novelnext Chapter 1
Chapter 1
On my wedding day, my fiancé's first love showed up in MY designer wedding dress!! "You two make a cute couple," I said through a forced smile, my heart breaking as they greeted our guests like they were the ones getting married. Jack turned on me, his voice cutting deep: "You're so petty and narrow-minded." That night, he took her on OUR honeymoon, while I sat alone in a clinic, heartbroken, booking an abortion.
By the time I got home, it was late, and the pale moonlight flooded the living room, casting a strange glow. I dragged myself to the bedroom, my eyes catching the "Just Married" banner still hanging on the wall. It was almost laughable at this point.
Confetti from the wedding still covered the bed, but I was too exhausted to care. I swept it aside and collapsed onto the mattress. As I plugged in my phone to charge, I saw Lily's latest SnapChat post:
[Lucky to have you. Meant to be.]
The photo was of Jack and Lily, wrapped up in each other's arms, gazing into each other's eyes like they were about to kiss. Both of them were wearing matching couple rings. A year ago, this would've had me storming over to Jack, demanding an explanation.
But now? Now I just turned off my phone and rolled over, pretending none of it mattered.
For the next few days, there was radio silence from Jack, but his updates with Lily kept pouring in on SnapChat, kissing pictures, selfies, shopping trips. I didn't react. Didn't bother. Instead, I called a lawyer and started the divorce process.
Jack and I had been together for 8 years, since college. We'd only recently had our wedding ceremony, but that was just a formality. The real marriage happened right after graduation. No ceremony, no gifts, no rings, just us and our big dreams.
But now? All that was left was the mess.
Two weeks later, I was at home, reviewing the divorce paperwork when I heard the front door open. I looked up to see Jack walking in with Lily, hand in hand. The second our eyes met, Jack immediately dropped Lily's hand and looked uncomfortable. He rushed to explain himself.
"Lily had never been to the beach before," he said, "so I took her there. You're pregnant, and the doctor said you should be careful…"
Before he could finish his excuse, I turned back to the paperwork and nodded without looking up. "Mm, okay."
He hesitated, clearly annoyed that I wasn't reacting the way he expected. "About..."
His words caught in his throat when he saw I wasn't giving him the fight he was hoping for. Frustration built up in him, and he snapped, "Do you really have to be like this? I told you, Lily's never been to the beach. That's why I took her."
He kept going, "We can go on our honeymoon anytime. It's not a big deal."
"Jack, I know. You and Lily are just... siblings, right?" I interrupted coolly.
I didn't even look at him as I went back to the computer screen. His face hardened, but I wasn't bothered.
Then Lily chimed in, stepping forward and grabbing Jack's wrist. "Don't be mad, sis. Please don't fight with Jack because of me."
She added, "Jack didn't take you this time, but he bought a special gift for you from the beach."
She turned to Jack, flashing him a sweet smile. "Jack, hurry and give the gift to your wife."
Jack eagerly pulled a small box out of his pocket and pushed it toward me. "I bought this for you. Open it."
I glanced at the box. Inside, there were a pair of simple floral stud earrings, tiny diamonds and blue stone petals. Pretty, but not exactly impressive. I took one quick look before pushing the box back toward him.
"No need. I don't collect freebies."
The atmosphere in the room immediately shifted. Jack's face darkened, and he asked through clenched teeth, "Rose, what do you mean by that?"
I glanced at the jade bracelet glinting on Lily's wrist, then looked back at Jack. "Exactly what I said. You buy her bracelets, and me? You give me leftovers? Do you think I'm okay with that?"
Jack blinked, caught off guard by my directness. For a moment, he looked uncomfortable. But Lily, quick to defend him, jumped in.
"Don't be mad, sis," she said with a soft voice. "Jack only gave me this bracelet because I loved it so much. If it really bothers you, I can give it back."
But she didn't even try to take it off. She just looked at Jack with those wide, teary eyes. Seeing her like that, Jack immediately pulled her into him and shot me a glare.
"Lily, don't listen to her. The bracelet was a gift for you, so it's yours now. Rose has always been petty and jealous."
I didn't say a word. I just focused on my computer, refusing to react.
Jack, getting more furious by the second, stormed out with Lily in tow, slamming the door behind them. I knew he was expecting me to chase after him, to beg for forgiveness like I always had before.
But this time, I didn't look up. Instead, I added the value of Lily's million-dollar bracelet to the divorce asset division.
A few seconds later, I heard the door slam shut. It felt...good.