Lizz’s wedding was supposed to be a memorable one, but it seemed like she would remember it for all the wrong reasons. Just as the priest was about to pronounce the couple husband and wife, the groom stopped everything. What happened next will make you cry.
It was a bright and sunny day in England, supposed to be the happiest day in Lizz’s life, but her world seemed to be crashing down on her at that moment. Her heart pounded loudly, and her breathing was unsteady as she felt extremely nervous and scared. Just as the priest was about to pronounce them husband and wife, Olly interrupted him.
“Hold on, Father. I have to do this,” Olly said, turning to her with an apologetic look on his face. Liz was shocked and felt a stab of hurt. What was going on? Was she about to be dumped right there on the altar? She thought Olly loved her; he had always promised to never hurt her, and now he was about to break that promise on the day that meant the most to her.
Olly took a step, about to leave the altar, but Liz grabbed his arm. She felt her heart break into a million pieces as she looked into Olly’s eyes. She had always thought he was the one. Why did he make her believe he loved her? Why did he bring so much happiness into her life when he knew he was going to leave like this? Liz felt incredibly stupid. She should have been smarter and realized sooner that she was destined to be sad and unlucky for the rest of her life. How did she convince herself that she could be happily married?
Liz had always considered herself cursed from birth. Olly had come around and changed her mind, making her feel like she actually had a chance at happiness. But now, what was he about to do? Since her childhood, Liz had harbored a deep-seated conviction that she was destined for misfortune, a perception that had shaped her outlook on life. Her childhood wasn’t exactly a happy one. Her parents weren’t the ideal married couple; they fought all the time. Lizz’s father worked in a bar, while her mother was a nurse at a school’s clinic. Liz came home from school every day to meet them yelling at each other. They didn’t have money, so Liz could only wish for things her parents couldn’t afford. As Liz passed toy stores and gift shops, she could only stare as parents shopped for their kids. She longed to be like the other children her age who had fun with different toys and wore pretty clothes.
Liz was an only child, so she grew up without siblings, a solitary upbringing that left her feeling lonely. Her only friends were those she made in school, but as time passed, she saw most of them drift away. In reality, Liz was almost always alone.
Lizz’s world was shattered when her parents divorced when she was just 12 years old. Her life was turned upside down as she was forced to leave her home in England and move to another country to live with her grandmother for a few months. The separation from her parents was devastating, and the distance made her feel lost and alone. When she returned to England, she went to live with her mother, who was struggling to make ends meet. Despite her best efforts, her mother’s job barely covered their basic needs, leaving them in a state of constant financial strain. Lizz’s father, on the other hand, vanished from their lives completely, leaving no trace or support. Years later, Liz discovered the painful truth that he had started a new family and had moved on, abandoning his responsibilities as a father. The divorce had left Lizz’s mother drained both emotionally and financially. She didn’t have the resources or energy to fight for child support, so she reluctantly gave up and shouldered the burden of raising Liz alone. Liz felt the weight of their struggles, living with the constant fear of uncertainty and the ache of her father’s absence. Her childhood was marked by sadness, longing, and the harsh realities of a broken home.
Liz did quite well as a student. She saw how hard life was when one didn’t have enough money, so she made a vow to do well in school and get a well-paying job. Liz was always the best in her class and dedicated herself to schoolwork. During her spare time, Liz would learn how to dance. From a young age, she had taken a liking to dance and music, developing a passion for it. She spent time watching countless dance videos and practicing the steps every day after school. Liz learned to love dance with all her heart.
As the years went by, Liz blossomed into a stunning young woman, filling her mother with pride when she was accepted into a prestigious college. With high hopes and dreams, Liz embarked on her college journey, eager to explore new opportunities. However, the unfamiliar surroundings only left her feeling lost and alone. Despite her efforts to settle in, she struggled to find her place. She tried various activities to lift her spirits but always felt like an outsider. The harsh reality soon hit her: she was deeply unhappy. Her chosen field of study left her feeling unfulfilled, like a piece of her was missing. This realization plunged her into a dark abyss of sadness and depression. With no one to confide in and no shoulder to cry on, Liz felt utterly isolated. Her mother, though well-intentioned, was too far away and too burdened by her own struggles to provide the support Liz desperately needed. The weight of her sorrow crushed her, leaving her feeling abandoned and adrift in a sea of uncertainty.
One day, as Liz scrolled through her social media feed, an advertisement for a dance school caught her eye. The image of graceful dancers moving in harmony suddenly struck a chord within her. It dawned on her that she had been neglecting her own passion for dance, sacrificing it for a career path that promised stability but lacked fulfillment. Liz had always prioritized security and prestige, pushing aside her love for dance as a mere hobby. But now she realized that this decision had come at a great cost. She felt unfulfilled, restless, and trapped in a life that wasn’t hers. The thought of continuing on this path was suffocating her. As she grappled with this newfound awareness, Liz felt torn between pleasing her mother, who had always encouraged her to pursue a respectable career, and following her own heart, which yearned to move to the rhythm of her dreams. The conflict within her grew more intense, a constant reminder that she couldn’t ignore her passion any longer.
Liz’s mother noticed a change in her daughter’s demeanor whenever she was home from school. One day, when she asked Liz what was wrong, she was taken aback as Liz burst into tears. She embraced her daughter and offered comfort. Once Liz calmed down, she began to share everything that had been troubling her for weeks. She was torn between two options, and it was consuming her. Her mother’s expression turned pained. She told Liz not to sacrifice her happiness for her sake. “I know your father and I couldn’t give you the childhood you deserved, and I’m truly sorry. Pursue what brings you joy, sweetie,” she said, stroking Lizz’s hair lovingly. Liz felt a wave of relief wash over her. She smiled as her mother expressed pride in her. The two shared a laugh and tears as they shifted to a more light-hearted story about an amusing incident at her mother’s workplace. Liz felt a sense of peace wash over her after that conversation.
Liz dropped out of college and enrolled in a dance school about an hour from her home. Being there made her feel a heavy sense of peace and belonging. Although it was hard to get used to it first, she quickly got the hang of it. The students and teachers were very welcoming, and she found herself making good friends. This made her feel at ease and comfortable. Liz was finally happy with her choice for the future.
As usual, Liz excelled in dance school. She put her all into every practice and every routine she was taught. She even created many routines of her own and dreamed of performing them on a big stage someday. Liz aspired to become a great dancer worldwide. However, Lizz’s dreams were brought to a screeching halt when something terrible happened.
One day, while walking home from dance school, Liz was happy that she had finally mastered a routine she had been practicing for weeks. She was in high spirits and decided to treat herself to a nice dinner at a restaurant known for its tasty meals. After eating, she headed home, choosing to take the longer route for some time to herself. As she turned onto a street, a car suddenly appeared out of nowhere. It seemed out of control and came towards Liz at high speed. Before she could comprehend what was happening, she was thrown across the street with full force. She landed on her left leg, feeling a sharp pain shoot through her body. Liz lay on the road, bleeding and writhing in agony. People who witnessed the accident rushed to her side to help her. Someone quickly called for an ambulance and the police as the driver sped away in the opposite direction.
Liz was unable to move her legs and was overwhelmed with fear and panic. She heard a voice trying to keep her awake, but her eyes closed due to the intense pain. As she struggled to stay conscious, she felt a sense of darkness surrounding her. The voice grew fainter, and everything went silent.
The ambulance arrived, and Liz was rushed to the nearest hospital. Her mother was contacted and informed of the accident. The doctor had to immediately operate on her, so she was given sedatives and put to sleep. After the surgery, Liz woke up. The first thing she noticed was the white cast on her left leg and the intense pain she was in. She also noticed she couldn’t move her leg, but she was so tired she didn’t even have the strength to cry.
Her mother rushed to her side and fussed over her. “Oh, Liz, I was so scared when the
doctor said they had to operate on my baby girl,” her mother said with teary eyes. Liz held her mother’s hand and apologized for scaring her. The doctor came into the room looking concerned but relieved. He checked Lizz’s chart and explained that the surgery had gone well. However, her leg was badly hurt. The bone in her thigh was broken in multiple places and had to be put back together with a plate and screws. Although the surgery was successful, Lizz’s leg would never be the same. She would likely feel chronic pain, have limited mobility, and struggle to put weight on her leg. Physical therapy would help her recover as much as possible, but some permanent damage was unavoidable.
Lizz’s world crumbled when she heard the doctor’s words. She felt her heart shatter into a million pieces. Dancing was her everything, her passion, her identity. The thought of never dancing again was unbearable. She pleaded with the doctor, “Can’t I ever dance again?” But his words were harsh reality: “Maybe never, and even if you try, it’ll take a long time and it’s risky.”
Liz was consumed by despair. Dancing was her lifeblood, her joy, her escape. Without it, she was lost, empty. She hid at home for months, unable to face a world that didn’t include dance. Even when she finally could walk again, her legs still faltered, a constant reminder of what she had lost. When she finally returned to dance school, her heart sank. Her leg couldn’t keep up. Simple steps felt like impossible feats. She watched her fellow dancers with tears in her eyes, longing to join them but unable to. Liz felt like a part of her had died, leaving a gaping hole that could never be filled. Her life, once full of music and movement, was now a haunting silence.
For a while, Liz didn’t know the next step to take. She was a very realistic person, so she accepted quickly that she would never be able to dance like she used to again. After some months, she got the idea to teach instead. She got a job at a dance company called JK’s Dance Company in Warwickshire, England. She found herself falling in love with teaching dance theories and histories. She also taught beginner dance choreography since she couldn’t teach complex dance steps. The girls who came to learn were sweethearts, and she got along with all of them. Her students went to competitions and won using routines Liz taught them. The routines were actually the ones she had come up with and dreamt of showcasing to the world herself. But seeing her girls following the same routine so perfectly made her content and happy.
It was through this job that she met Olly, a sweet and loving man who fell hard for her. Liz was happy with him. She felt like the luckiest woman on earth. He treated her well and loved her right. After months of dating, Olly proposed to her, and of course, she said yes. She was happy to spend the rest of her life with this man who had brought her so much happiness and made her life brighter.
Liz spent months planning her special day, dreaming of a fairy tale wedding. She searched high and low for the perfect gown, trying on many dresses until she found the one that made her feel like a princess. She visited countless jewelry stores to find the ideal necklace to complement her sparkling eyes. She was meticulous in choosing the perfect venue, ensuring it was as beautiful as her love story. Even the caterer was carefully selected to serve the most delicious food for her cherished guests. Liz left no detail untouched, organizing everything with love and care. Since childhood, she had envisioned this magical day, and now that it was finally here, she was overflowing with joy and happiness. Her heart was filled with excitement and love, ready to start her new life with the one she adored.
The big day finally arrived, and Lizz’s nerves were buzzing like butterflies in her stomach. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. Just then, her mother entered the room, her eyes shining with tears.
“Oh, my darling daughter, you look absolutely stunning,” she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’m so grateful to see you on this special day.”
Lizz’s heart swelled with love as she gazed at her mother. “Don’t cry, Mom, or I’ll start crying too and mess up my makeup,” she said with a smile, trying to lighten the moment. They both laughed and dabbed at their tears.
Lizz’s mother wrapped her in a warm embrace. “I’m so proud of the incredible woman you’ve become,” she whispered. “I wish I could have given you an easier life growing up, but I’m so relieved to see you thriving and marrying the love of your life.”
Liz beamed with joy, her heart overflowing with love for her mother. As they hugged, Lizz’s mother asked, “Are you ready to walk down the aisle?”
Lizz’s response was a resounding “Yes!” shouted with excitement and happiness. Her mother smiled, took her hand, and together they prepared to take the first steps towards Lizz’s new life.
The ceremony started, and Liz and her mother walked hand in hand towards Olly. The groom saw his bride and took a sharp breath, a tear falling from his eye as he saw his gorgeous bride. She was absolutely beautiful. Lizz’s eyes went to the guests, who were beaming at her. When they finally reached him, Liz’s mother let her daughter’s hand go with an encouraging smile. That was all Liz needed to climb the altar and join her groom and the priest. She and Olly shared a knowing look and nervous smiles.
The priest began the ceremony, and soon it was time for the exchange of vows. She went first, reading out the things she’d written on a piece of paper. She hadn’t wanted the usual vows, so she arranged to write her own. Olly smiled at her as she read them aloud. Saying the vows made Liz realize that she was finally about to be married. When the time came for Olly to say his vows, Liz noticed his hands were trembling terribly. She figured he was just nervous and smiled softly at him, but he refused to meet her eyes. That was exactly when he stopped the ceremony.
Olly moved to leave the altar, but Liz immediately grabbed his arm. “What’s wrong, Olly? Where are you going?” she asked, fear evident on her face. Liz looked to where the guests were seated and saw that their attention wasn’t even on the couple. She wondered what they were looking at, but was more interested in her groom who was leaving her. Olly looked at her and told her to look back. When Liz followed his eyesight, she let out a gasp.
At the top balcony facing the altar stood about 20 to 30 girls, Lizz’s students from the dance school. They had a beautiful surprise for her. Lizz’s hand flew to her mouth when they began to sing. It was the song she and Olly danced to on their first date, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. She was speechless as she looked from them to her groom. She was amazed and pleased with his surprise. She wondered how Olly managed to pull it off without her even suspecting.
Olly took her in his arms and whispered to her just as the girls finished the song, “I’m not going to leave you, my love. I promise.” He kissed her on the forehead and wiped Lizz’s eyes. When Liz stopped crying, they continued with the vows, and the priest pronounced them husband and wife. Olly took his wife in his arms and kissed her. Their guests cheered loudly for the newly married couple.
At the wedding party, the guests congratulated the couple and praised Olly for the thoughtful gesture he arranged for his wife. Everyone was impressed with the surprise and told Liz she was very lucky to have such a loving husband. Liz asked Olly how he managed to plan the surprise. He admitted he didn’t act alone. Liz’s boss, Jiren Hogman, had helped him with the kids. The kids were very good at keeping the secret from Liz. She then thought back to times when she caught the girls whispering about something but figured it was just their business and didn’t put too much thought into it.
The beautiful bride beamed with joy for the rest of the day, her loving husband by her side. She thanked her guests, especially the girls who made the day extra special. She promised them a treat when she went back to work, and they cheered. Each of them took turns hugging her and taking pictures with her. Looking around her, Liz finally felt complete. She didn’t feel like she was unlucky after all when she saw the people who surrounded her. She was happy and content with her life.
