calling it now?”
Lucas chuckled beside me, clearly enjoying himself. “Kate, don’t be so hard on them. It’s hard work… kissing and brainstorming.”
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The waiter appeared at that perfect moment, holding a cake on a tray.
The words “Sophie, Will You Marry Me?” were written in pink icing.
I gasped theatrically. “Oh my goodness, there’s my ring!”
Reaching over, I plucked the ring off the cake and tossed it toward Oliver. “Were you planning to propose to her again with this? How efficient of you.”
Oliver’s face turned crimson. “It’s not like that! This was just… a fling! I never meant to marry her!”
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Sophie’s expression darkened.
“A fling?!” she hissed. “I was ready to leave my fiancé for you, and this was just an affair to you?”
Their argument erupted. Heads turned at nearby tables, diners whispering behind their menus like that was the best entertainment they’d had all week.
Lucas and I exchanged a glance. Our mission there was done. As Oliver and Sophie’s shouting reached its peak, we slipped out of the restaurant.
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Later, we sat on a park bench, sharing the cake.
“You know,” Lucas said, grinning between bites. “This cake is the best thing that’s happened to me in months.”
“Maybe it’s because we’ve left the past behind. Clean slate.”
“What’s next for us, Kate?”
“I guess we’ll find out,” I said, handing him the plastic spoon.
I felt ready for whatever came next.
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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: I thought I was walking into a dream—a date with the man I’d secretly loved for a year. But the moment I arrived, reality hit me like a snowstorm. Instead of romance, I faced a dazzling fiancée and an unexpected proposal that would change everything I thought I knew. Read the full story here.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
My Friend Asked Me to Find out What Her Date Thinks of Her While I Was in a Clown Costume, but I Had No Idea How It Would End — Story of the Day
Being a radio host who gives dating advice doesn’t make navigating love any easier—especially when I crashed my best friend’s first date dressed as a clown. What happened that night was unexpected, and now I’m caught in a situation I never saw coming. Sometimes, life takes you where you least expect.
Once again, I found myself in Lucy’s cozy kitchen, she animatedly talked about yet another man who had caught her attention. Lucy’s love life was always buzzing with activity, unlike mine.
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Finding a partner wasn’t easy for me—I didn’t want to date just to avoid being alone.
I believed it was better to wait than to settle, even if that meant coming home to my cat instead of a husband.
“He’s perfect!” Lucy said, pulling me out of my thoughts. “We’ve been texting nonstop. He’s so sweet. I think he might be different.”
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“So, you haven’t actually met him yet?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Not yet, but we’re meeting Friday. I’m so excited. I can feel this is going to be great!” she said.
I smirked without meaning to.
“What’s that look for?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
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“Nothing. It’s just… you don’t even know him yet. People can seem amazing online but be completely different in real life,” I said.
“You’re so distrustful. That’s why you don’t have a man,” Lucy replied, crossing her arms.
“I don’t have a man because men are idiots,” I said with a shrug.
“Not Mike. He’s wonderful. I think he might even be the one,” she said.
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“Listen to your heart,” I replied. That was my go-to advice, though Lucy said it about every guy she met.
After that evening, I forgot about Mike and Lucy’s upcoming date—until Friday arrived, and I received a message from her.
There I was, dressed as a clown, surrounded by kids—my niece’s friends—because my brother had forgotten to hire an entertainer for her birthday party.
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The striped clown suit was too tight, and the red wig itched like crazy. I could feel sweat dripping down my back as kids tugged at my oversized shoes and poked my sides.
“Well, you can do it,” my brother had said, as if asking me to juggle balloons and make kids laugh was no big deal.
“I’m a radio host, not an entertainer!” I snapped.
“It’s basically the same thing,” he replied with a grin.
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Even though I wanted to storm out, we both knew I wouldn’t. I always stepped in for family, no matter how ridiculous the request.
As I tried to keep the kids from snatching my wig, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I quickly checked it, careful to keep my clown nose in place.
@Lucy
When will you be free???
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@Me
About half an hour
@Lucy
I need your help!!!!
@Me
What happened??
I frowned. Lucy was on her date with Mike. Had something gone wrong?
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@Lucy
I don’t know if Mike likes me! I need you to find out!
@Me
How am I supposed to do that?
@Lucy
You do this all the time on your radio show!
@Me
I’m in a clown costume!!!
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@Lucy
Pleaseeeeeee
@Me
Fine, but you owe me.
@Lucy
Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!
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I sighed, stuffing my phone back into my pocket. After peeling off the kids and saying goodbye, I messaged Lucy for the location and called a cab.
When I walked into the dimly lit bar, Lucy spotted me instantly and waved enthusiastically.
I hesitated, adjusting my ridiculous clown wig as a group of strangers gave me confused looks. Taking a deep breath, I made my way to their table.
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Lucy beamed as I sat down. “Mike, this is Trish, my best friend,” she said.
“Nice to meet you,” Mike said. His eyes briefly flicked to my bright red nose.
“Hi,” I replied, trying to ignore how ridiculous I looked.
Lucy launched into small talk, but the conversation quickly shifted. Mike mentioned a classic movie, and I couldn’t help but jump in.
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“You’re into old films?” I asked, intrigued.
“Big time,” Mike said, his face lighting up.
We exchanged favorite titles, diving into directors and scenes. Lucy fidgeted, looking uninterested. I tried to change topics, but Mike kept steering it back.
When Lucy excused herself, I leaned in. “So, what do you think of Lucy?” I asked.
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“Um… I mean, she’s cute,” Mike said, glancing away like he wasn’t sure how to answer.
“Nice? Lucy is more than cute. She’s amazing,” I said, my voice firm. “She’s funny, smart, and a great cook. I go to her place for dinner sometimes because I can’t stand cooking.”
“I love cooking,” Mike said, smiling a little.
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“See? You two already have something in common,” I said, trying to be encouraging. But then he looked right at me.
His eyes seemed to study mine, and for a moment, I felt something strange. It was like a spark, something unexpected. My cheeks got warm, and I quickly smiled back.
“But I don’t want to argue over who cooks dinner,” Mike said, breaking the moment. “There should only be one chef in the kitchen.”
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I laughed. “So, you’re the chef?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Always,” he said with a grin, and we both laughed.
Just then, Lucy returned to the table. “What’s so funny?” she asked, looking between us. “Were you talking about me?”
“Sort of,” I said.
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Mike’s phone buzzed, and he excused himself to take the call. The moment he left, Lucy turned to me eagerly. “So? What does he think of me?”
“He thinks you’re cute,” I said carefully. “What do you think of him?”
“I don’t know,” she said, her brow furrowing. “Watching you two, I feel like he’s more your type.”
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“Pfft. What? No. What? No,” I stammered.
“Not very convincing,” she said with a smirk.
“It doesn’t matter. He’s your date,” I said firmly. “There’s a rule—never go after your friend’s guy.”
“It’s just a first date,” Lucy said with a shrug. Then she smiled. “But I’m glad you reacted like that—I think I really like him.”
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I smiled back, but deep down, something felt off. A tiny pang of sadness hit me, and I wasn’t sure why.
We stayed a bit longer, and I tried to shift the focus so Mike and Lucy could talk.
But every time I said something to steer the conversation, Mike directed his answers back to me. It was hard not to notice, and Lucy didn’t seem thrilled.
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When we decided to leave, Lucy headed to the restroom again, leaving me alone with Mike. The night air was cool, and I shivered a little.
“So, do you work as an entertainer?” Mike asked, his tone light.
“Why do you ask?” I replied, narrowing my eyes playfully. Then I saw him glance at my outfit, and it hit me. “Oh, no! I host a radio show. Dating advice, mostly. My niece had a birthday party, and my brother forgot to hire an entertainer.” I gestured to my clown costume with a sheepish smile.
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“Well, that’s bold of you,” Mike said, grinning.
“It was fine until the kids tried to tear my costume apart. They’re little savages,” I joked.
Mike laughed. “Kids can be wild. They’ve got endless energy.”
“Yeah, but they mean well,” I said.
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He paused. “Listen, Trish…” he began, his voice softer, but before he could finish, Lucy appeared.
“Want to walk me home?” she asked him brightly. “I live close by.”
“Of course,” Mike said, stepping toward her.
He turned back to me, and we both hesitated. He went for a hug while I offered a handshake, and we ended up with an awkward high five.
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It made us laugh, but as they walked away, I felt something strange, a little twist in my chest.
The next few days passed quietly. Lucy didn’t say much about Mike, which was unusual for her.
She only mentioned that he hadn’t wanted to come up to her apartment after their date.
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She shrugged it off, but I could tell she wasn’t thrilled. I didn’t press her for details.
One morning, as I was sipping my coffee, my phone buzzed. It was a text from an unknown number.
@Unknown
Hey 
It’s Mike. I know this is weird, but would you like to meet up sometime?
I stared at the screen, my stomach flipping.
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@Me
How did you get my number?
@Unknown
Secret 
So, what do you think?
I frowned, trying to steady my thoughts.
@Me
Sorry, I don’t go on dates with men my friends like.
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@Unknown
Lucy and I only had one date. But I haven’t felt a connection like this in years—with anyone. Not until I met you.
My chest tightened. I stared at the words longer than I should have.
@Me
Sorry, but no.
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I set my phone down. Saying no felt like the right thing, but his words lingered, leaving a knot I couldn’t untangle.
I tried to shake it off and focus on work. During my radio show, I put on my usual cheerful voice, pretending my own heart wasn’t a mess.
“Hi, this is Trish. How can I help with your love troubles?” I said, wishing someone could help with mine.
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“Hi,” a man’s voice said, calm and familiar. “I don’t date much. It’s hard for me to find a connection with someone. But recently, I went on a date with one woman. Her friend showed up in a clown costume. And, well, with the friend, I felt something I haven’t felt in years—maybe ever.”
I froze. My heart skipped a beat. It was Mike.
“But she won’t go out with me. She says it’s wrong. I don’t know what to do,” he said. “I really like her.”
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My mouth went dry. “Maybe you should listen to her and let it go,” I managed, my voice unsteady.
“She’s unforgettable. The kind of person who stays with you for a lifetime,” he said softly.
I smiled, caught off guard. “You probably just think that because she was wearing a clown costume,” I said, my tone lighter.
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“I’d remember her no matter what she wore,” he replied without hesitation. “So, will this girl go out with me?”
I hesitated, feeling torn. “I’m afraid that’s impossible,” I said quietly.
Before I could say more, my producer buzzed in. “Take the next call—it’s important,” she said.
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I switched lines. “Go out with him! You have my blessing!” Lucy yelled through the line. I blinked, stunned. “Finally, a guy you like!”
“But you like him,” I stammered, realizing we were still live.
“Not really. He likes you,” Lucy said.
“It’s not right,” I protested weakly.
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“Forget right or wrong. Listen to your heart. You always say that to others. Take your own advice for once,” Lucy urged.
“So, what do you say?” Mike’s voice came back, gentle but insistent. “Her friend gave her blessing.”
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I sighed, my walls crumbling. “Yes,” I whispered.
The sound engineer played an applause track, and I couldn’t help but laugh. My face burned as I blushed, feeling completely exposed—but strangely happy.
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Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.
If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Attending my daughter’s wedding was supposed to be a joyful moment, but facing my ex-husband and his new wife turned everything upside down. Old wounds resurfaced, and new betrayals came to light. I thought I’d left the past behind, but this trip forced me to confront truths I wasn’t ready to face.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
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