## My CEO girlfriend betrayed me by cheating with her puppy-eyed assistant. So, I erased myself from her world—completely. Every day, Laura’s driver would drop off a box of fresh fruit for James Wyatt. But there was always one piece missing. James didn’t think much of it until, one day, the driver handed him a single strawberry. Moments later, James received a photo from the driver, Adam Cross. In the photo, Laura lay naked beneath Adam, a crushed strawberry caught between her legs. At that moment, James realized that the home he had dreamed of for six years was nothing but a long-constructed illusion. Today, that illusion shattered for good. James had once told Laura: “If I ever find out you’ve betrayed me, I’ll vanish from your world completely.” And when James disappeared, Laura went mad. “Mr. Wyatt, your identity change package is fully processed. The new papers will take effect next Wednesday. We’re just calling to confirm.” James glanced across the room at Laura. She was surrounded by her bridesmaids, glowing in her wedding dress, the picture of happiness. “I’m certain,” he replied. The employee on the other end remained detached. “Understood. Your new documents will be mailed to your address. Please remember to sign for them.” “Good luck with your new life, Mr. Chase.” James Wyatt had chosen the name Chase Ryder for his new identity. He wanted a name that symbolized moving forward, breaking free, and running toward a life where no one could hold him back. He had decided on it the day he resolved to leave. Hanging up the phone, James turned to see Laura in her wedding dress. Next week was supposed to be their wedding day. Her bridesmaids fussed over her, showering her with praise. “Wow, Laura, you’re really getting married so soon! Whoever’s marrying you is the luckiest man alive!” “Seriously, Laura, the CEO who swore she’d stay single forever is finally tying the knot! Who would’ve thought?” Laura smiled, a mix of shyness and happiness lighting her face. “What can I say? I found the one, my soulmate. I’m the lucky one for finding James. I couldn’t wait to marry him.” She ran her fingers over the embroidered tulips on her dress. One of the bridesmaids noticed the gesture and chimed in, “This design is stunning! Must’ve cost a fortune, right?” Laura nodded, her gaze drifting toward James. Her eyes brimmed with love. “It’s not about the price. This pattern means so much to us—it’s our flower, the tulip. The embroidery took 2,192 stitches, all done by hand. I designed it myself. James’s suit has a matching tulip, too.” “Because,” she added with a radiant smile, “our wedding date marks six years together.” Her bridesmaids erupted into cheers, brimming with envy. To everyone else, James and Laura were a perfect couple, the epitome of true love. They had known each other for ten years and been together for six. James had stood by Laura’s side as she transformed from a carefree young woman into the accomplished CEO she was today. He had waited so long for this wedding. Laura’s happiness wasn’t fake. If James hadn’t discovered Adam Cross, he might’ve believed that their love had truly reached its fairy-tale ending. Laura had hired Adam as her new driver. One evening, after dropping her off, Adam handed James a box of strawberries. The strawberries were flawless, red and ripe, clearly expensive. But the gift box had been opened, and one was missing. James didn’t think much of it—after all, it was just a strawberry. Later that night, James received a friend request on a messaging app. Once he accepted, a photo popped up almost immediately. In the photo, Laura was completely naked, tangled up with a man who held her from behind. Between their legs was a crushed strawberry. Her neck, where she once proudly wore a matching couple’s tattoo with James, was covered in hickeys, bruised with the unmistakable marks of passion. James’s hands trembled as he clutched his phone. The man’s face wasn’t fully visible, but James recognized him instantly—it was Adam Cross, Laura’s new driver. The same man who had dropped her off that evening. James rushed to the bathroom, retching violently as though he could expel the betrayal from his body. Hearing the commotion, Laura ran in after him, wrapping her arms around him in concern. “What’s wrong, honey? Have you been overworking yourself because of the wedding? Or did you eat something bad?” she asked, her voice filled with worry. “I told the housekeeper to be extra careful with everything this week. How could you get so sick? I’ll fire them tomorrow!” Tears welled up in her eyes as she fussed over him. “Do you want to go to the hospital? I’ll call someone to drive us. Please don’t scare me like this, James.” Her concern seemed so genuine, so heartfelt. James glanced at her chest. That night, she wasn’t wearing her usual silk robe, but a high-necked silk nightgown instead. “You don’t like high-neck clothes,” James said flatly. “Why are you wearing them so often lately?” Laura’s hand flew to her neck, her panic betraying her for just a moment before she regained her composure. “Of course I like them! I just want to avoid sun damage before the wedding—you know, I want to look my best for you.” Sun damage? At night? Under the covers? James closed his eyes, despair washing over him. Laura. It seemed he could no longer find the “truth” in her anymore.
The group around James was still laughing and teasing when his phone suddenly buzzed, cutting through the noise. The screen lit up with an unmarked number. James knew exactly who it was—Adam Cross, the man who had been bombarding him with taunting messages over the past few weeks. He hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly pressed the answer button. But instead of a voice, it was a multimedia message notification. As the photo loaded, James felt his chest tighten as if an invisible hand were squeezing his heart. The image was devastating. Adam was wearing his custom wedding suit—the one James had commissioned specifically for the big day. The suit didn’t quite fit, hanging slightly loose on Adam’s frame, but that didn’t seem to matter to him. Adam’s face was flushed, his expression a mix of smug satisfaction and taunting arrogance. His eyes gleamed with triumph, as if he had just won a prize. The background of the photo was a messy bedroom, but none of that registered in James’s mind. All he could see was Adam’s face, with that infuriatingly smug look. The caption was short but cut like a dagger: “Laura said this makes it official—I’ve basically married her already.” The words stabbed into James’s heart, twisting cruelly. A wave of nausea churned in his stomach, rising so violently that he thought he might collapse. How could this have happened? How could she, the woman who once gave up everything for him, who had filled her home with tulips just because he offhandedly mentioned liking them—how could she turn into this stranger? Tulips. They used to be the symbol of their love. Now, they were nothing but a cruel reminder of betrayal. It was years ago when James had casually mentioned, “I’ve always loved tulips, but I read somewhere that keeping them indoors can make your hair fall out.” Laura had laughed, throwing her head back teasingly. “What kind of man likes flowers, huh?” It was just a passing joke. But a few weeks later, Laura had stunned him. She blindfolded him, walked him into her small apartment, and uncovered his eyes. Before he could even take in the sight, the sweet scent of tulips filled the air. When he opened his eyes, he was surrounded by dozens of them—every corner of her apartment bursting with vibrant blooms. “So? Do you like it? Surprised?” she had asked, grinning from ear to ear. James was speechless. “But tulips… they might make you lose your hair. I’d never dare keep so many.” Laura had waved it off, completely unconcerned. “Who cares? I’ve got plenty of hair to spare. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.” Every spring, her apartment would be filled with the gentle fragrance of tulips. It became their thing—a symbol of their love, their shared joy, their bright future. Back then, Laura had been so pure, so full of life and hope. Her eyes sparkled with dreams of a future they’d build together. But all of that had shattered today. James’s phone screen still glowed, the image of Adam and Laura mocking him in the dim light. He squeezed his eyes shut, desperate to block out the betrayal, to erase the image from his mind. But the harder he tried, the more vivid it became. And then Laura’s voice broke through his thoughts from behind him, sweet and filled with concern. “James, aren’t you going to try on your suit? We need to make sure it fits perfectly. The wedding’s next week, you know. Everything has to be just right.” Her tone was so natural, so cheerful, as if nothing had happened. James turned to face her. There she was—Laura, the woman he had once loved with all his heart. Her face, once so familiar and comforting, now felt like a stranger’s. He forced a smile, trying to conceal the storm raging inside him. But his voice betrayed him, trembling slightly as he replied, “You go ahead and focus on your dress. I… I’m not feeling well. I’ll try the suit some other time.” Laura’s smile faltered, replaced by a look of worry. Without hesitation, she knelt down beside him, ignoring the awkwardness of her bridal gown. “Are you okay, James? You’ve been looking unwell lately. Please, let’s go to the hospital. I’ll call someone right now. I’m really worried about you.” Her concern, so genuine and tender, only deepened James’s pain. How could someone who still seemed to love him so deeply have done something so unforgivable? For a moment, he wanted to convince himself that Adam wasn’t real—that this nightmare was just a figment of his imagination. And then she said his name again. “James, let me call Adam to drive us to the hospital. He can take us right away. I’ll find the best doctor for you.” Adam. That name snapped James back into reality, like a slap across the face. The very man who shattered his world was still being invited into their lives so casually, so freely. A driver? A personal assistant? A… bed companion? James shook his head, forcing himself to remain calm. He couldn’t let her see through him—not now. “No, it’s fine,” he said, his voice steadier this time. “I just need some rest. Don’t worry about me.” Laura hesitated but finally nodded, her concern still plain on her face. James took a deep breath, steadying himself. He had already decided to leave. There was no point in dragging this out any further. Soon, he would vanish from her world entirely. And when that day came, let’s see if Adam could keep her entertained forever.
James used his supposed “illness” as an excuse to avoid trying on his wedding suit. Though Laura seemed a bit worried, her friends quickly whisked her away, chatting about dinner plans. Laura assumed James’s upset stomach was due to the stress of wedding preparations and his irregular meals. Determined to take care of him, she decided to prepare a hearty dinner to help him “bounce back.” They all headed to a mutual friend’s house for dinner. The meal was meticulously planned, and Laura took charge in the kitchen, personally cooking James’s favorite dishes. Her friends pitched in, helping with the setup while Laura hummed cheerful tunes under the warm kitchen lights. James stood by the doorway, watching her. She looked so serene, her every move exuding warmth. There wasn’t even a hint of guilt or unease in her body language. But the nausea in James’s chest twisted tighter, like an invisible thread pulling taut around his heart. When the meal was finally served, Laura uncorked a bottle of red wine to make the evening feel more romantic. She smiled and gestured for James to sit, her eyes brimming with both expectation and an unspoken apology. Around the table, their friends couldn’t stop marveling. “James, you really hit the jackpot with Laura. She’s amazing—so thoughtful!” one of them gushed. Laura, hearing this, smiled modestly and replied with a gentle laugh, “No, no, I’m the lucky one. James is such an incredible man—I’m just grateful to have him.” Her voice carried sincerity, layered with affection. But for James, her words felt like heavy stones sinking into his stomach. He stared at the table laden with food, but his appetite was nonexistent. Yet he knew he couldn’t let his emotions spill over—not now, not when he was just days away from disappearing out of her life forever. He forced a weak smile and said, “Laura, thank you for all this, but I’m really not feeling well tonight. I don’t think I can eat much.” Laura’s face immediately clouded with worry. “In that case, why don’t we reschedule? We can have dinner another night. You really don’t look good today,” she said, her voice full of concern. “Anyway, we’ve already planned the bachelor party for tomorrow night—we can all catch up then.” None of the friends at the table suspected a thing. They just saw a loving couple, with Laura doting on James and James seemingly unwell. Their comments were filled with admiration for their relationship, calling it “couple goals.” If only they knew the truth. Later that evening, Adam arrived to pick them up. Laura climbed into the passenger seat, explaining, “James isn’t feeling well. Let him stretch out in the backseat so he can relax.” Her tone was casual, almost dismissive, as if the arrangement made perfect sense. Adam, ever the professional during work hours, barely spoke. He kept his eyes on the road, saying only what was necessary. If anyone else saw them, they’d think he was just a quiet, dutiful driver. But James wasn’t naive. From his spot in the backseat, he could see Adam’s eyes in the rearview mirror—the subtle glint of arrogance, the faint smirk hidden behind his otherwise neutral expression. James clenched his fists but said nothing. When they finally arrived home, Adam parked the car, and Laura and James got out together. As they stepped into the elevator, James broke the silence with a seemingly casual suggestion: “Don’t you think it’s a little unsafe having a male driver around all the time? I know someone who’d be a better fit—more trustworthy and easier to rely on. What do you think about switching drivers?” Laura didn’t even flinch. Her voice remained calm and even as she replied, “No need. I’ve gotten used to Adam. He’s attentive and handles everything perfectly—not just driving, but other tasks too. He’s been great.” I’m sure he’s even better in bed, James thought bitterly. But he kept his expression neutral, unwilling to betray the storm raging inside him. Laura, oblivious to his thoughts, walked into the apartment as if nothing was wrong. She turned on James’s favorite playlist, poured some tea, and started chatting about tomorrow’s party plans. Then her phone buzzed. James noticed her glance at the screen. Her cheeks flushed, and she bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile. “James,” she said suddenly, her tone shifting to one of apology, “there’s something urgent at work—I need to head to the office. I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to stay with you tonight. Get some rest, okay?” Her voice carried a mix of regret and determination. James didn’t argue. He simply nodded and said, “It’s fine. You go ahead. I could use some rest anyway.” He knew perfectly well there was no “work emergency.” But he didn’t care anymore. He was numb to it all. Once Laura left, James walked to the window. He stood there, watching as she got into the car. Adam was already waiting for her. The car didn’t move right away. Instead, it stayed parked for a long time. James could only imagine what was happening inside. Eventually, the car pulled away, disappearing into the night. Two hours later, James’s phone buzzed. It was a message from Adam. Another photo. This time, it was taken inside the car. The seats were disheveled, the interior a mess. It didn’t take much imagination to figure out what had happened.
Laura didn’t come home that night. It wasn’t until the following evening, at the bachelor party, that James saw her again—and she wasn’t alone. Adam was with her. The sight of them together was like a hand tightening around James’s chest, but he forced himself to remain calm, his expression betraying nothing. Laura, as composed as ever, explained with a cheerful smile, “Since we’re all drinking tonight, I didn’t think it was a good idea to leave my driver waiting in the car. Hope it’s okay that I brought him inside!” One of Laura’s friends chimed in with a teasing grin, “Laura, you don’t have to ask for permission to bring someone. But seriously, where did you find this driver? He’s kinda cute!” Adam’s expression was smug, dripping with arrogance, as if he were silently flaunting his victory. James only glanced at him briefly, his face devoid of emotion, before looking away. Laura noticed James’s indifference and didn’t linger. She brushed off the jokes and left Adam where he stood, making her way over to James. “James, are you feeling okay? You don’t look so great. Are you still feeling under the weather?” she asked, her voice soft with concern. “I’m so sorry about last night,” she continued, her tone genuinely apologetic. “Work’s been crazy lately with the wedding coming up. I had to stay late at the office and ended up crashing in the breakroom. But as soon as I finished everything, I came straight here. You’re not mad at me, are you?” Her words were so sincere that if James had pushed back, he would’ve looked petty. Adam, ever the opportunist, seized the moment. “That’s true,” he said with mock innocence. “She kept telling me to drive faster so she wouldn’t be late to see you.” The words seemed harmless enough, but James knew better. Adam’s smirk said it all. Laura shot him a sharp glare, silently warning him to shut up. Then, turning back to James, she wrapped her arms around his and gave him a playful shake. “James, you’re not mad, right? I promise, after the wedding, I’ll make more time for you. I just need to get through this busy streak, okay?” Their friends jumped in with teasing remarks. “Man, James, how’d you land a wife like Laura? She’s a total catch!” “Forget saving the world—you must’ve saved the entire galaxy to marry someone like her!” Laura blushed, pretending to deflect the compliments, but her smile was unmistakably pleased. She leaned closer to James and said, “Come on, don’t listen to them. I’m just lucky to have you. You’re the one who has me wrapped around your finger.” The party was lively, filled with laughter and games. When it came time for a round of Truth or Dare, the energy hit its peak. Someone asked Laura directly, “Have you ever done anything to betray James?” Without missing a beat, she answered, “Never. I belong to James, and only James, for the rest of my life.” Her voice was firm and confident, like she was making a public vow. The room erupted into cheers and applause, everyone marveling at what a perfect couple they were. But when it was Adam’s turn, the game took a darker turn. As the newest face in the group—and an undeniably attractive one—he quickly became the center of attention. Someone asked him a bold question: “When’s the last time you… you know… hooked up with someone?” Adam smirked and, without a shred of hesitation, replied, “Last night. In a car.” The room burst into laughter, some people whistling and joking about his honesty. But for James, the words hit like a dagger to the chest. The pain was sharp and immediate, but outwardly, he remained composed, his face an unreadable mask. Laura, however, didn’t take it so lightly. Her expression darkened, and she shot Adam another warning look before excusing herself to the bathroom. A few moments later, Adam slipped out as well, claiming he needed to move the car. James hesitated for only a moment before following them. In the dimly lit hallway outside the restroom, James heard their voices. Laura’s tone was sharp, laced with anger and frustration. “I brought you here as a reward, and this is how you act? Dropping hints and making comments all night? Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” Adam, ever the smooth talker, sounded almost pitiful as he replied, “I didn’t mean to, Laura. I swear. I just… I love you so much. Seeing you with him, I just couldn’t help myself…” But Laura wasn’t buying it. Her voice grew colder. “You’d better not be doing this on purpose. If James starts suspecting something because of you, I swear you’ll regret it. James is my bottom line—don’t you dare cross it.” Adam, however, didn’t seem the least bit intimidated. “Fine,” he said, his tone suddenly playful. “Then punish me, Laura. I’ll be a good boy for you. Woof, woof.” Laura’s initial anger seemed to falter. Despite herself, she softened under his sweet words. It didn’t take long for her to forgive him, and within seconds, they were kissing passionately. James didn’t stay to watch. He turned and walked back to the party, his heart a mix of numbness and disgust. When Laura and Adam returned, her lipstick was smudged, and her hair looked slightly out of place. She tried to act normal, but James noticed every detail. He didn’t say a word. Not here, not now. He had no intention of causing a scene in front of everyone. The party carried on, the laughter and games continuing late into the night. But James felt like he was just going through the motions, detached from it all. In his mind, a single thought played on repeat: Just three more days. Three days until the wedding. Three days until he abandoned this façade of a life. Once his new identity as Chase Ryder was finalized, he would leave Laura and Adam behind for good.
The party finally wound down amidst cheers and laughter as the guests trickled out, leaving only James and Laura behind. James didn’t want Adam to drive them home. That car, no matter how thoroughly cleaned, was tainted—filled with the stench of their trysts. The thought made him sick. So, he came up with an excuse. “I ate too much. I think I need a walk to clear my head.” Laura didn’t hesitate for a second. She immediately dismissed Adam and offered to walk home with him. The night was calm, the streetlights casting a soft, amber glow over the empty streets. A cool breeze rustled through the trees, bringing a gentle chill to the air. Side by side, they walked in silence for a while, the quiet broken only by the distant hum of the city. The serene atmosphere seemed to bring them both back to the early days of their relationship. They started reminiscing. “Do you remember, James?” Laura said with a small laugh. “When we first started dating, you couldn’t even hold my hand without sweating buckets.” James smiled faintly, remembering how nervous he’d been on their first date. He also remembered the first meal she ever cooked for him, the long walks they used to take, the quiet moments filled with laughter and love. But those memories were now tainted. The woman who had once blushed at a simple kiss was now sneaking around with another man. The same woman who had giggled at his awkwardness now spent her nights tangled up with Adam in the very car he refused to step foot in. Laura, unaware of his thoughts, was still lost in their shared nostalgia. She looked at James with a kind of earnest affection, her eyes sparkling with conviction. James, feeling the weight of the moment, decided to test her. “I saw this post today,” he began, his voice casual, “about a couple who had been together for years. The night before their wedding, the bride cheated on him.” Laura’s brows furrowed slightly, but she quickly waved the thought away. “That’s ridiculous. I would never do something like that to you, James.” She spoke with absolute certainty, placing her hand gently on his arm. “I love you. I’ll always love you. No matter what happens, we’ll face it together.” Her words were like a dagger wrapped in velvet. James stared at her, trying to ignore the bitter taste in his mouth. He wanted to believe her. He wanted to believe that her promises were real. But he couldn’t. He’d already seen the truth—the stolen glances, the late-night messages, the lies. She had betrayed him. As she walked beside him, speaking with such conviction, all James could feel was a deep, aching disappointment. “People always say long-term relationships never work out,” he said, his voice low. “That if it’s meant to be, they’d get married sooner.” Laura stopped walking and turned to face him, her expression earnest. “That’s not true for us. We’re different, James. We’re going to be so happy together. We’re getting married in just a few days—what are you even worried about?” She smiled, her confidence unwavering. But James could see through her now, could see the cracks beneath her flawless exterior. “Laura,” he said, his voice unusually serious. “If you ever betray me, I’ll disappear. You’ll never see me again.” The way he said her name—her full name—made her pause. She blinked, surprised by the intensity in his tone. “James, I would never,” she said quickly, almost defensively. “I love you. You’re the only one I’ll ever love.” Her words were rehearsed, smooth, and confident. Maybe she truly believed that as long as she kept her secrets buried, nothing would ever change. It was almost laughable. Halfway through their walk, Laura’s phone buzzed. She glanced down at the screen, her brows knitting together ever so slightly before she answered. James couldn’t hear the voice on the other end, but he didn’t need to. He knew it was Adam. Laura’s tone was clipped but calm as she responded. After a few moments, she hung up and turned to James, her expression apologetic. “James, I’m so sorry,” she said, tucking her phone into her pocket. “My assistant just called—there’s something urgent at the office. I need to head over and take care of it. You go ahead and head home, okay? I’ll be back before you know it.” Her explanation sounded convincing enough, but James could see the faint flicker of anxiety in her eyes, the way her fingers tightened slightly around her phone. He nodded, his voice devoid of emotion. “Sure. Go ahead. I’ll see you later.” Laura smiled, kissed him on the cheek, and hurried off into the night. James stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure. He didn’t need to guess where she was going or who she was meeting. He already knew. When James got home, he felt a strange sense of calm. There was no suffocating pain or overwhelming anger. Instead, he felt… free. The past few years of his life—every ounce of love and effort he had poured into this relationship—felt like wasted time. He had been building a future with someone who had been slowly eroding the foundation beneath him. But now, it didn’t matter. He walked over to the desk where all their wedding plans were laid out: the venue contracts, the guest list, the meticulously chosen decorations. It all felt so meaningless now. Picking up the phone, James began canceling everything. The venue, the caterer, the florist—each call felt like shedding a heavy weight. Next, he packed up his custom suit—the one he’d had made specifically for their wedding—and put it in a box to donate to a local charity. These things no longer represented joy or love. They were relics of a dream that had crumbled into dust. By the time he was finished, James felt lighter than he had in years. The pain was still there, lingering beneath the surface, but it no longer consumed him. He had made his decision. In three days, he would leave this life behind, along with Laura and Adam. He would start over as Chase Ryder, free from the lies and betrayal. And for the first time in a long time, James felt like he could finally breathe.
Early in the morning, Laura rushed home, her face filled with anxiety and unease. She had just received a call from the wedding planner, informing her that James had canceled their original wedding venue. A cold fear crept into her chest. The wedding was only two days away. What did this mean? Why would James cancel the venue now? She didn’t dare let her thoughts spiral further. Flinging the door open, she spotted James sitting calmly on the couch, a cup of tea in hand, looking completely unbothered. His composure only amplified her unease. Laura hurried over to him, her voice trembling slightly as she asked, “James, what’s going on? Why did the wedding venue get canceled? I got a call from the planner, and it scared me to death! Please tell me this is some kind of misunderstanding.” James had already prepared a calm, plausible explanation. He glanced up at her with a small smile, his demeanor steady—almost too steady. There was a subtle chill in his eyes, but it was so faint, it was easy to miss. “Oh, that? I found out last night that the venue supposedly has some bad energy—bad feng shui, if you believe in that sort of thing. And, well, I didn’t want to risk it affecting our marriage.” He took a sip of tea and continued, his tone light but measured. “I decided to cancel it and booked another place instead. It’s a surprise, though. I’ll show you on the day of the wedding.” Laura’s shoulders relaxed, her worry melting away. “So that’s it? You just wanted to surprise me?” She let out a relieved laugh, shaking her head. “I was so scared you were upset with me. I’ve been so busy lately, I thought maybe you were angry that I haven’t been spending enough time with you.” She reached for his hand, her smile softening. “After all this craziness is over, we’ll have so much time together. Once we’re married, nothing else will matter.” She had completely forgotten that the venue James had just canceled was the one they had dreamed about since they first got together—the place they had once called their “perfect wedding spot.” To her, this change was just James being thoughtful or practical. So, she nodded and accepted his explanation without further question. But what Laura didn’t realize was that every word James spoke, every measured action, was hiding a deep and bitter pain. Laura sat down beside James, leaning her head gently on his shoulder. Her smile was radiant, her voice filled with genuine happiness. “James, in just two days, I’ll be your wife. I feel like the luckiest woman in the world.” James didn’t respond right away. He looked at her, at the woman who seemed so blissfully unaware of the weight of her betrayal. Her happiness almost felt like a cruel joke. How could someone who had so thoroughly betrayed him still sit here, smiling as if their love was untarnished? Last night, another photo from Adam had landed in his inbox. In the picture, Adam was naked, wearing nothing but a pair of fluffy animal ears and a matching tail. He was kneeling on a bed, smirking at the camera. The caption read: “Laura just can’t ever seem to get enough, can she?” James had stared at that photo for a long time, feeling a mix of revulsion and numb acceptance. And now, here she was, sitting beside him, playing the role of the perfect fiancée. As they talked, James’s eyes drifted to her neck. That’s when he saw it—a faint but unmistakable mark just below her collarbone. A hickey. The sight of it made his blood run cold. For a moment, he couldn’t take his eyes off it, his gaze hardening as he stared. The mark seemed to mock him, a silent confession of everything she’d been hiding. Laura noticed his shift in demeanor. Following his gaze, she immediately realized what he was looking at. Her hand flew to her neck, covering the hickey as her face flushed with panic. “It’s not what you think!” she blurted out, her voice unsteady. “I… I got bitten by a mosquito last night. That’s all it is.” The excuse was so flimsy, so ridiculous, James almost wanted to laugh. But he didn’t. Instead, he forced a small smile and reached out to pat her hand reassuringly. “It’s fine,” he said softly. “I believe you.” Inside, James felt hollow. It doesn’t matter anymore, he thought to himself. In just two days, I’ll be gone. Out of her life, out of this mess. She can keep her lies, her secrets, and her lover. None of it will matter to me anymore.
James sat alone on the couch, shrouded in darkness, as if he had melted into the shadows themselves. The faint glow of his phone broke the silence. A new message. It was from Adam. “I know you and Laura are getting married the day after tomorrow, but do you really think a wedding means you’ll own her forever?” “Here’s a fun thought: if I ask her to spend the night with me, do you think you’ll even see her before the ceremony?” James didn’t reply. He leaned back into the couch, staring blankly at the ceiling above him. In his heart, he already knew the answer. The moment Adam’s message arrived, the truth had been laid bare. And yet, some small, fragile part of him clung to hope. Hope that Laura—the woman he had loved for six years—might surprise him. Might prove him wrong. Laura, meanwhile, had also received a message from Adam. She got out of bed, her footsteps soft as she walked into the dimly lit living room. “James,” she said gently, her voice breaking the silence, “I have to go on a business trip for the next two days. I’ll leave tomorrow morning, but don’t worry—I’ll be back in time for the wedding.” “I need to pack a few things,” she added. “You stay home and get some rest, okay?” Of course. James thought to himself. The room remained shrouded in darkness, but James’s eyes burned like embers, piercing through the shadows. For a moment, his gaze was so intense, it was as if he had come alive again—his final surge of emotion before everything inside him collapsed. Before Laura could leave to pack, James stood up. His voice was soft, almost pleading. “Laura,” he said, his tone trembling slightly, “I’ve been feeling so anxious lately. I can’t shake the unease. Can you… can you not go? Just stay with me until the wedding. Please.” He stepped closer to her, taking her hands firmly in his. The desperation in his voice was unmistakable. “Business opportunities come and go,” he whispered. “But these days, these moments—we’ll never get them back. I need you right now.” His eyes glistened with unshed tears, his vulnerability laid bare for the first time. “I need you. Please, just stay with me.” Laura froze, startled by the raw emotion in his voice. She had never seen James like this before—so open, so broken. Without thinking, she reached out and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. “Okay, okay,” she said softly, her voice soothing. “I’ll stay. I won’t go. I promise.” James held her tightly, his forehead pressed to her back, his arms locked around her waist as if he were afraid she might vanish. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to believe that things could go back to the way they used to be. That her warmth, her presence, still belonged to him. But then, Laura’s phone lit up again, the glow cutting through the darkness like a knife. She reached for it, glancing at the screen. Another message from Adam. “Laura, I miss you so much. You’re about to be someone else’s wife, but tonight, can you be mine one last time?” Attached to the message was a photo of Adam, wearing nothing but a provocative costume. His smirk was full of confidence, his words dripping with temptation. “If you come over, I’ll do whatever you want.” James felt it. Her body stiffened in his arms. He could sense the subtle shift in her breathing, the way her skin warmed under his touch—excitement, longing. But it wasn’t for him. Laura gently pried his hands away from her waist, turning to kneel beside him on the bed. She rested her forehead against his, her voice soft but unwavering. “I’m sorry, James,” she said. “This is really important. I can’t skip it.” “But after the wedding, I’ll take some time off. A long vacation, just you and me, okay? I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” She didn’t wait for his response. She stood up, walked to the closet, and began picking out clothes for her “business trip.” James stayed where he was, his arms still wrapped around nothing but air. He leaned forward, forehead pressed to the spot where her back had just been, as if trying to hold onto the warmth she had left behind. But it was gone. And so was she. In that moment, something inside James finally broke. He didn’t cry. He didn’t scream. He didn’t even feel anger anymore. Instead, there was only a stillness—a numb, overwhelming quiet. He wrapped himself in the blanket, no longer caring whether Laura loved him or not. No longer caring about the memories they had shared or the promises they had made. He reached for his phone and opened the notes app, reviewing his plan for the next day. His escape route. His new identity. Chase Ryder. He read through every detail again, committing it to memory.
In a luxurious suite at a five-star hotel, Adam and Laura lay entangled on the bed, their naked bodies entwined in a way that made it hard to tell where one ended and the other began. Laura’s flushed face was still glowing from their passion, her skin marked with deep, violet bruises left by Adam’s lips—a testament to the intensity of their time together. For the past two days and nights, they hadn’t even stepped outside the hotel room. The clothes they brought remained untouched, as if they had no time or reason to wear them. It was as if they were trying to exhaust every last ounce of lust before it was too late. After their latest round, Laura was the first to recover. She sat up and reached for a glass of water, her voice rough and hoarse as she spoke. “Adam,” she began, her eyes fixed on him, “I’m marrying James in two days. I love him. He’s the only man I’ll ever marry, and I need you to understand that.” She paused, her tone growing more pointed. “James is my boundary. You can ask for anything else, but don’t you dare flaunt this in front of him. If you so much as try to mess with him, I promise you’ll regret it.” She narrowed her eyes at him, her glare cutting like a blade. Adam, still sprawled out on the bed, reached lazily for her, pulling her back into his arms. He nodded, but it was clear he wasn’t taking her warning seriously. Laura looked at him, her irritation fading into something softer. Stroking his hair gently, she allowed herself a small, indulgent smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll still take care of you after the wedding,” she said, her voice light, almost playful. “But we won’t see each other as often as we do now. Things will be… different.” For a moment, her thoughts drifted to James, sitting alone at home. Was he lonely? Was he sad? What was he thinking about, so close to the wedding? Her phone buzzed, cutting through her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and saw James’s name. Her lips curled into a smile. Of course he’s thinking about me, she thought. We’re so in sync—it’s why I love him. She reached for the phone, but Adam grabbed her wrist, pinning it to the bed. “Not yet,” he said, his voice low and teasing. “We’re not done.” Laura hesitated, but Adam’s mischievous grin and the fire in his eyes reignited something in her. The phone fell from her hand as she gave in to him once more. The room filled again with heat and muffled moans, while James sat alone on his bed miles away. He stared at his phone, the screen still lit with the unanswered call. His suitcase was packed, sitting neatly by the door. He didn’t move, his thoughts swirling like a storm. Finally, he let out a bitter laugh and muttered to himself, “She’s probably wrapped up with Adam right now.” When the call went to voicemail, James sighed deeply, as if releasing the last of his lingering doubts. He picked up his suitcase, walked out the door, and climbed into the waiting car. “Take me to the airport,” he said quietly. The car disappeared into the neon-lit night, leaving behind nothing but silence and emptiness in the home they had once shared. There was no love left here. At dawn, Laura caught the first flight back to Harbor City. She had arranged for someone to meet her at the airport and get her to the wedding venue as quickly as possible. She was in a hurry. She couldn’t wait to see the man she had dreamed of marrying for so many years. When she arrived at the venue, dressed in her wedding gown and veil, she was even a little early. Smiling to herself, she glanced at her watch, her heart swelling with sweetness. Today’s the day. I’m finally marrying James—the man I’ve loved for six years. The man I’ve always dreamed of being with. The car pulled up to the location James had promised—the “secret venue” he had mentioned just days ago. She stepped out, her makeup flawless, tears of joy welling in her eyes. Her smile was radiant. She could swear this was the happiest day of her life. But there were no guests waiting for her. No red carpet. No wedding march. No flowers, no tables, no arch, no balloons. Nothing. The summer wind blew across the empty lot, the scorching July sun beating down mercilessly. There was no sign of James. Her heart sank as a creeping sense of dread began to take hold. She rushed back to the car and grabbed her phone, dialing James’s number. The call went straight to voicemail. She tried again. And again. Each time, the same mechanical message played, cold and unfeeling. Her chest tightened, panic rising as she dialed over and over, desperate for him to answer. But he never did. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Laura collapsed to the ground, her phone slipping from her trembling hands. Her vision blurred, her mind spinning. And in that moment, she knew. The man she thought would always stand by her side, the man she thought she had wrapped around her finger… James was gone.
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