Melody's Pov
I cried on the way. Elena stopped the car and covered the back of the road.
"I know it's hard, but I believe you are strong and will survive for yourself."
"Thank you, Elena. You protected and helped me out there."
Elena hugged me for a long time until I was in the middle and ran her car back to the airport.
I stared at the phone in my hand, my fingers hovering over the screen. It would only take one touch, and this whole thing would be over. One touch to wipe away the lies, destroying the perfect image Jeremy had been keeping.
With a bated breath, I hit the "Send" button.
Like a fire igniting a sea of gasoline, evidence of Jeremy and Lolita's affair spread within seconds. The photos of them that I often kept secretly, and I noticed suspicious expressions or gestures, photoshoot sessions, as well as those bikinis and also disgusting greeting cards - all plastered on the screen for many to see.
My hands trembled slightly, not from hesitation but because the anger I had been harboring finally found its way. I witnessed for myself how the upload started to explode. Notifications came in non-stop. Comments kept popping up.
"Gosh, this is really outrageous! I thought that Jeremy was loyal, but he turned out to be a jerk!"
"I've always been suspicious of Lolita, and it turns out to be true! Cheap girl!"
"Poor Melody. She doesn't deserve to be treated like this!"
Support came from all directions. The people who used to worship him now turned to blaspheme. His fans, who used to engage with Jeremy, now called him a traitor.
I smiled bitterly, regretting why ending my relationship needed to be like this.
Jeremy's name flashed on the screen. First call. I let him.
Second call, third. I stay put.
When the fourth ring rang, I immediately blocked his number. Then, my hands moved quickly, erasing all traces of his from my life. Social media, contacts, and even chats have been saved for years - I deleted them all without hesitation. The fifth-year trail of our relationship was wiped out in seconds.
I stare out the car window. The road to the airport seems blurry behind the dewy glass, or maybe my own eyes are starting to tear up. But I won't cry. Not anymore.
I took a deep breath, calming myself. This wasn't the end. This was a new beginning.
The car stopped in front of the departure gate. I stepped out with my chin up, carrying the hurt I'd hidden behind a deadpan expression. As I walked inside, I knew there was one thing I had to do - move on.
* * *
When I arrived at my hometown, I was immediately greeted by my mother, who stood at the arrival door with a warm smile.
"Melody!" Her voice was full of relief as she grabbed my hand, grasping it tightly. "You're okay, right? I saw all that news..."
I gave her a faint smile, trying to show that I was fine. "I've ended it, Mom."
Mom nodded understandingly. She didn't ask any further, just patted the back of my hand gently.
"We're home, Dear. You've been away from home too long."
I nodded, letting Mom lead me to the car. The distinctive atmosphere of the house I'd long left greeted me as I walked in. A distinct sense of warmth in Jeremy's cold, falsehood-filled mansion.
I hadn't had time to sit down when Mom spoke again.
"We have prepared everything for your wedding. Your father said the future man is someone very good. You will definitely like him. Tomorrow, we will have a meeting with them. I have also found a boutique wanting to buy a dress for you, dear!"
Wedding.
I almost forgot.
I just let go of a relationship that broke me, and now I have to step into another relationship that I don't even know yet.
My heart felt heavy. I looked at Mom, wanting to refuse, wanting to say that I wasn't ready. But on the other hand, what else could I do? I had to keep walking forward.
So, I smiled. A smile more meant for me than anyone.
"Okay, Mom, I'll go to the room first. After the break, I'll come back here," I said.
* * *
Morning came sooner than I expected. Sunlight filtered through the gap in the curtains, forcing me to open my eyes even though my body still felt tired. I sat on the edge of the bed, allowing myself a moment to ponder everything.
Last night, I could barely sleep. My mind continued to fill with images of the past and the uncertainty of the future. Jeremy, Lolita, and all their betrayals were already widespread. I had seen again how the comments on social media flooded the posts that exposed their affair. Everything grew hotter and more painful.
"Shameful! I used to idolize Jeremy, but it turns out he is just a bastard!"
"Poor Melody... has been loyal for years but betrayed instead. I hope she gets a better man!"
"That Lolita is very close to Melody, too, right? Crazy, she's really shameless!"
Every comment I read gave me satisfaction. I had no reason to regret my decision anymore. Jeremy had to accept the consequences of his actions.
I let out a long sigh, trying to get rid of the weight that was still left in my heart. Today, I had to face a new reality - wedding preparations.
I went downstairs, finding Mom already waiting for me with a cup of tea in her hand.
"Melody, let's have breakfast first. After that, we will go to the boutique to try on your wedding dress."
I nodded, sat down on the chair, and started scooping the warm porridge that had been prepared for me. However, as I tried to swallow, my stomach stung. I knew this wasn't because of the food but rather an anxiety that hadn't completely gone away.
"You still look pale," Mom said, studying my face. "Are you sure you're okay?"
I force a smile. "I'm good, Mom."
After breakfast, we left for the boutique that Dad had booked long ago. As soon as we arrived, a clerk immediately greeted us and took me to a special dressing room.
The wedding dress that had been prepared was really beautiful - an ivory white dress with soft floral embroidery details. I lifted it slowly, letting my fingers touch the fabric.
I put on the dress with the help of the boutique clerk, then stared at my reflection in the mirror.
I looked beautiful... but still, something felt empty.
Mom leaned closer, her eyes twinkling. "You look amazing, Melody."
I smiled a little, though I inwardly wondered - was I really ready for this?
* * *
Later that night, the family of the man I was set up with came over for dinner. I sat at the dining table with mixed feelings, waiting awkwardly as the front door finally opened.
I looked up and was surprised.
I feel like I know that face, but I don't know when I've ever met him.
My eyes widen, trying to confirm again, but it turns out he's doing the same, too. I can see that it's like he knows me too.
"Let me introduce my son," the man's father said. "Leonard Axelsen."
Leonard. The name felt unfamiliar, but his face was very familiar.
I took a deep breath. I didn't expect this meeting, but maybe fate was indeed rearranging my life.
Leonard came closer to me. He reached out his hand to me, then said softly, like a whisper, "Thank God, you're all right now.”
