As Emily walks down the aisle, she feels as though she is finally living her wedding dream. The dress is perfect just like the venue, music, and her groom. Until it’s time for the vows when Jason completely humiliates her in front of everyone. But later, he gets a taste of his own medicine.

It was the day that I had been waiting for. After months of wedding planning and dieting to fit into my dream dress. This was the moment.

“Come on, darling,” my father said, holding out his hand, ready to walk me down the aisle to Jason.

“How do you feel?” my father asked me, kissing my forehead.

“Happy,” I said simply. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment for years now, Dad.”

We walked down the aisle to soft music that I had chosen months ago. The guitarist perched on a wooden stool.

“You look beautiful, Emily,” Jason said, taking my hand from my father.

The ceremony began with the priest talking about love and commitment, just as he had told us he would.

“It’s time for the vows,” the priest said, smiling at us both.

“Jason, you are my best friend, and I’ve always wanted to marry my best friend. I promise to support you, to always laugh with you, and to grow with you. I vow to be faithful and cherish every moment we have together. In this life, and the next.”

My sister sighed next to me, wiping away her tears.

“Jason,” the priest said. “It’s now your turn.”

Jason looked at me and smiled, and then he turned to his groomsmen, causing them to snigger.

“Emily, my love,” he said. “I promise to always be there for you, even when you’re nagging me to take out the trash because you think the house smells.”

Jason’s groomsmen chuckled.

“And I’ll always hold your hand, especially when we’re walking through spider-infested areas because we all know how much you love those eight-legged critters.”

The groomsmen laughed louder. Some of our guests joined in.

And still, Jason continued.

“I vow to remind you to pick up your dragging feet when you walk, so we can avoid another trip to the emergency room like that time you tripped over absolutely nothing. And to taste all the burnt lasagna in the world because that’s your signature dish.”

The more Jason spoke, the more embarrassed I got.

I frowned at him, hoping that he would understand that there was nothing beautiful or romantic about his words. But he ignored me and continued.

“Also, I will tolerate your singing in the shower. It may sound like a cat in distress but at least it makes me appreciate good music! And most importantly, Emily,” he said.

“I promise to forgive you for basically forcing me to propose to you after you left those bridal magazines all over the apartment.”

My jaw dropped.I didn’t know how to react. Jason’s groomsmen were all but falling over each other with laughter.

“Really?” I whispered to him.

Jason winked.

“Now, it’s time for you to exchange rings,” the priest said.

Jason’s niece came up to the altar with the wedding rings tied onto a little cushion that she clutched tightly.

“Thank you, sweetheart,” I said, taking the rings from her.

Holding the rings, I realized I didn’t want to put Jason’s ring on his finger. We were married now, all but for signing the registration book.

But after hearing Jason’s vows, I didn’t know if I wanted to be with this man.

“Give me your hand,” Jason said, pulling my hand.

He slid the ring onto my finger and held his hand out for me to do the same.

My stomach turned. Suddenly, my dream bubble had burst. Nothing felt as it had moments before.

“Jason, you may now kiss the bride!” the priest exclaimed.

Jason grabbed my waist and pulled me close to him, his other hand gripping the back of my neck. He kissed me without passion or feeling.

“What on earth was that?” I asked Jason when we were doing our photographs before the reception.

“What do you mean?” he asked, frowning.