My Groom Left Me at the Altar

Leaving behind a cold statement, "The wedding is suspended," Rudy Ritter left me standing alone at the wedding venue, making me the laughingstock of the entire city.

This was the 99th time Kelsey Mitchel had used the same excuse to take Rudy away from me.

A marriage involving three people is simply too crowded.

So, I chose to leave.

Unexpectedly, after I disappeared completely, Rudy went mad, searching for me all over the world.

——

When the wedding was about to reach the exchange of rings, Rudy’s phone rang.

I silently begged him with my eyes not to answer it.

However, Rudy froze with the ring in his hand and hesitated for barely a second before answering the call.

I don’t know what was said on the other end, but Rudy’s expression instantly changed.

"Melissa, the wedding is suspended. Kelsey isn’t feeling well."

"Do we really have to go now? The ceremony will be over in ten minutes. Can’t we call an ambulance for her?" I clenched the bouquet tighter, trying to maintain a smile and keep him here.

But Rudy’s eyes were filled with worry. "No, I’d feel better seeing her myself."

And just like that, he turned and left without waiting for my reaction. His steps were firm and unyielding, without the slightest pause.

Watching his cold figure disappear, a bitter taste filled my mouth, and my heart felt as though it was being pierced by countless steel needles. I knew Rudy wasn’t coming back today.

Kelsey was his white moonlight—his savior. Ten years ago, a fire engulfed the Ritter family estate. Without hesitation, Kelsey rushed into the flames to save an unconscious Rudy. Though she succeeded, she inhaled thick smoke that damaged her lungs and left her frail ever since. Her parents perished in that fire, leaving her orphaned. While she doesn’t bear the Ritter surname, Kelsey enjoys all the privileges of the family’s eldest daughter.

Everyone knows how much Rudy treasures his non-blood-related sister.

No one believes the story of the boy who cried wolf after hearing it too many times, but Rudy always does.

I thought, at least for today, he would consider my dignity. But reality dealt me a cruel slap in the face.

In Rudy’s heart, I, his fiancée of seven years, would always come second to Kelsey.

The hall erupted into whispers and pointed stares. The guests exchanged murmurs, their gazes landing on me with judgment and pity.

Today should have been the happiest day of my life.

Rudy knows better than anyone how much I’ve looked forward to this day.

For seven years, I dreamed of this moment.

I personally handled every detail—the wedding program, venue planning, customized wedding dress and ring, and even the invitation design. I wanted everything to be perfect, leaving no room for regret.

And yet, the groom, the supposed star of the day, walked away without hesitation.

I stood there, feeling like a clown under the spotlight, with everyone watching, waiting for me to break.

Even though my heart was bleeding and the pain suffocated me, I forced myself to stand tall, smiling as I politely bid farewell to the guests.

Under the sympathetic gazes of the hotel staff, I walked out. It wasn’t until I reached the street that I realized I hadn’t even changed out of my wedding dress.

Ignoring the curious and confused stares of passersby, I wandered aimlessly through the streets.

I couldn’t bring myself to return to the home steeped in memories of Rudy—not yet.

But as vast as the world may be, in this moment, it felt like there was no place for me.