Expired Love

Jethro Miles was an orphan sponsored by my dad.

The moment I laid eyes on him, I flipped.

Despite my family's objections, we dated for seven years, even as my dad threatened to disown me.

Eventually, my dad relented and consented to our marriage. But as we exchanged rings, a young woman in a white dress burst into the venue, staring at Jethro with tears in her eyes.

He chased after her, abandoning our wedding.

Later, I learned that the woman was his childhood friend from the orphanage.

Jethro desperately tried to explain, "Nancy grew up with me. She is like a sister to me. She's been through abuse and divorce. Please, give me time to help her, okay?"

Tears blurred my vision as I watched him plead so fervently, my heart plummeting into despair.

I managed, "Okay."

Jethro took care of Nancy and her son as if they were his real family.

What he didn't know were the two secrets I'd kept from him when my dad finally agreed to our marriage: I was pregnant, and I was dying.

...

Seven years into my relationship with Jethro Miles, I finally had the wedding of my dreams.

But ten minutes before the ceremony, everything fell apart.

...

The host's voice echoed through the hall. "The bride and groom may exchange rings."

I smiled softly, my hands trembling as I slid the ring onto Jethro's finger.

The man before me, dashing in a sharp suit, was my first love and the one I had fallen for at first sight.

It all started seven years ago when Jethro visited our house to meet my dad, his sponsor.

I’d just finished dance practice, sweaty and breathless, when I walked into the living room. There he sat, in a crisp white shirt, cool and handsome.

He glanced at me and gave a small smile. That one look was all it took for me to fall for him.

Coincidentally, we attended the same university. Over time, despite my family's opposition, I