John’s search for love seemed never-ending until he met Sarah, who was both beautiful and strangely familiar. Their date at a cozy restaurant was going great until he asked Sarah one question that made her explode, revealing secrets and setting off a dramatic fight.
My name is John, and I’ve been looking for the right woman for years. Getting married to the love of my life is the only thing I really want. I know that sounds corny. Fate always seems to have other ideas, though.
Believe me, it’s been a long story. Mom stepped in and set me up with one of her friend’s nieces after a particularly bad date where the girl I’d asked to coffee got arrested. Even though we got along great, there was never a real spark.
The next woman Mom set me up with was a beautiful HR manager who was nothing like me. The nail tech my grandmother set me up with was another one.
Yes, even my grandmother set me up once.
The nail tech was very focused on her job and didn’t want to settle down or start a family.
I was beginning to believe that I would always be single. Never-ending dates that didn’t lead anywhere, awkward small talk, and forced smiles were getting old.
Mom told me I was being too picky and that I should get to know the people I dated better. Is it possible that she was right? I think I was stuck on the idea that I’d know the right woman when I met her. I only had to find her, which seemed like an impossible job.
I was about to give up when I saw Sarah’s picture on a dating app. The picture of her on my page made me freeze. She was stunningly beautiful, but there was something strangely familiar about her.
My heart beat faster. I swiped right because I was interested, and to my surprise, we matched! I asked her to go on a date right away.
The restaurant where we decided to meet that weekend was cozy. It had the right amount of light and a mood that made you feel like you were in a movie.
Nerves were jangling when I got there early. Sarah looked even more beautiful in person when she walked in. Her smile was beautiful.
The talk went well at first while we were ordering our food. As she talked about her job, her hobbies, and how much she loved hiking, I thought more than I spoke.
When we got to dessert, I could tell the mood had changed. The big question had to be asked.
“Hey Sarah,” I said, trying to sound friendly. “No offense, but is it cool you’re going on dates while your husband’s deployed?”
Her smile disappeared right away, and she got a look of pure fear in its place. My heart was beating fast. I knew this was the point where everything would go wrong.
Her voice was shaking as she asked, “What did you just say?”
“Well, Mark is a good friend of mine.” “I just didn’t think you’d be… you know, dating,” I said, trying not to lose my cool.
“This is unbelievable. You jerk! “You set me up!” she yelled, getting more angry.
“Why did I do that? I told her calmly, “You’re cheating on him while he’s serving overseas.” My anger was building up inside me.
Sarah was right, I did set her up. I knew who she was as soon as I saw her picture. She was married to a friend from college. Even though I hadn’t seen her in years, it was clear that we were old friends.
Before our date, I called my friend who was stationed overseas to meet up and ask her in a sneaky way if they were still together. I knew she was cheating on him when he told me everything was fine between them.
Mark broke my heart. It was right for him to know the truth, so I told him everything. We planned to reveal her, which is how Sarah and I ended up at the restaurant with all of her family and friends.
Everyone there knew what was going on and was ready to see the truth.
Sarah got up, and her chair hit the wooden floor. The sound was loud enough to be heard over the low hum of noise in the restaurant. She had a red face and eyes that darted around like an animal that was caught.
As she looked around, she saw a group of people looking at us. Among them were Mark’s mom and other relatives.
“What do you look at?” “Why are all of you here?” People turned their heads when they heard her voice, which was a mix of chaos and anger.
I could feel the weight of all the eyes in the room down on us. My heart was beating fast, but I kept a calm face. Now was the time when everything would fall apart.
Mark’s mom got up from her place across the room. She was a strong woman, and her presence was intimidating. Mark’s aunts and a couple of his old friends walked up to our table and sat down next to her. They all looked hurt and angry.
Mark’s mom said in a cold, steady voice, “Sarah, we know everything.” “John told us. Mark should get more than this.”
Sarah’s face turned red with shock and disbelief. When she looked at me, her eyes were red with anger. “How could you do this to me?”
I slowly stood up, aware that everyone in the restaurant was looking at me.
“Impossible!” Sarah, how could you? Mark is going to war for his country and trusting you, but you’re here… doing this.”
She looked all over the place, like she was trying to find a way out. It was becoming clear what was really going on. Around us, people were sitting at tables and looking at us with blank looks on their faces. The air was tense. She took short, angry breaths.
“Yeah, but while he’s busy being a hero, I’m here all alone.” She had tears in her eyes. “Do you have any idea what that’s like?”
I felt bad about what I did. I knew what it was like to be alone, but Mark’s mom moved closer before I could say anything.
“You knew what you were getting into, Sarah, and we’ve all done what we can to support you.” She pointed to other family members of Mark. “But you still lied to him.” We all know you lied to us.
Sarah’s shoulders sagged, and she looked like she was getting smaller right in front of our eyes.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” she said to herself more than to anyone else.
Then she turned around and left the restaurant without saying a word. She walked out with her head held high and a look of shame on her face. The door swung shut behind her, and the sound seemed to carry through the room.
After that, there was a heavy silence. I sat down again, feeling both happy and sad. I didn’t think it would turn out this way, but it had to.
Mark’s mom sat down next to me and put her hand on my shoulder to make me feel better.
“Thank you, John,” she said in a low voice. “You did the right thing.”
I tried to smile as I nodded. “It was the very least I could do.” Mark has the right to know the truth.
A big guy named Tom, who is Mark’s friend, spoke up. “Man, this is awful.” “That’s awful what she did to him.”
“Yeah,” I said. “I can’t believe it.” He knows now, though. He needs someone who will be loyal to him.
More time was spent talking. We told stories about Mark and tried to figure out what had happened.
Even though the mood was sad, we felt like we were all in it together. Because we loved Mark, we were all there for him.
After dark that night, I was by myself on the steps of a fancy building close to my flat. It was still taking some time for what had happened to sink in. I grabbed my phone and called Mark’s number, my fingers shaking a little.
On the second ring, he picked up. “Hi, John. What happened?”
“About as bad as you can expect, Mark,” I said, but my voice was shaking.
I took a big breath and told him everything. From the time we got to the restaurant until she stormed out. I could hear his pain in his quiet as I talked.
He finally said, “John,” but his voice was shaking with emotion. “Thanks.” Many thanks for helping me find the truth. “I’m not sure what to say.”
I told her, “You don’t have to say anything.” “I saw that you were interested. Mark, you deserve better.”
“Yeah,” he gave a sigh. “I guess I do.” It hurts, that’s all.”
“I know,” I said slowly. “But this will pass. There aren’t many strong people like you.
The longer we talked, the better it felt to me when we finally hung up. Even though it wasn’t a happy finish, the right thing was done.
I realized something important as I drove home and thought about what had happened that night. It wasn’t just about the spark or the link that helped me find the right person. It had to do with ideals like loyalty, honesty, and honor. Those were the things that were really important.
I wasn’t sure if or when I would find the right person, but I was determined to keep looking. Because someone else believed the same things I did. Then I would hold on to the hope that honest love would lead me to the right person until I found her.