Chapter 2

And just like that, he dumped everything that should've belonged to both of us squarely onto my shoulders.

And what had he been doing in the meantime?

If it had been for work, I could've swallowed it. But what if it wasn't?

While I was choosing wedding gowns, he was busy cleaning up Emily's mess.

While I was picking out wedding favors, he rushed off to the hospital—said it was for a patient, but really it was because Emily had caused trouble again.

It happened way too often. I didn't even realize how many times Michael had put me on the back burner until I saw it all in Emily's videos.

I gave a humorless laugh. From the very beginning, he never planned on facing any of this with me. He just shoved all the tedious work my way.

I used to take it in stride, even enjoyed it. But looking back now—why on earth did I have to do everything?

A wedding was supposed to be something we built together. If he didn't care, why was I breaking my back over it?

I took a long breath and forwarded the entire menu to Michael. He didn't reply—which honestly was exactly what I expected. I knew better than to hope he'd respond quickly.

Four hours later, right around the time his surgery was probably wrapping up, he finally called.

I had already fallen asleep, and the ringtone jolted me awake. I blinked at the ceiling, dazed, before hearing his voice. "Jess, I'll just leave these things to you. You can decide. I don't really have strong opinions about any of it."

It took me a moment to register what he meant. "Okay. Got it."

Maybe my answer sounded too flat, he rushed to add something—but in the background, I heard someone call out, "Dr. Turner, let's eat. I'm starving, come on."

He started, "Jess, I—"

I cut him off, voice cold. "We'll talk later. I'm going back to sleep."

Before he could say another word, I hung up. Woken up in the middle of the night, I couldn't fall back asleep. Just hearing that voice on the other end made the whole situation feel like a joke.

Instead of stewing in frustration, I decided to do something about it. And because I still had manners, I didn't make a scene—I simply opened the hotel contact and canceled the wedding reception.

It was already midnight, and I was surprised when the hotel got back to me right away. "Ms. Rivers, is something up? Venues are really hard to book this time of year."

I replied, "I'm calling off the wedding. We're breaking up. Sorry about that. I know the deposit's non-refundable."

The person on the other end let out a sigh, but still said, "Sorry to hear that. But I still hope you find happiness."

I replied, "Thank you."

Following that came a series of cancellations and refunds. By the time I wrapped everything up, it was already two in the morning.

The only thing left was my wedding dress. It was made-to-order and already done, so there was no way to return it. All I could do was pick it up myself.

*****

The next day, I met up with my best friend. When she heard I was calling off the wedding, she was shocked. "Michael cheated?"

I said, "Probably not yet. But he is getting there."

I showed her Emily's videos, and she burst out laughing in anger. "That little bitch! And Michael can't see through her? Men always fall for this kind, huh? Sooner or later, she'll ruin him. Don't worry. I've got your back."

I smiled. Honestly, I wasn't even that heartbroken. I just couldn't understand why Michael, who always acted so distant with me, lost all sense when it came to Emily.

"Ms. Rivers, here's the groom's suit. Please take it as well," the salesperson said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I took the suit and tossed it into the trunk.

Noticing how absent-minded I was, my friend dragged me out for some retail therapy. "Out with the old, in with the new. So, when are you going to break the news to him?"

"Today," I said.

I texted Michael and asked him out for dinner.

He replied only after quite a while: [Okay. You pick the place.]

I sent him the address. He didn't text back again.

My friend and I spent half the day walking around until our legs were about to give out, so we finally found a spot to sit and rest.

Just then, Michael called. There was noise in the background. "Jess, something came up. I'll be late tonight. Wait for me."