I knew her childhood had been rough, with her parents treating her differently from her brother. She had always lacked love, and I had been the one to cherish and protect her during our relationship. Everything good, I gave to her without hesitation.
If she had just said, "Mark, don't listen to my mom. Let's make a life together without worrying about money," I would have given her everything I had, happily.
But all she said was, "My mom is doing this for me."
My heart went cold.
I finally understood—some things just aren't meant to be.
The bride price was initially agreed at 680,000 dollars. I loved Cindy, and that amount was fair. I had meticulously prepared for the wedding over three months. But for her mother to change the terms on the wedding day—this was a humiliation I couldn't swallow.
Looking at the best man and bridesmaid, their expressions filled with mixed emotions, I felt like the biggest joke.
So, this was how our three years of love ended.
I glanced at the wedding photo beside the bed—the one of us at the beach—and felt a sharp pain in my heart. But at least, there was one person who was willing to marry me.