When Jake walked into the diner, he didn’t expect to see Laura, his high school love, in a wedding dress, tear-streaked and heartbroken. His world flipped upside down.

“Laura?” he asked, sitting across from her. She looked up, surprised.

“Dylan left me at the altar. I came here because this place feels safe,” she explained.

Jake’s heart ached. “I’m so sorry, Laura. Let’s go to the reception together. Make the best of it.”

Laura hesitated but agreed. They arrived at the venue, the atmosphere tense. Slowly, laughter and dancing broke the awkwardness. When the DJ announced the first slow dance, Laura asked, “Jake, will you dance with me?”

“I’d be honored,” he replied. They swayed to the music, old feelings resurfacing.

Suddenly, Dylan walked in, looking desperate. “Laura, can we talk?”

“No,” she said firmly. “You left me at the altar. I deserve better.”

Jake felt proud as Laura stood tall, rejecting Dylan. They stepped outside, and Jake said, “You were incredible in there.”

Laura looked at him, tears in her eyes. “Thank you, Jake. You’ve always been there for me.”

Jake took a deep breath. “I never stopped loving you.”

Laura’s eyes widened with surprise and hope. “I feel the same way.”

Jake cupped her cheek and leaned in. They kissed, a tender, heart-stopping moment. When they pulled apart, both were smiling.

“I guess this party wasn’t such a disaster after all,” Laura said.

“No, not at all,” Jake replied. “It’s just the beginning.”

Wrapped in each other’s arms, they knew they’d face whatever came next together.