Vanessa’s POV
One day before our wedding anniversary, I found a receipt for a fancy restaurant reservation in Scott's desk drawer as well as a jewelry box, which, when I opened it, was a necklace with a pendulum "V". I was sure "V" was for Vanessa, for me. I thought Scott wanted to surprise me, so I prepared to buy a fancy dress for our special day.
When that day finally came, Scott didn’t even bother coming home. He vanished, with no calls, no texts, and nothing. Restless and uneasy, I rushed to the restaurant, hoping for answers.
But what I found shattered me.
He stood close to a woman I’d never seen before. She looked like a stranger, but he looked at her differently. Like she was his whole world, he took out the necklace. I recognized it instantly. It was the one I thought was for me.
And then, without shame, he clasped it around her neck and kissed her.
Not just a kiss. It was deep, slow, full of heat and madness. The kind of kiss that says you’re mine and I’ve been waiting for you.
As if I never existed.
And the worst part? His friends. People who knew me and knew our story cheered. They clapped and hooted like it was some fairytale ending. Praising them. Drowning them in approval like it was the most beautiful love story they'd ever seen.
I stood there, burning, broken, and invisible
I heard their words that made my body feel like it had no bones.
"Finally, they are together again after seven years of separation!"
"I have your back, Scott! Hurry up and marry her!"
"Scott has sacrificed for seven years, now they will be inseparable!"
My heart broke into pieces. I was unable to hear any longer. I checked Scott's social media and found an account called "Miracle1250" tagging him and his friends. The account posted a photo of Scott kissing her cheek with the caption. "Welcome party from my Sweetheart, very special. I can't wait, we will always be together after this."
My tears fell right away. My hands shook when I closed the phone. I turned quickly but bumped into a waitress who had just climbed the stairs carrying an order. We fell down the relatively high stairs and made a scene. My head stumbled on the floor. The last thing I saw was Scott's face and the woman's. He hugged the woman and covered her eyes like I was a monstrous figure. Then my gaze darkened.
When I regained consciousness, Scott was beside me. I heard him talking on the phone.
"Scott, why did you betray me?"
Scott glared at me.
"Shut up! Why do you always follow your brother away? You see, you have an accident now. Luckily, I noticed it and took you to the hospital! I will take care of the administration."
"What are you talking about?”
Scott didn't answer, he just left, and I couldn't hear the lies from his mouth anymore. I quickly reached into my bag for my cell phone and called my lawyer.
"Adrian, prepare the divorce file. I'm separating from Scott.”
***
“Are you one hundred percent sure? What's going on?"
"I can't take it anymore. He has betrayed me, so what else should I fight for? I want to get divorced and get away from him."
Why would I keep these five years if Scott didn't want me as his wife? I wasn't an option he could discard at any time.
"Well, if that's your decision. I'll make it. Come to the office."
I hung up the phone when Scott returned. He handed me a neck pillow.
"The doctor said you had a head wound. As a result, you could be in a coma. I had made a statement earlier about your transfer to a special ward. I was shocked when you suddenly opened your eyes and asked something strange."
I just realized it. So that's why he said it was so hard for me. He hoped I was unconscious so that I would forget what happened.
I did not expect that Scott had such a petty thought. Was the husband's reaction of being surprised that his wife had to snap? Shouldn't he hug me tightly and ask me how I felt? He still maintained his ego so as not to make our relationship public. In this precarious state, even I was left alone to correct the mistakes he made.
Scott had crossed the line. He betrayed me, and he wanted me to lose consciousness so he could have an affair.
But I don't want to give up. Not now.
"You haven't answered my question, have you?"
Scott rolled his eyes, as if taking my words for granted. He let out a short sigh and answered me.
"You fell on the stairs of the restaurant. I happened to have a reunion with my college friends. I forgot to tell you, so don't get me wrong. You shouldn't have come secretly."
I gave him a bitter smile. I didn't want to respond much. "Well, I regret coming. I won't do it again. Brother."
Scott's eyes narrowed. There seemed to be a big question mark on his forehead. He closed the door and sat on my bed.
"Are you still upset with me? We only act when we are outside, not when we are alone. Don't make fun of me, Vanessa."
Usually, I would have been scared if he had looked at me with that intimidating look in his eyes, but this time, I fought him off.
I shook my head, “No, I’m good. Looks like you like being called brother."
As Scott sat closer, he whispered, "You're free to behave at home, but not in public. You are my sister outside, not my wife. So don't act like we just did it. I have work and can't be with you. I hope you get well soon so we can get together at home again."
Scott just walked away without letting me say a word. His last words were so funny, he probably thought it was over. I never want to be a part of you again, Scott. It's over.
