On the most awaited day of her life, Molly couldn’t chase away the relentless doubts swirling in her mind. She was about to marry Peter, a man whose wealth and charm didn’t align with her passions. But moments before the ceremony, a whisper from her past resurfaced, altering her destiny forever.
Molly sat quietly in her room, the wedding rush buzzing around her. Despite the joyful chaos, an uneasy knot twisted in her stomach. Her best friend, Martha, diligently applied finishing touches to her makeup, the sweet scent of roses and vanilla mingling in the air.
“Hold still, Molly,” Martha teased gently, adding a final touch of blush. “You’re going to look perfect for Peter.”
Taking a deep breath, Molly finally voiced her unease. “Martha, I’m not sure about this,” she whispered, her voice fragile. 
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Martha paused, her eyes searching Molly’s reflection with concern. “What’s troubling you, Molly? Peter is ideal—handsome, wealthy, with a promising future. What more could you want?”
Her eyes wandered to the window, where she observed the guests below. Molly sighed deeply. “Peter lacks warmth. He doesn’t understand me or my love for simple joys like reading, painting, and nature walks. For him, it’s all about money and business. We share nothing in common.”
Martha shook her head, disbelief evident in her eyes. “Molly, you’re being foolish. Many dream of the life you’re about to step into. Why let these small matters worry you?”
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Before Molly could respond, a soft rustle at the door caught their attention. An envelope lay at the door’s crack. Martha retrieved it and handed it to her friend.
“Who could this be from?” Martha pondered as Molly, with trembling hands, opened the envelope.
Inside was a paper swan, a poignant reminder of Colin, her ex-fiancé who vanished a year ago. Memories cascaded over her; Colin, who left her heartbroken and alone at the altar. She had longed for his return, never truly moving on.
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Unfolding the note inside, she read aloud, “If you still love me, come to the place where we first kissed.”
Martha’s eyes widened in shock. “Molly, you can’t be serious. You can’t just leave. Think about Peter, your family, all the guests here for you.”
Decision made, Molly stood, her heart set. “I need to know the truth about Colin. If I don’t, I’ll always wonder. Please, Martha, stall everyone. I need this.” 
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Sensing her friend’s determination, Martha reluctantly agreed. “Hurry. I’ll handle things here as best as I can.”
With a final, thankful look, Molly gathered her dress and snuck out. Her heart raced as she navigated back corridors, evading guests and staff. Reaching the garden gate, she slipped away, driven by the need for answers.
Her heart pounded as she reached the abandoned cabin, a place infused with memories of simpler, happier times with Colin. 
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Inside, relics of their shared past greeted her—the faded drawings on the walls, the old couch, the familiar scent of pine. But most arresting was Colin, standing by the window, transformed and filled with a mix of hope and sorrow.
“Molly,” he uttered softly, moving towards her.
Stepping back, she spoke, voice shaking, “Colin, you can’t just reappear. You broke my heart. I deserve answers.” 
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His face reflected deep regret. “I know, Molly. Your father sabotaged us. He framed me just before our wedding, and I was jailed. I tried reaching out, but my letters never got to you.”
Anger and sadness welled in her. “You should have tried harder, Colin. I spent a year believing you didn’t love me enough.”
“I did—do love you, Molly,” he insisted. “When I found out about your wedding, I had to see if you still cared. That’s why I sent the letter.”
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“You want me to run away with you?” she questioned, searching his eyes.
“Yes,” he replied, voice hopeful. “We can start anew, find happiness together.”
Tears filled her eyes. “I can’t just leave. I need to confront my father and understand his actions.”
Defeated, Colin nodded. “I understand, Molly. I’ll wait for you. Whatever you decide, I’ll support you.” 
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Facing Her Father
Returning to the venue, Molly’s heart beat wildly with anger and resolve. She found her father in his study, his initial surprise melting into stern disapproval. “I spoke with Colin,” she stated firmly.
Silence filled the room. Then, with a sigh, her father confessed, “It was for your own good, Molly. Colin is a nobody, with no future. I couldn’t let you ruin your life.”
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“That wasn’t your choice,” Molly countered, her voice rising. “You took him from me. This wedding is off. I’m canceling everything.”
Her father’s eyes hardened. “If you destroy this wedding, you are no longer my daughter. You’ll lose everything.”
A lump formed in her throat, but she remained resolute. “If that’s the price for my happiness, so be it.”
Her father’s expression softened slightly. “You’re making the right choice, Molly. Peter is your future.”
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The ceremony continued. As Molly walked down the aisle with her father, she felt the weight of her decision bearing down. She reached the altar, her mind made up.
Interrupting the officiant, she turned to face the guests. “A year ago, I was left at the altar. Today, I have the chance to set things right.”
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A stir at the back caught everyone’s attention. Colin stepped forward, determined. Peter’s confusion shifted to anger.
Turning to Peter, then the crowd, Molly revealed, “My father manipulated our lives. But now, I choose to follow my heart.” Peter protested, but Martha intervened, guiding him away.
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Molly took Colin’s hand, facing the onlookers. “Colin has always been the one for me. True love can’t be erased.”
With relief and joy, Colin kissed Molly, their reunion witnessed by all. Her father’s anger dissipated as he realized he couldn’t change her mind.
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Molly spoke firmly. “This is my life, Dad. I choose happiness with Colin.”
Her father, defeated, turned away. Molly and Colin, hand in hand, felt the weight lift. The guests, first shocked, began to smile, appreciating her courage.
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Molly knew she made the right choice. Love had triumphed. 
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