When I woke up, everything smelled faintly of smoke and antiseptic. The ceiling above me was a bland hospital white, and for a moment I felt like I might suffocate under it. A nurse hovered at my side, checking the bandage on my wrist.
“You’re lucky,” she said softly, like it was some grand blessing. “The fire didn’t cause any permanent damage. You were saved in time.”
Saved? Lucky? If only she knew.
The flames didn’t really burn me. The betrayal did. Over and over, scorching deeper than any fire could reach.
I pressed my eyes shut, fighting the stinging behind my lids. I wanted to scream. But I didn’t. Not now, Camille. Hold it in.
Just then, the door swung open and Troy strolled in like he owned the place—like he still owned me. A pitying frown curved his lips as he reached out to touch my hair, like he could pretend he cared. His fingers brushed my cheek. I wanted to slap them away.
“Baby, how are you feeling?” he murmured. “You’re okay, right? You can’t be hurt, not now… you know our wedding is tomorrow.”
I stared at him, numb.
“Our wedding,” he repeated, like I hadn’t heard him the first time. “And the contract signing with the board. You know we can’t postpone that, Cam. It’s too important. You wouldn’t do that to me, right?”
I forced my lips to move. “Yes. I know.”
He gave me that smug, triumphant smile—like a victor securing his prize.
“Good girl.” He bent down, kissing my forehead like it meant something. “Rest up. We need you at your best tomorrow.” Then he left without another word, his shoes clicking down the corridor.
I drifted in and out of sleep, the hospital monitor beeping steadily. I should’ve felt something—fear, anger, grief. But all I felt was empty. Until my phone lit up on the side table.
A video. Troy and Trevor laughing in the limo, Jasmine draped across Troy’s lap in a dress I bought her, kissing him like I’d never existed. Like the wedding tomorrow was just another excuse for them to finish what they’d started years ago.
The next morning, the nurses fussed over me as they discharged me—bandages fresh, hair combed, makeup just enough to cover the bruises of sleepless nights. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. A ghost in white silk.
At the apartment, everything was chaos. Troy was already half-dressed in his suit, tie loose around his neck, Trevor helping him with his cufflinks. Jasmine floated around them like some pretty parasite, clinging to Trevor’s arm, dropping kisses on Troy’s cheek. I wanted to vomit.
“Oh!” Jasmine gasped suddenly, eyes sparkling at the tiny velvet box on my dresser. “Camille, this necklace… it’s beautiful. Can I borrow it?”
I froze. “It’s mine. It’s from my mother. I’m wearing it today.”
Troy clicked his tongue, snatching it up like it belonged to him. “Stop being selfish. She just wants to wear it for the photos. You know how Jasmine is. Be nice to her, yeah? It suits her.”
“It’s my wedding day—” I started, my voice cracking.
“Our wedding,” Troy snapped. He turned, pressing the necklace into Jasmine’s hands. “We will go ahead, so fix yourself.” He shot me a dark look. “Just don’t screw things up today, Cam. After the ceremony, we sign the papers, I get the company, and we’re all done, right? Meet us at the church. Don’t be late.”
He leaned in, lips brushing my ear. “And don’t embarrass me.”
Then they were gone—him, Trevor, Jasmine—like my life was a dirty coat they could toss aside when it didn’t fit anymore.
I stood there, alone, staring at the apartment. This place that my father built for me. For my future. Our future, once upon a time.
But now? There was nothing left here for me.
I didn’t waste a second. I went to my room. I packed my passport, the last of my clothes, the only jewelry that was truly mine.
A knock came at the door. My lawyer’s agent, just as promised. He’d brought the movers to clear the rest. The apartment was sold. The deal was done.
I took one last look around, then set a tiny cake on the table. I stabbed a candle into it, lit it, and watched the flame flicker. My goodbye gift. Beside it, I left the engagement ring—cold, metal, empty—and a note in bold marker:
I’m done with you. I’m marrying someone else. Be happy without me. Goodbye, my ex-fiancé.
When I stepped outside, the sun was warm on my face. A black car idled at the curb. Martin leaned against it, arms folded, that infuriating smirk playing at the edge of his lips. My sworn enemy since high school. My accidental savior.
“Ready, runaway bride?” he called.
“More than,” I smiled.
I slipped into the car, slammed the door shut, and watched my past blur in the rearview mirror as we drove to the airport.
