Chapter 1

Nine years ago, I gave up my scholarship and my spot at college to work twelve jobs a year, all to keep Liam in school.

Today was the day I finally saved enough for our destination wedding.

I went to his office, wanting to hand him the tickets myself.

I pushed the door open quietly, hoping to surprise him. But what I saw made my heart drop. Clothes were scattered everywhere, papers strewn across the floor, the whole place a mess.

His subordinate, Grace, was tangled up with him like a snake, moaning in a way that made my skin crawl.

Liam sneered, "Baby, Layla Vaughn's some uneducated girl working dead-end jobs. I'm a top student from Heathley College, now a regional manager at Valentine Jewelers. There's no way I'd ever end up with her. And that idiot thinks she can marry me? What a joke.

"Only a beauty like you is worthy of me."

My hands were shaking so hard that the tickets in my hand were crumpled beyond recognition. ‘A top student? Please. I could've gotten a full ride if I wanted, he had nothing on me. A beauty? Seriously? I used to be the girl everyone wanted.’

Instead of crying or making a scene, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number. "Hello, sir. I accept your terms. But first, I want a proper wedding."

Loved Liam for nine years, saved up every dollar for our wedding, and still, I couldn't outrun the fate of being betrayed.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a new message from him: [Hey, babe, I'm a bit short on cash. Can you spot me some of this month's living expenses?]

I dropped out of school and busted my ass at work so he could get his degree. Now he's had a job for five years, and he's still asking me for money.

I let out a cold laugh and sent his number straight to my blocklist.

I flattened out the wrinkled tickets, snapped a pic, and posted it to social media. [The tickets for the destination wedding are booked. Everyone is welcome to witness my wedding next week. Layla]

As soon as I hit post, my notifications blew up.

People started tagging Liam nonstop.

[Hey Liam, you sneaky guy. Hiding something this big from us until now?]

[Yeah, seriously, someone get the groom in here. What's with the bride announcing her wedding all by herself?]

[Is Liam so happy he passed out or what?]

[More like he's fuming. How's he supposed to flirt with his gorgeous, leggy subordinate now? LOL]

*****

All kinds of comments started popping up under my post, but I didn't bother with any of them. Liam was never going to be my main character again, and if he wanted to play the clown, that was his business.

Sure enough, ten minutes later, my phone rang. It was Liam, calling from his office landline. "Layla. What the hell? Why didn't you talk to me before posting that wedding announcement?

"And why can't I get through to you? Seriously, even if you're pissed, did you really have to block me?"

I couldn't help but feel both hurt and amused by his reaction. After nine years of supporting him without ever complaining, now he's got the nerve to call me petty.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "I've saved up enough for the wedding and the tickets, and I want to get married. Why can't I announce it?"

"Because Liam's with me now, honey." Grace's voice oozed with sarcasm through the phone.

Grace taunted over the phone, "We're getting married next week too, same time, same place. Are you seriously trying to go after the same guy as me?"

I was trembling, but her shamelessness actually made me laugh. 'Wait, did she just say they're getting married too?'

"Knock it off, Grace. And you, Layla, I said no, so that's final." Liam's voice was sharp with anger. "Didn't I tell you? I'm in the middle of my career right now. It's not the time for marriage."

"That's exactly why I went ahead and posted my own wedding announcement," I shot back, not bothering to hide the edge in my voice.

Not yours.

"Well, let me tell you, Grace is telling the truth. I'm not going, so if you don't mind making a fool of yourself..." Liam's voice was full of mockery.

No matter how much he yelled, I hung up on him.

Liam, go marry whoever you want. I'm the one kicking you out now.

I powered off my phone and got into the Rolls-Royce that had been waiting for me by the curb.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," I said to the driver. "Thanks for picking me up. Honestly, I have no idea how I would've gotten home by myself."

The driver replied respectfully, "Ms. Vaughn, there's no need to thank me. Mr. Valentine insisted. From now on, this car and I will be at your service."

I forced a bitter smile. If this were the old me, working twelve jobs just to survive, I would've felt like I'd finally made it, riding in a luxury car with my own driver.

But now, I was another woman left shattered after nine years of love and betrayal.

Nine years ago, Liam told me I was so talented and smart I'd shine anywhere, but he claimed college was his only shot at making something of himself.

I ignored everyone telling me not to, and gave up my full scholarship for my boyfriend who came from nothing. For a guy who was average, I worked twelve jobs a year to keep him afloat.

I handed over every penny I earned to him. For nine years, I never bought myself new clothes, never spent a dime on makeup or skincare. All that hustling left me looking worn out, even though I was only twenty-seven.

But he always said, once he'd saved up enough for the wedding, I'd finally get to be his wife.

Turns out, all that saving was for nothing, my dream went up in smoke.