I hired an actor to be my “groom” at a fake wedding, all to get revenge on my cheating ex. But as we stood at the altar, exchanging fake vows and a not-so-fake kiss, I never could have predicted how this elaborate charade would completely upend my life.

I never thought I’d be the kind of person to stage a fake wedding for revenge. But there I was, scrolling through photos of Charlie and Samantha’s latest date night. My stomach churned.

“Screw this,” I muttered, tossing my phone aside. That’s when the idea hit me. If Charlie wanted to flaunt his new relationship, I’d show him I could do one better.

I called my cousin Tess. “Hey, you still friends with that actor guy?”

Two days later, I was sitting across from Ryan in a coffee shop, outlining my ridiculous plan.

“You want me to pretend to be your fiancé at a fake wedding?” he asked.

I nodded, feeling ridiculous. “I know it sounds crazy, but —”

“I’m in,” Ryan interrupted, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Sounds like fun.”

Over the next few weeks, I threw myself into wedding planning. The day of the fake wedding arrived, and the ceremony was surprisingly convincing. Ryan played his part perfectly, his vows so heartfelt I almost believed them myself.