Ryan spoke without hesitation, his voice as gentle as ever.
“Nora, are you confused because of the fever? How could I not love you? I would never betray you.”
His words, meant to soothe, felt like sharp needles pressing into my chest.
“You are my life,” he continued, his tone unwavering, “and the whole world knows it. Did someone say something to you?”
His eyes, however, betrayed him. Guilt lingered in their depths, contradicting the sincerity of his voice. Even now, he had chosen to lie.
My voice trembled as I asked, “Is it really just a rumor?”
He nodded without faltering. “Of course. I will love you forever,” he assured me again, the promise ringing hollow in my ears.
Love me? I thought bitterly. Yet for so many dark nights, he had been with Penelope.
Ryan and I had been childhood sweethearts. I still remembered the day, at just 18, when he couldn’t wait to confess his love for me. At 20, he’d crowned me his princess with a tiara of expensive diamonds.
The entire city knew of his devotion. People called us inseparable, the perfect couple.
When he had a near-fatal car accident, I didn’t hesitate to donate my bone marrow, ignoring the protests of everyone around me. Our bond had seemed unbreakable, a love story others envied.
Now, that once-glorious love felt like the cruelest joke.
“Nora,” his voice cut through my thoughts, “come with me to the auction later. They’re showcasing the Eternal Heart necklace—your favorite.”
Perhaps this was his way of hiding his betrayal, offering me trinkets to divert my attention. Or perhaps he thought he could buy my trust back.
Later, at the auction, I found a seat and quietly settled in. Ryan sat beside me, but before I could even process the moment, Penelope appeared, slipping gracefully into the seat on his other side.
She smiled at me, her expression deceptively innocent. “Good evening, Ms. Nora,” she greeted, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
Her presence was a brazen taunt, a silent declaration of her conquest.
I couldn’t bear to face her now, so I chose to ignore her entirely, pretending not to hear her greeting.
Penelope wasn’t fazed. She slowly let her smile fade, then turned with calculated grace and slipped her hand into Ryan’s.
They thought I was oblivious, but I saw everything. Every lingering glance, every silent exchange between them.
When the auctioneer announced the Eternal Heart necklace, Penelope audaciously joined the bidding war. She competed fiercely against Ryan, neither willing to back down.
In the end, Ryan secured it at a sky-high price.
Penelope shot me a meaningful glance, her lips curving into a smug smile before she feigned anger, stomped her feet, and walked away.
Ryan, without hesitation, excused himself, claiming he needed to retrieve the auction item.
I watched their retreating figures, one following the other, and no matter how much I tried to hold back, my tears began to fall.
Just then, the sharp ring of my phone shattered the silence, pulling me back to reality.
“Ms. Foster, your booking for our fake death service has been confirmed. The scheduled time is five days from now. At that time, we will provide you with a new identity.”
Five days. That’s our wedding day. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.
I dialed my college mentor’s number.
The moment he answered, his voice was filled with excitement.
“Nora! Are you finally planning to return for further studies? That’s wonderful news. Don’t let me down this time.”
Five years ago, I gave up my chance to study abroad to take care of Ryan after his car accident. I sacrificed everything for him—my dreams, my future.
Not this time.
I smiled faintly, my voice steady. “No, Teacher. Not this time.”
“Good. I’ll welcome you with open arms whenever you’re ready.”
I had just ended the call when a familiar voice reached my ears.
“Mr. Mitchell, you promised to give me the necklace. Why are you hesitating now?”
Ryan’s response was curt. “The necklace is for Nora. Stop causing trouble.”
I turned towards the source of the voices and saw them. Penelope’s gaze locked onto mine. A sly smirk danced on her lips before she provocatively leaned in and kissed Ryan, her lips pressing boldly against his.
The sight was a knife to my heart, twisting and tearing, leaving me breathless.
I wanted to scream, to demand answers, to ask why they were tormenting me like this.
But I didn’t.
My upbringing and pride held me back, reminding me to stay composed. Yet, the pain was unbearable, a wound that refused to heal as they flaunted their betrayal so blatantly.
