Oleg Married Nadia Out of Spite Toward His Ex-Girlfriend, Wanting to Prove He Wasn’t Suffering After She Dumped Him

I never thought Id get married out of spite, but I did. I married Daisy to prove to my ex, Mary, that I wasnt ruined after she left me. For nearly two years, Mary and I were together, and my adoration for her was all-consuming. Id have walked through fire for her, bent over backwards to make her happy. I thought we were on course for marriage. She, however, often gave me the runaround:

Why rush into a wedding, really? shed argue. I havent finished uni, your family business is just keeping its head above water. You dont even own a decent car, let alone your own place. And as much as I like Sophie, I wouldnt want to see your sister in the kitchen every morning. We couldve lived in your parents old house if only you hadnt sold it.

That stung a little. But Mary had a point. My sister, Sophie, and I lived in the flat our late parents left us, and the business was barely ticking over. I hadnt expected to run the company before finishing uni, but life had other plans. I was juggling lectures, business meetings, and keeping my sister afloat barely managing on all fronts.

The house had gone with Sophies blessing we agreed it was better to save the business with the sale. By the time we inherited, debts had mounted and, as students, we had more bills than cash. The sale covered what we owed, helped re-stock the shop, and left a safety net for emergencies.

But Mary always said we should live in the now, not cling to hopes for tomorrow. Easy enough for her, living under her parents roof. But when youre suddenly the head of whats left of your family, hope and action weigh differently. I consoled myself: one day Id sort the business, buy that car, have the house and garden too.

Nothing suggested things were about to crash down. I waited for Mary outside the Odeon wed planned a film night. Oddly, shed told me not to pick her up, even though she loathed public transport. I watched out for her but she arrived in a flashy car.

Sorry, we cant see each other any more, she said, handing me some book before slipping into the car. Im getting married.

For what felt like an eternity, I just stood there. What could have happened in three days while I was out of town?

Sophie saw my face and had already clocked what was up.

Youve heard, then? she asked gently.

I nodded.

She landed herself a rich bloke. She asked me to be bridesmaid I told her to get lost. Shes vile! Seeing someone behind your back all along, Sophie said, bursting into tears for me.

Never mind. I hugged her, stroking her hair like she was ten again. Lets hope it all works out for her ours will be even better.

I locked myself away for a day Sophie kept knocking, pleading with me to come out for some pancakes shed made. By evening, I emerged, fire in my eyes.

Get your coat on, I told her.

What are you thinking, Ben? she asked, worried.

Im going to marry the first woman wholl have me, I replied.

You cant! Sophie protested. Youll mess up your life, and hers.

Ill go by myself, if you wont come.

We strolled around the park, where crowds were milling. The first girl I proposed to made a sign at her head and hurried on, the second recoiled, and the third paused and gazed at me and said yes.

Whats your name, lovely?

Daisy, she smiled.

Time to celebrate the engagement. I dragged Daisy and Sophie to a nearby café.

It was awkward, sat there with these strangers. I was burning up with thoughts of revenge. All I could think was that my wedding had to be on the 25th, just like Marys.

I assume theres a pressing reason you proposed to a stranger? Daisy eventually asked. If this was just impulsive, I wont be offended if you change your mind.

No, we had an agreement. Tomorrow well file the paperwork and meet your parents, I declared.

And for now, lets just drop the formalities.

For a month, we saw each other every day, learning about each others quirks and thoughts.

Are you ever going to tell me why? Daisy asked once.

We all have skeletons, I dodged.

Lets just hope they dont rule our lives.

And why did you say yes?

I just pictured myself as some princess given to the first knight that rode by. Those fairytales always say, And they lived happily ever after. Maybe I wanted to see if its true.

Truth is, things were more complicated for Daisy than youd guess. Shed had her own heartbreak and lost out on a bit of money but shed learned to read people. The hangers-on shed shake off immediately. She hadnt set out that night looking for the one, but she knew she wanted someone clever, independent, and decisive. Ben showed initiative and purpose; if hed been out with mates instead of his sister, she wouldve passed him by.

So, what sort of princess are you then Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella? I mused.

Kiss me and find out, she quipped.

But there were no kisses, not yet.

I handled all the wedding planning myself Daisy just had to choose from options I laid out. Even the dress and veil, I picked personally.

Youll look incredible, I assured her.

Then, of course, on our wedding day at the registry office, we bumped into Mary and her new fiancé. I forced a grin and pecked her cheek.

Congratulations, I said. Be happy with your walking wallet.

Dont make a scene, Mary replied, tense.

She eyed Daisy up and down. My wife-to-be stood tall, striking, with regal poise. Mary couldnt hold a candle to her, and I saw the jealousy sting. There was no glow of happiness in her; she looked like someone whod made a mistake.

Back beside Daisy, I said, All fine.

Theres still time to call it off, Daisy whispered.

No we see it through.

But as I looked into Daisys sad blue eyes during the ceremony, reality began settling in.

I will make you happy, I said. And, as I said it I meant it.

We settled into married life. Sophie and Daisy got on brilliantly, complementing each other so well. Sophie, once so hot-tempered, mellowed, and Daisy, ever practical, kept our home running and advised on the business.

As a shrewd accountant, Daisy soon whipped our finances into shape. Within six months, we opened a second shop later, we put together a team of contractors, selling building supplies and fitting out houses too. Turnover soared.

She was my wise queen, skillfully suggesting things in a way that made me think they were my ideas. Life settled into a predictable rhythm. But a part of me missed the dizzy passion Id had for Mary. My marriage was almost too calm A rut, Id grumble to myself. I dont love her, thats the problem.

With Daisys efforts, we rose to a new level: we even built our own house. The better things got, the more I remembered Mary. If only she could see me now, Id gloat. Look at my car, my home its a palace!

And Id catch myself thinking, What if

Daisy noticed. She tried, truly, to become my beloved, but feelings cant be forced. Not all fairytales come true, shed think sadly, but she held onto hope her name demanded it.

Sophie saw my preoccupation too.

Youll lose more than youll ever gain, she said curtly, finding me snooping on Marys Facebook.

Keep your nose out of it! I snapped.

Idiot. Daisy loves you, and youre treating it like a game! Sophie spat.

It vexed me to have my own sister lecture me, and despite her warnings, I messaged Mary.

Marys life, turns out, hadnt gone to plan. Her husband had thrown her out with nothing, shed dropped out of uni and worked random jobs. She was holed up in a rented flat in Birmingham, her pride battered.

I mulled it over for days should I go see her? Then, when Daisy had to spend a week at her grans in the country, the chance pulled at me.

I gave in, arranged to meet. My mind buzzed as I drove to Birmingham, picturing the reunion.

It was grim reality that greeted me.

Look at you, Ben! Mary flung herself at my neck, but the smell of unwashed clothes made me recoil.

People are watching, I muttered, shifting away.

Couldnt care less! she laughed.

Short skirt, cheap lipstick, a perfume that made me wince. Everything about her was brash, loud a pale shadow of Daisy.

I need some money, then Ill treat you well, flirted Mary.

All I wanted was out.

Sorry, I have to run, I said, standing up.

Will I see you later?

Dont think so. I flagged the waiter. Bill, please.

Ill stick around a bit longer, she whined.

She can have whatever this covers, I told the waiter, stuffing a hefty £50 note in the bill.

He nodded, understanding.

I drove home, pushing the speed limit.

You muppet, Ben, I berated myself. Sophie was right. Should I regret going? Or did I need to do it?

And as I reached my village, another thought struck: Ive never called Daisy by a pet name never Dais. No one is closer or dearer to me than her.

I slammed the brakes and sat, replaying the years since our wedding.

Daisys face appeared before me her deep blue eyes, the way she laughed when she saw me, her hands brushing through my hair, soft and careful.

I promised Id make her happy, I reminded myself. I started the engine, left the main road, and turned down a country lane.

A week is too long. I couldnt even last two days without you, I told her, when Daisy raced to meet me outside her grans.

You are mad, she chuckled through tears.

My Daisy, my beloved, I whispered in her ear, and happiness spun in both our hearts.