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 nonbloodrelated 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.

My parents passed away when I was young, leaving me to be raised by my grandfather.

For years, he was my everything, but two years ago, the one who loved me most also left me forever, taken by illness.

I saw Rudy as my last family. Even though he abandoned me time and time again for Kelsey, I chose to stay by his side.

All because I craved the warmth of a home.

Rudy once promised me he’d give me the warmest, happiest home imaginable.

That promise still echoes in my mind, yet the man who made it seems to have forgotten, breaking it over and over again.

My phone buzzes.

Kelsey: Melissa, you lost.

Yes.

I lost—and I lost completely.

I let out a bitter laugh, and as I did, tears spilled down my cheeks, unstoppable.

I’ve held onto this relationship for seven years.

Perhaps it’s because I forgave him so many times that Rudy became fearless, convinced I would never leave no matter what he did.

But the pain of waiting has become unbearable.

I’m exhausted now—too tired to keep holding on.

Today was meant to be our last chance to make things right.

But Rudy, once again, chose not to cherish it.

Even the heavens seemed to share my sorrow. A gentle drizzle began to fall, its droplets mingling with the tears on my face. I could no longer tell which was which.

Lost in my thoughts, I faintly heard someone shout from behind, “Be careful!”

The next moment, the screech of brakes tore through the air.

Before I could react, pain exploded through my body as I hit the ground. The sharp agony quickly spread, and crimson blood seeped out beneath me, staining my white wedding dress in an instant.

“Baby!”

Later, I found myself lying pale and bloodied in the hospital’s emergency room. Pain radiated from my lower abdomen, and I could distinctly feel something being wrenched away from within me.

Desperate and terrified, I clutched my phone, calling Rudy repeatedly.

The first call—no answer.

The second call—still no answer.

...

Finally, on the seventh try, the call connected.

“Rudy!” I cried, my voice cracking with desperation.

But before I could say another word, his cold voice interrupted me. “I’m busy. If it’s not urgent, we’ll talk later.”

Hearing the indifference in his tone, panic surged through me. Before he could hang up, I rushed to say,

“Rudy, I was in a car accident. Please... can you come to the hospital now?”

At this moment, cold sweat drenched my forehead, and the pain was so overwhelming I could barely speak. If one listened closely, they would easily detect the tremor in my voice as I struggled to endure the excruciating agony.

But Rudy, on the other end of the line, noticed nothing. Instead, his voice carried irritation as he scolded me:

“Melissa, there’s a limit to jealousy. Faking a car accident just to get my attention? Is this your idea of fun?”

Then, the line went dead, replaced by the cold, repetitive tone of "beepbeep."

His words cut through me like a jagged blade, leaving wounds that bled deeper than the ones on my body.

At that moment, my heart froze completely.

Under the nurse’s sympathetic gaze, I picked up the pen with trembling hands and signed my name on the consent form for the operation.

Before the darkness consumed me, I whispered to the doctor, “Doctor, don’t save the child.”

…

When I opened my eyes again, I was greeted by the blinding white of the hospital room.

The time on my phone read nine o’clock the next morning.

The ward was deathly quiet, interrupted only by the soft, intermittent buzzing of the monitor.

I reached down and touched my lower abdomen. It was silent—empty. I could no longer feel the faint flutter of life that had once been there.

Tears rolled down my cheeks, uncontrollable and endless.

This baby had been my wedding gift to Rudy.

When I first discovered I was pregnant, I was overwhelmed with joy. I’d imagined countless times how ecstatic Rudy would be when I told him.

In the quiet hours of the night, I had often wondered whether the baby would resemble me or Rudy more.

…

I don’t know how long I cried.

When my tears finally dried, I wiped my face, picked up my phone, and made a call.

“What? Finally made up your mind?” A casual, almost amused male voice came through the receiver.

“Yes,” I said, my tone calm and emotionless. “I’ve made up my mind. I accept your proposal to go to New York City.”

On the other end, Gerald Holt chuckled, as if my answer had been exactly what he expected.

Ignoring his smugness, I added firmly, “But I have one condition. You must ensure that all my identity information from the past three years is completely hidden. I don’t want Rudy to ever find me.”

With Rudy’s financial resources and influence, disappearing without a trace wouldn’t be easy. But I knew that if anyone could make it happen, it was Gerald.

“No problem,” Gerald replied confidently. But before ending the call, he asked, “Are you really willing to leave Rudy?”

His question hit me like a punch to the chest, making my heart falter.

Am I willing to let go?

I silently asked myself the same thing.

Seven years of love… how could I let go so easily?

But I also knew that one day, I would have to let go completely. The first step was to distance myself.

Ten minutes later, a notification buzzed on my phone. It was Gerald, sending me flight details.

The flight was scheduled seven days later. What a coincidence—it was the same day as my birthday.

After ending the call, I accidentally opened the home monitoring app on my phone. My thumb hesitated over the lock screen button as the video feed played.

Rudy had just returned to Lanting Garden, still wearing the same clothes as yesterday.

I watched as his face clouded with impatience and irritation while the servant informed him I hadn’t come home all night.

I could guess exactly what he was thinking.

He must believe I’m throwing another tantrum.

“Boss Ritter, should I call Miss May?” the assistant asked cautiously, stealing a glance at Rudy’s expression.

“There’s no need,” Rudy replied, his voice cold and detached.

“It’s not the first time she’s caused a scene. I told her from the beginning—if she wants to be with me, she has to unconditionally accept Kelsey, my sister in all but blood.”

He leaned back slightly, his tone laced with disdain. “If she wants to throw a tantrum, let her. She always comes crawling back once she’s done making a fool of herself. She has no one else—where could she possibly go if not back to me?”

Rudy’s words carried not a shred of guilt for abandoning me at the altar. Instead, the subtle curl of his lips betrayed his mockery.

Hearing this, it felt like my heart had been ripped open, raw and bleeding, the pain unbearable.

This was the man I had devoted myself to for seven years.

Seven years of love, patience, and sacrifice—reduced to nothing but waste.

I had overestimated my place in Rudy’s heart. I truly deserved to be the laughingstock of the entire city.

Two days later, I completed the discharge process for myself.

In those two days, my phone hadn’t rung once. Not a single call from Rudy, not even a message on Facebook.

I still returned to the Inn, though, because all my belongings were there, including my most important personal documents. I had just arrived home when Rudy, as usual, was supposed to be busy. But to my surprise, he was home early. I was eating dinner when he walked through the door. I stayed seated, not moving, and made no effort to greet him warmly like I used to. Instead, I just looked up briefly and then lowered my head.

Perhaps this change made Rudy uncomfortable. From the corner of my eye, I saw his brow furrow slightly. He tried to hide his displeasure and, with a forced smile, spoke in a voice that was oddly gentle, almost trying too hard:

“Are you back?”

“Yeah,” I replied, my voice flat and devoid of any emotion.

Rudy, thinking I was still angry, wrapped his arm around my waist and leaned in close to my ear. His tone softened as he coaxed me, “I know I messed up with the wedding. Let’s plan another one soon—one that’s grander, more solemn than the first.”

“Here, this is your gift. Don’t be angry anymore.” Rudy handed me a paper bag, his tone trying to be conciliatory.

I glanced at the familiar paper bag with no surprise in my eyes. I knew without looking that it was another new bag from Mitchel’s family.

There’s a room in the villa dedicated solely to the bags Rudy has given me over the years.

Every time Rudy upset me because of Kelsey, he would buy me a new bag to apologize.

Now, with the one in my hands, there were exactly ninetynine bags, one more away from completely covering an entire wall.

I forced a calm expression, raising the corners of my lips in a small nod. “Okay.”

Rudy let out a quiet sigh of relief, completely oblivious to the fact that my smile didn’t reach my eyes.

Later that night, after I washed up and returned to the bedroom, Rudy noticed the scratches on my arms and knees.

“How did this happen?” His voice was full of concern, and the pity in his eyes seemed almost overwhelming.

But all I could feel was how fake and insincere it seemed.

“It’s nothing. I just accidentally bumped into something,” I replied indifferently.

“Be careful next time. I don’t like seeing you hurt,” Rudy murmured, gently pulling me into his arms, being careful not to touch my wounds.

I wasn’t moved by Rudy’s sweet words. Concerned? Maybe, but that was a long time ago.

There was a time when Rudy truly loved me, when he cared for me with such tenderness, unable to bear seeing me suffer even the slightest grievance. Back then, I felt like the happiest person in the world.

But no matter how strong a relationship is, it can't survive constant strain.

As Kelsey and I argued over and over, Rudy’s patience with me began to wane. He grew more distant, more indifferent, and eventually, his gestures felt hollow, his care more perfunctory.

He gradually turned a blind eye to my sadness, and rather than trying to comfort me, my pain only seemed to tire him.

For love, I compromised in every way I could, bending over backward to accommodate him. But in the end, all I received in return were cycles of disappointment, over and over again.

No matter how passionate the heart is, it will eventually grow cold after enough pain. When disappointment piles up enough, it turns around and walks away.

Rudy lifted a corner of my pajamas, his fingers brushing against the skin of my waist. His intentions couldn’t have been clearer.

I pressed his hand down and said quietly, “I’m tired.”

Rudy studied me with a complicated look. He knew I was making an excuse, but he still pulled his hand away from my waist and murmured, “Go to sleep.”

I tried to pull away from his embrace, but Rudy seemed to sense my movement and tightened his hold. Reluctantly, I lay still in his arms.

There was a time when I thought the warmest thing in the world was Rudy’s embrace. But now, as he held me, all I felt was coldness, not a trace of warmth.

I kept my eyes shut, pretending to sleep, until his breathing grew steady and deep. Once I was sure he was asleep, I carefully slid his arm off me and moved to the edge of the bed.

The space between Rudy and me was so wide that another person could have fit between us, just like the distance that had grown between our hearts—one that could never be bridged.

When I woke up the next morning, breakfast was already laid out on the table.

“Sit down, I made your favorite seafood porridge,” Rudy said, greeting me with his usual attentiveness.

This wasn’t the first time Rudy had made breakfast for me. Seafood porridge had always been my favorite, so Rudy had learned how to make it just for me.

But over time, Rudy became busier, and the porridge became rarer, only appearing when he needed to apologize for something he’d done wrong.

In the past, eating the seafood porridge Rudy had made with his own hands felt like the sweetest thing in the world, from my mouth to my heart.

Now, the porridge in front of me looked the same as it always did, but when I tasted it, it felt empty and tasteless.

“It’s your birthday in three days. Is there any place you want to go or any gift you want?” Rudy asked, his voice full of thoughtfulness.

I shook my head.

Seeing my lack of enthusiasm, Rudy assumed I was still upset about the wedding. After a brief pause, he suggested, “You’ve always wanted to go skiing. I’ll take you skiing that day.”

“Yeah,” I replied, my voice lacking any emotion.

“Alright, I’ll have someone arrange it later,” Rudy said, already dialing his assistant.

When I heard Rudy cancel an important work commitment for me that day, I felt nothing—not a flicker of gratitude or anticipation for my upcoming birthday.

Because by then, I would be gone for good.

After dinner, Rudy prepared to head to work. As usual, he pulled me into his arms and kissed my lips before leaving.

I slightly turned my head, and Rudy's kiss landed on my cheek instead.

He paused for a moment but didn’t think much of it. With a smile, he ruffled my hair. “I’m leaving.”

“Yeah,” I replied, smiling and nodding. But I didn’t tell him to be careful on the road, as I had always done before.

Once Rudy’s figure had completely disappeared from view, the smile faded from my face, and my eyes turned cold.

I grabbed a tissue and wiped away the spot where Rudy had kissed me.

In my mind, I repeated to myself: There are still three days.