**Dark Road: A Tale of Betrayal and Redemption**
I found myself trudging along the deserted motorway somewhere near Manchester, my thoughts as heavy as the evening air. The biting wind cut through me, but I barely noticed when a car pulled up beside me. Inside were two lads, their faces a mix of concern and disbelief.
“Hey, what’re you doing out here alone?” one called out. “Car trouble? Need help?”
“I do,” I murmured, my voice barely steady. “Could you take me into town?”
“Course,” said the driver. “I’m Oliver, and that’s Ethan in the back.”
I hesitated before sliding into the passenger seat, clutching my handbag tightly. The drive was quiet, save for the soft hum of the radio. I checked my phone again and again, hoping for a message from my fiancé, James. But the screen stayed blank. They dropped me at my flat. I unlocked the door, stepped inside, and froze at the sight in the kitchen.
“Enough with the drama!” James had snapped, slamming the brakes on that dark road. “Go cool off!”
His glare was sharp, leaving no doubt—he meant it.
I stared at him, stunned. “You’re serious? It’s almost midnight, we’re in the middle of nowhere, and you want me to walk?”
“Dead serious,” he bit back. “You think that ring means you own me? Think again, love.”
When I didn’t move, he shoved open my door. “Out! Or do you need help?”
I stepped onto the pavement, still half-expecting him to laugh, to say it was a joke. But he just drove off, tyres screeching, leaving me there in the cold.
All I had was my phone—no signal—and my keys. No one around for miles. After ten minutes, my fingers were numb, but I kept walking, praying to reach town.
What had set him off? All I’d done was ask who he was texting while driving. That road was dangerous, full of reckless speeders. I wasn’t accusing him—just worried.
“Should’ve kept my mouth shut,” I scolded myself. He’d been in a mood all day—work stress, family arguments. I should’ve ignored it. But now…
One thing was clear: I’d pack my things, leave the ring, and go home to my parents. If he could abandon me like this, what kind of future did we have? If every row ended in a “lesson,” why marry him?
Lost in thought, I barely noticed the car slowing beside me. Two blokes inside.
“You alright, walking alone out here?” the driver asked. “Car break down? Don’t worry, we’re not psychos.” He chuckled. “Just odd seeing a girl out here this late. Need a lift?”
I nodded, wiping my tears. “Please, just to town.”
“Hop in,” he said. “I’m Oliver, and this is Ethan. What happened?”
The warmth of the car seeped into me as I spoke. “I’m Emily,” I began, voice shaking. “Had a fight with my fiancé. Well—he kicked me out of the car! Right here in the middle of nowhere! All because I asked who he was texting. I didn’t even shout, and he—”
The tears came then. It hit me—how monstrous he’d been. A “lesson”? He hadn’t even come back.
“Wait, he just left you here?” Oliver looked stunned. “That’s mental.”
“Yep.” I covered my face. “Said I needed to learn.”
“Well, he’s a real piece of work,” Ethan muttered. “Hope you’re dumping him.”
“I am,” I said firmly. “I’ll pack my things, leave the ring, block his number. And I’ll tell everyone why the wedding’s off—especially his mum, who already thinks of me as her daughter-in-law.”
At their confused looks, I added, “Our mums are best mates. Auntie Margaret adores me. But I never complained about James, though I should’ve.”
“Don’t stay quiet now,” Ethan said. “Let his mum sort him out. You weren’t marrying him just for that, were you? Childhood sweethearts?”
“Not exactly.” I sighed. “He was married before—briefly. After the divorce, he swore he’d always loved me. And like an idiot, I believed him.”
“D’you still love him?” Oliver asked quietly.
“I do,” I admitted, voice breaking. “But I can’t forgive this. What if something had happened?”
“Will he let you go quietly?” Ethan wondered.
I hesitated. We’d almost split once before over his jealousy. He’d begged me to stay then.
“Dunno,” I admitted. “But he should know I won’t tolerate this. The wedding’s in two weeks—he’s invited half the town, even his boss. Cancelling will humiliate him.”
“We’ll help,” Oliver said, exchanging a glance with Ethan. “We’ll have a word with your fiancé while you pack. Deal?”
“Why are you helping me?” I eyed them.
“I’ve got a sister your age,” Oliver said darkly. “Just thinking if it were her…”
The rest of the ride was silent. I kept checking my phone, half-hoping for a message: *Where are you?* But nothing. The lights were on in our flat, music blaring. The truth stung—he didn’t care where I was.
“You’re doing the right thing,” Ethan said. “Don’t give him another chance. Next time could be worse.”
Inside, laughter spilled from the kitchen—James’ mates and some girls I didn’t know.
“Back already?” James smirked. “Thought you’d be walking till dawn. Lesson learned?”
“The lesson’s yours tonight,” Oliver said coldly, stepping in behind me. “Abandoning your girl on a road—that normal to you? Go on, Em, pack your things. We’ll chat with your fiancé.”
The wedding was called off, of course. I told my mum and Auntie Margaret everything. She was livid—James wouldn’t hear the end of it.
As for me? I found happiness. Oliver and I grew close. Kind, steady, protective—everything James wasn’t. Now, we’re planning our own wedding.
