I Chose a Different Man

Charlotte's voice exploded through the phone the instant she processed Evelyn's admission.

"Evelyn! What in the world is happening? I refused to believe those ridiculous rumors were true. You actually got married and didn't tell me? Your best friend! How could I be the last person to know?" Her words were sharp, laced with fury and a deep sense of betrayal. A crack in her voice betrayed the hurt beneath the anger.

Hearing the distress, Evelyn quickly tried to explain, her own voice shaky with panic. "It all happened so fast. I foolishly listened to Julian's suggestion to keep it quiet. His parents were insistent. No friends, no family. They promised a proper celebration later, once Julian's career was more established..."

This only fueled Charlotte's rage further. Her face twisted in frustration, though her eyes couldn't hide a flicker of pity for her friend. "You naive fool! This was your wedding! How could you agree to exclude everyone? What kind of nonsense is that? Reducing the most important day of your life to a mere transaction?"

She let out a heavy sigh. "I will never understand why you wasted years on that useless waste of space, Julian. You let your feelings blind you. And honestly, Evelyn, there were times I was so frustrated with you. Between your work stress and then this mess with him..."

A sheepish smile touched Evelyn's lips as she reached out tentatively. "Charlotte, I know I messed up. Please, can you forgive me?" Her tone was soft, filled with genuine remorse and a plea for understanding.

As expected, Charlotte's anger toward Evelyn was short-lived. She knew her friend was the real victim in this situation.

With a weary exhale, Charlotte's tone softened, though her words remained pointed. "That intolerable Julian and his vile family... they've never respected you. He only dares to act this way because he knows how you felt about him."

She paused, her features pinched with concern as she studied Evelyn. "What can I even say? Marrying a man like that... how could you ever expect happiness? And you didn't even confide in me before going through with it."

Evelyn's lips trembled slightly as she hesitated. She realized Charlotte still had no idea about her secret marriage to Alexander. "Julian didn't get the chance to make me sad," she murmured gently.

Charlotte's gaze hardened, shadowed by anger and disappointment. "Fine, let's say Julian didn't get the chance. But Isabella has always been a problem for you. You need to be very careful around her."

Despite her irritation, Charlotte's deep concern for Evelyn was unmistakable. Seeing this, Evelyn couldn't suppress a soft chuckle, a wave of warmth washing over her.

She really had been a complete idiot, falling for a worthless man like Julian.

Anyone else might have given up on her by now. But not Charlotte. Behind the annoyance was a fierce, unwavering loyalty.

Evelyn's jaw tightened with new resolve. She would never let love make her so foolish again.

Men could be a pleasant diversion, but she would never let one become her entire world.

"Evelyn, this is no time for laughing," Charlotte admonished, disapproving of her friend's lighthearted mood. She gave Evelyn's forehead a gentle, chiding tap. "Giggling when you're in such a serious situation. You're completely hopeless, utterly unaware of any danger."

Evelyn quickly caught Charlotte's hand, her expression turning earnest. "Charlotte, please, don't worry about me. I've cut all ties with that jerk for good," she assured, giving her friend's hand a reassuring squeeze.

Charlotte's brows furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about? Didn't you marry Julian?"

A mischievous smile played on Evelyn's lips. "Who told you I married Julian? I ended up with someone else entirely."

Shock rendered Charlotte speechless, her mouth slightly agape.

Seeing her friend's astonishment, Evelyn continued, her voice calm and composed. "I was supposed to marry Julian. But right before the ceremony, he got a call from Isabella. He didn't even hesitate; he just left me there, alone. That was the moment I finally saw the truth. Julian was never the man I could build a future with."

Her eyes sparkled with a hint of unexpected joy as she shared the twist. "Coincidentally, there was another wedding happening nearby. The bride there got cold feet and ran away, leaving her groom stranded. So, in a moment of spontaneity, I married him instead."