After Huxley Betrayed Me at Our Wedding

After turning down Colby Harris' proposal for the 99th time, I was taken aback when I received a wedding invitation from him. The bride wasn't me, but his former flame, Georgina Lawrence. Feeling completely disillusioned, I impulsively accepted Huxley Griffin's proposal, a prominent figure in London society.

Huxley was so ecstatic that he organized a grand fireworks display, publicly announcing our engagement. I thought I had found someone who would bring me lifelong happiness. That was until I accidentally overheard a conversation between him and a friend.

"You really don't have that bad of a taste, but causing a car accident on the wedding day is a bit extreme, isn't it?" There was a cold chuckle that followed.

"It's about her rare blood type to treat Georgina. I've already devoted the rest of my life to this. What more can she want?"

"The title of Mrs. Griffin is just compensation for her being a walking blood bank."

In that moment, I realized my supposed happiness was nothing but a massive conspiracy, and the man I considered my savior was actually a predator aiming to drag me into an abyss.

Back in my room, I made an appointment for an abortion.

"Ms. Bailey, you have a rare blood type and a serious clotting disorder. An abortion is extremely risky for you. Are you certain about this?"

"I am sure. Please proceed with scheduling it."

I signed the consent form without hesitation, choosing to gamble my life on the operating table rather than be used as a blood source for Georgina by Huxley.

Dr. Zen Silva sighed and set the surgery for the following morning. As I left the doctor's office, I ran into Huxley.

He was holding a lunch box, with a faint trace of lipstick on his collar. Seeing me, he paused, then anxiously took my hand, asking with concern, "Adaline, what brings you to the hospital? Are you feeling unwell?"

I pulled my hand away, replying coolly, "I'm fine."

Seeing my distant demeanor, he frowned slightly, "Adaline, are you upset because I haven't been home much lately? Georgina's condition has been unstable, and her parents begged me to help. I couldn’t refuse."

"Don't worry, after we get married, I'll make time for you. Haven't you always wanted to visit those charming coastal towns? We can choose one for our honeymoon."

The genuine care and affection he showed were convincing. Knowing I was with Colby didn't deter him; he remained steadfastly by my side. Colby rejected me for Georgina 99 times, while Huxley proposed 99 times, humbling himself in pursuit of me despite his esteemed status. How could I not be moved?

So, after letting go of my obsession with Colby, I firmly chose Huxley, believing he would be my salvation and unwavering support. But it turned out his sincerity was all a facade. His proclaimed love for me was just to keep me close, ensuring I willingly offered my blood to Georgina.

I took a step back, saying, "Huxley, I won't be going on any honeymoon with you."

"Is it because you don't like the idea? It's okay, we can—"

I interrupted him, "Let’s cancel the wedding. I don't want to marry you."

Shock washed over Huxley's face, and the lunch box slipped from his hands. In panic, he tried to embrace me. "Adaline, you know I've dreamed of marrying you! Don't say things like that just to upset me!"

"Are you sure I'm the one you truly want to marry?" I broke free from his grasp, staring directly at him. "Why was my engagement ring made to Georgina's size, and why are her initials engraved inside?"

He hesitated, then anxiously explained, "I only asked her to help check the fit. It must have been a mistake by the jeweler regarding the size and engraving."

"If it bothers you, I'll contact the jeweler and have a new one made right away."

As he reached for his phone, I didn’t bother challenging his poor excuses. I brushed past him and started to leave.

Just as he attempted to grab my arm, Georgina's personalized ringtone blared. Whatever was said on the other end changed his expression dramatically. He forgot about me and rushed to her hospital room.

My gaze landed on the overturned lunch box, adorned with Georgina’s favorite crystals and engraved underneath with: [Huxley Griffin will always love Georgina Lawrence.]

I smirked bitterly. No wonder Huxley never let me touch that lunch box. Initially planning to just leave, a strange impulse took hold, and I followed him to Georgina's room.

The door was slightly ajar, and I could clearly hear Huxley’s voice inside.

"Georgina, just wait a couple more days. After Adaline and I are married, I'll make sure she comes every week to donate blood, so you won’t suffer like this."

"Huxley, I can't bear the thought of you marrying someone you don't love for my sake. It makes me feel utterly useless."

Georgina's voice trembled as she knocked her head lightly. Huxley immediately pulled her into a comforting embrace.

"Don't say such things about yourself, Georgina!" he reassured her, "If you’re not my bride, it doesn't matter who is. At least Adaline can help you."

"Georgina, let me ask you one last time: Are you really choosing Colby over me? Because if you choose me, I’ll even..." He hesitated before continuing, as Georgina quickly covered his mouth with her hand.

"Huxley, don’t say things like that. It would break Adaline’s heart if she knew."

"As long as I have a place in your heart, I'm content."

"Trust me, you’re the only one I love."

Before they could continue, I pulled out my phone to capture the scene, but Huxley noticed me.

Frowning, he released Georgina and approached with a dark expression, "What are you doing here?"

I let out a sarcastic laugh, "How else would I see just how shameless you both are, carrying on in a hospital room?"

Huxley's face darkened further, while Georgina feebly walked over, "Adaline, I know you’re upset with me for taking Colby and jealous of the wedding ring Huxley gave me, but you can't smear my name out of spite."

"I'm not well, and I refuse to let you unjustly accuse me. If you continue this unreasonable behavior, even Huxley won't like you."

When I inquired about the discrepancy in the ring size at the jewelry store, I learned Huxley had already taken the ring. I didn’t expect he’d immediately give it to Georgina.

Perhaps the ring was never meant for me from the beginning.

I let out a derisive chuckle. "Huxley moving on from me is exactly what you want, right?"

Since she was so keen on having my fiancé, I saw no reason not to give him up to her.

I turned and left without a backward glance.

Huxley made a move to follow me, but halted at Georgina’s startled cry.

While packing my things at home, the doorbell rang. Opening the door, a loud slap landed on my cheek.

"Adaline, I know you're upset I chose Georgina over you, but I didn’t expect you to be so vicious," Colby accused.

"Georgina is already unwell, yet you slander her and worsen her condition!"

He threw a pile of photos at my face with a scoff. My cheek stinging, I bent down to pick up a few from the floor, and when I saw them, my eyes widened in shock.

I wasn't startled by the intimate scenes of Huxley and Georgina; I recognized the photos were doctored. The original images featured me, taken before I uncovered the truth.

They were stored in my encrypted files, accessible only to someone with close access—Huxley.

In an instant, I knew who altered them and who sent them to Colby.

Huxley was willing to go to great lengths to frame me.

Colby’s gaze was ice-cold. "You can’t destroy what Georgina and I have with underhanded schemes."

"I didn’t anticipate such a fierce jealousy from you, not even sparing your fiancé from slander."

"Initially, I felt guilty about leaving you, but now I'm grateful I severed ties with a woman so venomous."

Even though I had long lost hope in him, his words cut deep, making my heart ache.

Just as I was about to retort, the elevator doors opened, and Huxley came out.

He saw the scattered photos and the mark on my cheek, but his expression remained unchanged as he apologized to Colby, "Adaline just misunderstood momentarily. I apologize on her behalf."

"Don't worry, I'll keep a better eye on her. Can we let this go, for my sake?"

Colby scoffed, dropping the subject but warned Huxley, "Marriage isn't a game. Think carefully; a woman with her malice will ruin your household."

Having seen through Huxley’s facade and realizing my misplaced trust, I slammed the door shut before he could speak.

Despite his knocks, I left the door closed.

I informed my parents about the canceled wedding immediately.

To no surprise, they rushed to my apartment the moment they received the news.

They didn’t ask for an explanation, opting instead to scold me: