When my sister Beth announced her engagement after returning from a wellness retreat, I was thrilled—until her behavior grew increasingly strange. Beth has always been a dreamer, believing deeply in fairytales and whirlwind romance. After a devastating breakup years earlier, she’d retreated from the world, so when she met “Nathaniel” at the retreat, we were relieved to see her happy again.

But the wedding came fast—too fast. We’d never met Nathaniel, never seen a photo. Beth claimed he was shy and old-fashioned. On her wedding day, she seemed manic, chattering nonstop about symbolic entrances and overseas guests. But when the music played for the groom, no one entered.

Our father walked to the altar, holding a pink leather journal. “There is no groom,” he told the guests. The journal, found in Beth’s suite, contained letters and journal entries—an entire fictional relationship. Beth had created Nathaniel in her mind to cope with years of heartbreak and loneliness.

She collapsed in sobs, screaming that it all felt real. And in a way, it had—for her. We canceled the wedding, and Beth was hospitalized and later diagnosed with a dissociative coping disorder rooted in past trauma.

Over time, with therapy and support, she healed. She began rebuilding her life—slowly, thoughtfully. She even started dating again, this time grounded in reality.

Four years later, Beth married Jordan, a kind man she met in art therapy. Their wedding was quiet and real. As she walked toward him, her smile was peaceful, genuine.

She had finally found the love she truly deserved.