Alyssa's POV:
I was heading toward the lobby exit when my phone screen suddenly lit up. It was a text from Caden.
Caden: "Don't forget, I need you to attend the hospital's charity gala tonight. Dress decently, and don't talk to anyone important. Just smile and look pretty."
My blood instantly ran cold. "Don't talk to anyone important." He only cared that I stood next to him like a quiet accessory, never stealing the spotlight.
Just then, a familiar voice came from an alcove nearby: "Honey, I'm almost there. Just dealing with something." Caden had his back to me, talking on the phone.
Brianna walked around the corner, her smile radiant: "Caden! I just met a lovely lady, Alyssa."
Caden turned around, and his eyes briefly met mine. A trace of impatience flashed across his face, but it was quickly replaced by a gentle smile. He pulled Brianna close and kissed her forehead.
"My beautiful Brianna," he whispered, then lifted his phone. "It's fine, Mom. I'm with Brianna, and we're about to enjoy a romantic dinner. No, of course I'm not going to the gala. I have to accompany my fiancée."
He wasn't going to the gala. The very gala he had just texted me to "dress decently" for.
I remembered our third wedding anniversary last year. I cooked his favorite meal, wore a blue dress I usually saved for special occasions, and bought a bottle of cheap sparkling wine to pretend it was champagne. Caden came home late at night and didn't even glance at the dining table.
"Don't you know I have an important presentation tomorrow? I don't have time to play these boring games with you." He waved his hand and knocked over the wine glass. Cheap liquor and glass shards scattered across the floor, and he walked into the study without looking back.
Such a contrast shattered my heart into pieces.
Brianna took out an exquisite jewelry box from her tote bag: "Look at the gift Caden gave me today! As a thank you for helping him plan the proposal. It's an antique Cartier bracelet, very expensive."
The fine gold chain sparkled under the light. I stared blankly at that bracelet. I had seen it on a top-tier antique jewelry website; it cost a fortune. And I knew exactly where that money came from.
How disgusting!
Two months ago, a hundred and fifty thousand dollars was transferred out of my savings account. Caden said it was to buy "emergency research equipment" and that he would pay me back once his funding was approved.
He had sworn to me, "This is for our future, Alyssa."
That was my blood, sweat, and tears! Now it was all worn on the wrist of another woman.
Brianna noticed my silence and tilted her head. "Are you still thinking about that man who doesn't cherish you? My grandma used to say, where a man spends his money is where his heart is. If he's not willing to spend money on you, just tell him to get lost."
My phone buzzed again. Another text message.
Caden: "Make sure you transfer the rent tomorrow. Also, my dry-cleaning bill went over budget, remember to send a bit extra."
I stared at the screen, astounded by his shamelessness. While planning a romantic dinner and showing off a gift bought with my money, he was still limitlessly demanding more from me.
Brianna caught a glimpse of my screen. "Is it him? Still asking you for money? He's just a pathetic parasite, absolutely disgusting. Cut ties with him clean and just block him!"
This was advice for a stranger, yet it accurately pronounced the verdict on my reality. Cut ties clean, block him.
"You're right," I said, my voice not trembling in the slightest. "Thank you, Brianna. Thank you for making me see everything clearly."
I turned and left, no longer looking at the "engaged couple" immersed in their sweetness. My legs, which were weak just minutes ago, were now filled with strength.
I strode out of the dazzling lobby, thoroughly leaving Caden's lies behind me, and walked toward my own future.
