Chapter 1
On my wedding day, my fiancé, Zach Sullivan, dumped me and eloped with Mia Linwood, the fake heiress, just to fulfill her birthday wish—to finally get a boyfriend.
He left me at the altar, the laughingstock of everyone there.
Just when I was at my lowest, Andrew Foster, the golden boy in Leyton, famous for his detachment, descended like a miracle and stood by my side, finishing the wedding ceremony with me.
After we got married, Andrew treated me like I was the most precious thing in the world.
The once distant and untouchable Andrew finally gave in to worldly desires, and we ended up tangled together, night after night.
But then, one day, I accidentally overheard him talking with a friend.
He said, "Mia's birthday is coming up soon. She wants a private fireworks show this year. Make it happen. And keep Harriet out of it. I don't want her messing things up."
He went on, "Marrying Harriet was just to help Mia get what she wanted. Once Mia gets everything, I'll handle the rest."
At that moment, my heart broke completely.
Later, while Andrew was fast asleep, I snuck over and opened his safe.
It was filled with photos of Mia, and there was even a diary full of his lovesick ramblings about her.
Seeing the truth laid bare, I decided right then and there to fake my own death and vanish from his world.
He and I were done for good.
*****
Just a door between us, but I could hear every word he said, clear as day.
The man, who had talked in my ear in a husky and tender voice, now sounded icy and detached.
The conversation in the study kept going.
Andrew said, "Since Mia didn't pick me back then, all I can do now is make sure she never has anything to worry about.
"This is the only thing I can do for her."
His phone was on speaker, so I could hear every word the person on the other end said.
The person said, "I just don't get it. You've lived your whole life like a monk, and now you're getting tangled up in this mess for a fake heiress who stole Harriet's life.
"Is Mia really worth it? Harriet's a genuinely good girl. Don't hurt her. I can see she truly cares about you."
Andrew let out a sigh, his voice firm.
He replied without hesitation, "She's worth it.
"As for Harriet... I've already married her. I suppose I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to her—for lying to her like this."
Tears fell before I could even stop them.
I stood outside the door, forcing myself to listen, hurting with every word.
Andrew confessed his fierce, unyielding love for Mia.
He ended his solitary life for her sake—not for me, and certainly not out of love for me.
On the wedding day of Zach and me, Zach just left me at the altar with one line.
He said, "Mia's birthday wish was to get a boyfriend. I'm making it come true."
Just like that, I became the laughingstock of everyone there.
When I stood there in my wedding dress, not knowing what to do, Andrew descended like a miracle.
His face was flushed, but his words were unwavering. He told me, "I fell for you at first sight. Marrying you is an honor."
At that moment, I believed every word. I let myself believe.
Overnight, our marriage became the talk of the town. Everyone said we were the perfect match.
I'd been married to Andrew for seven years.
For those seven years, he spoiled me rotten.
In Leyton, everyone knew Andrew treated his wife like a precious treasure.
They even called him "the man who spoiled his wife beyond reason."
After we got married, the once distant and untouchable Andrew couldn't seem to get enough of me. We spent every night tangled up together.
Back then, I fell head over heels for him, lost in the love he showed me, never once questioning his feelings for me.
But now, those sweet memories cut deeper than any knife.
My legs felt like jelly as I stumbled back into my room, my mind racing as I ordered everything I'd need for my grand disappearing act.
Once the order went through, I tapped my phone, and it felt like the darkness closed in around me, swallowing up every last bit of hope.
Just five more days. If I could hold on that long, I'd vanish from Andrew's world forever, just like I'd planned.