Chapter 3
When I got home, I rinsed my wound with cold water until the sting faded.
I applied some ointment, then zipped up my suitcase.
My passport and visa were already tucked into the front compartment.
My flight to Prismere was scheduled for tonight.
My mentor had saved me a place in an advanced study program over there. This was my last shot at getting away.
My phone suddenly rang, shattering the silence in the room.
Edward's name flashed on the screen.
When I answered, he spoke with his usual air of superiority. "Lily's throwing a birthday party at Skyline Club tonight.
"Dress up and come over. And try not to look like you're sucking on lemons all the time.
"Everyone's going to be there. As for my wife, you should show up and help make things less awkward about the postponed engagement."
His tone was commanding, leaving no room for argument.
Back then, I would have secretly been thrilled by that word.
I would've bent over backwards for him, jumping at every little thing he wanted.
But now, it made me sick.
"Okay, I'll be there," I said.
For once, I agreed without hesitation.
Edward was clearly caught off guard, not expecting me to be so compliant.
"Smart move," he said.
After hanging up, I slipped into a totally unremarkable black dress.
No makeup, threw on a mask to cover up my sickly complexion.
When I got to the biggest private room at Skyline Club, the place was already packed and buzzing with noise.
In the center of the room stood a massive five-tiered cake.
Lily was dressed in a custom-made gown, standing next to Edward like a proud princess.
The moment I walked in, the whole room went dead silent.
Everyone's eyes flickered back and forth between the three of us, their faces full of barely concealed ridicule.
Edward stepped up to the stage and grabbed the microphone.
"Since it's Lily's birthday today, I've got an announcement to make," he said.
He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the room. "Starting tomorrow, Lily gets to stay at the lakeside duplex in the south of the city.
"Her dog's been keeping her up at night, and that place is quiet—perfect for her to get some rest."
As soon as he said that, the whole room erupted.
Everyone knew that villa was the one I'd spent half a month with Edward, hunting for our wedding house together.
Every single piece of furniture in there, down to a single mug, was picked out by me.
Some of Edward's buddies, who'd always had it out for me, started whistling and making a scene.
"Edward's handing over the place he picked out for his wedding?" one of them snickered.
"Charlotte, you're seriously generous about this. If it were me, I'd be flipping the table," another chimed in.
Snide remarks and mocking laughter came at me from every direction.
Edward frowned, giving me a look that clearly warned me to behave.
He wanted me to play along and not make him look bad in front of everyone.
Lily, meanwhile, gave me an apologetic look. "Charlotte, I'm sorry. I never meant to crash in the place you and Edward picked out for your wedding.
"I promise, as soon as I start sleeping better, I'll move out right away."
I stood there, watching this whole pathetic act play out.
No anger, no hysteria.
I nodded, utterly composed.
"Sure, if you like it, go ahead and stay," I said.
With everyone stunned, I turned and walked straight out of the VIP room.
Without a moment's hesitation.
Outside the club, the ride I'd booked was already waiting by the curb. I slid into the back seat.
"Take me to the airport. Please, step on it," I said.
Neon lights raced past the window, and the city's silhouette slowly faded from sight.
When I got to the departure lounge, there was still an hour before my flight.
I pulled out my phone and opened up my chat with Edward.
The conversation was overflowing with messages.
Almost all of it was my daily rambling, checking in on him, while now and then, he'd toss back a curt, chilly reply.
Without a second thought, I cleared the chat history.
Then I unpinned the chat and disabled the couple profile link.
My finger hovered over the red delete contact button.
Without a moment's hesitation, I pressed it.
Along with all his social media accounts, and every last one of those party buddies in his contacts.
With a single tap, I blocked and deleted them all.
I pulled out the SIM card I'd used for eight years, snapped it in half, and tossed it straight into the trash.
The boarding call for my flight came over the speakers.
I grabbed my suitcase and headed for the security checkpoint, without a backward glance.
Goodbye, Edward.
I'm done playing this game.