My groom-to-be was not that man – so I left him with my maid

Kayla Doody, 29, from Florida, explains why ditching her groom and saying “I do” to her bridesmaids was the best decision she ever made.

I felt like a princess walking down the aisle.

With my dad holding me in his arms and my wedding dress floating around me, I have never been happier.

Then I saw my future wife waiting for me and my smile grew even wider. Erika, 36, may be my second engagement in six months, but there is no doubt that she is my forever love.

Growing up in Houston, Texas, I was bullied in school because of my appearance and quiet, eccentric personality. the sun Report.

I never felt like I fit in. Although I dated boys and even kissed a few girls in an attempt to get their attention, none of it was serious.

I had low self-esteem and I didn’t think I was good enough to be loved by anyone.

I met Harry* in September 2013 when I was 18 and attending college in Houston.

Like me, he was shy and quiet. We stayed friends for years and hung out with the same group, but over time we grew closer and became a couple in 2018.

I felt settled and comfortable, but I knew in my heart that I wasn’t madly in love with Harry.

It felt more like companionship than it did with my friends – they were passionate about their partners. I don’t feel jealous though because my self-worth is still very low, I’m just grateful for what I have – a man who loves me even if I don’t feel the same way about him.

In December 2021, I worked as a personal trainer and became friends with a client, Dan*, and met his wife, Erika, in November 2022. Within a few months, Erica and I became best friends, texting every day and hanging out with our partners as a foursome.

Harry and I were out hiking together in February 2023 when he proposed to me, got down on one knee at the top of a Rocky Mountain mountain and gave me a ring.

It was a surreal and confusing moment. I care about Harry and I have always wanted to be a bride and want to have a special day where everyone can see that I have been chosen.

But at the same time, I felt trapped, as if Harry was my only option. I smiled and said “yes,” but inside I felt trapped, like I was just trying my best.

Erica was so happy for me and revealed that she had helped Harry plan the proposal. I asked her to be my bridesmaid and she agreed.

In late August, Erica and I were driving to a party at my house when she admitted to me that she had kissed a woman. She realizes she is gay and wants to divorce Dan.

I’m dizzy. I was immediately jealous of this other woman and suddenly realized that I had feelings for Erica.

I tried to push these feelings away. However, after that conversation, sparks flew like never before. We were constantly making flirtatious jokes and it felt electric when we looked at each other. I made excuses not to be intimate with Harry.

I realized I was in love—but not with my fiancé.

In late September, I nervously drove to Erica’s house. Dan had been away from work for several months and I knew something was about to happen.

Erica kissed me as we sat on the couch watching a movie. It feels amazing. I didn’t feel guilty about Harry or Dan, all I could think about was Erica.

We slept together for the first time a week later and I knew she was the one – and there was no way I was going to marry Harry in three weeks.

My heart was pounding. When I admitted that I was in love with Erica and that we wanted to be together, Harry was shocked and angry, but also seemed deflated, as if he knew there was no point in trying to save our relationship.

I hated hurting him, but the biggest thing I felt after walking away was relief.

We haven’t spoken since our last conversation. I sent a text to my guests saying the wedding was cancelled, and thankfully no questions were asked.

I personally told my mom that the wedding was cancelled, and she was very supportive, letting me follow my heart, and helping me cancel venues and vendors.

My wedding date came and went, and I was relieved that I didn’t get it. Now that I’m experiencing true love with Erica, I know I should never settle for less than companionship.

When Dan came back from a long business trip in November, Erica told him we were together. He was sad but agreed to the divorce.

In January, after the divorce was finalized, Erica hid the words, “Will you marry me?” while we were doing an escape room with friends. I was over the moon and when I said “yes,” I really meant it.

We tied the knot in April in front of 60 family and friends in a lovely wedding venue filled with flowers. After exchanging vows, I knew I was going to marry my soulmate. I have no regrets, we were meant to be.

We now live happily in Florida and plan to pursue IVF and start a family. I have started writing a memoir about my journey.

I want people to know that you deserve to be your authentic self and experience unconditional love. The journey there can be tough, but it’s definitely worth it.

Erica said: “I met Dan in college when I was 22. He was kind and handsome, he proposed in April 2011 and we married in December 2012 and have been happily ever after for many years. But in 2021, when I first met By the time we got to Keira, we had grown apart.

Kayla was bubbly and friendly, and at first I just wanted to be her friend. But when Harry proposed to me in January 2023, I was already smitten with her.

As I helped plan her wedding, my jealousy grew. When Kayla tried on her dress, she looked so pretty that I had to hold my face in fear that she would see how I really felt.

Then, that August, I got very drunk and kissed a woman. It felt like I was seeing myself for the first time.

I knew I was gay and my marriage had to end. I was nervous telling Kayla, but after that, the spark between us was undeniable.

Once she told Harry and called off their wedding, I told Dan I felt like I could breathe again. I never wanted to hurt Dan, but I couldn’t live a lie. Two months later, we divorced.

I’ve received some negative comments about how our relationship started, but I try not to worry about what others think because staying true to myself makes me the happiest woman and wife in the world. “