Chapter 3
Over the following days, I devoted myself to preparing for their wedding.
When Delilah wanted an indoor ceremony, I booked the venue in advance.
When she changed her mind and demanded an outdoor celebration, I went out in the snow and wind to scout locations.
She even insisted I be her bridesmaid, as if that could somehow stand in for the wedding Miles and I never had.
I agreed to everything.
When word got out, people sneered that I had no self-respect and that I would do anything just to remain his hidden mistress.
I let their words wash over me, focusing only on the tasks at hand.
All I wanted was to leave this place smoothly and return to where I truly belonged.
But three days before the wedding, something went wrong.
Delilah made a scene, claiming the heirloom pendant left to her by her mother had gone missing, and shortly after, it was "found" in my bedroom.
She demanded I be locked in the basement. No one objected, not even Miles.
Delilah looked down at me, a mocking smile on her lips. "Did you really think you could share a man with me? How pathetic."
I stayed silent, almost relieved.
The basement was dark, but at least it was free of all the mind games.
However, on the eve of the wedding, Miles unexpectedly showed up with my favorite snacks and a tube of ointment.
He sat beside me on the cold floor and gently applied the medicine to my wounds.
So he did know about the bruises covering my body.
His sigh broke the silence.
"Scarlett, you brought this on yourself.
"If you liked Delilah's pendant that much, you should have told me. I'd have gotten you an identical one.
"But stealing it... You know how she is. She wasn't going to let that slide."
I smiled faintly in the darkness.
So he believed I'd stolen it.
He was focused on applying the ointment and didn't see my expression.
"Delilah is being lenient, you know," he continued. "If she weren't, you'd be dealing with the police right now instead of sitting here.
"You won't be her bridesmaid tomorrow, but after the ceremony, you will apologize to her in front of all the guests.
"It will also formally acknowledge your... position with me.
"Delilah has promised me she'll be civil with you from now on."
I couldn't help but laugh softly at his words.
This time, he saw it clearly.
His brow furrowed in displeasure. "Scarlett, don't push your luck."
I simply nodded, unfazed, and unwrapped one of the snacks he'd brought.
"For the apology tomorrow," he added sternly, "I expect a deep bow. I want to see real sincerity."
I looked directly into his eyes. "Miles, I'm going home.
"After tomorrow, we will never see each other again."
"Scarlett," he snapped, his voice sharp with anger as he stared at me as if I'd uttered some unforgivable curse. "No matter what, you will apologize properly to Delilah tomorrow."
"Alright," I said.
Shooting me one last furious glare, he stood and left without another word.
I didn't understand why he was so angry.
I hadn't lied.
I really am going home.
I just never imagined it would happen like this.
The next day, the entire Guswe city was buzzing with excitement for the grand union of the Evans and Holmes families.
The Evans Estate was filled with laughter and celebration.
Only Bella remained with me in the bedroom, quietly weeping as if mourning the injustice on my behalf.
"Bella," I said softly, "I'd like some of those famous hamburgers from that shop in town. Are they still open?"
She quickly wiped her tears. "I'm sure they are, Mrs. Evans. I'll go get them for you right now."
The moment she left, the room fell into deep silence.
Our marriage certificate had long been torn to pieces.
Every trace of my presence in that room had been quietly cleared away.
I put on my hat, wrapped a scarf around my neck, and prepared to leave this place for good.