Chapter 2 The Traitor

"I'm not mad. It's our big day. You should smile more." She held my hand and blew on it. "Did that slap hurt your hand? I'll put something on it. Get some sleep tonight," she said, her voice gentle. She was acting as if her betrayal had never happened.

I flung her hand away in disbelief, making her frown in displeasure. "I let you slap me. That should be enough."

My tears came again, and I couldn't stop them. "When did you change? Where's the woman who loved me with all her heart?"

Wendy didn't take my hand again. Instead, she sipped on her wine and slowly answered, "I've been more than generous with you, Ashton. You only came to me after you had your fun with Summer. You wanted something warm, something tender, and I gave all of that to you.

"You only have one kidney. I didn't complain about how you're used goods. Instead, all I did was cheat. Yet, that's all it takes to make you flip?"

I froze for what felt like an eternity before I answered, "But I never half-assed our relationship."

The look in her eyes was something I'd never seen before. It sent chills down my spine. She retorted, "I never did as well. I only approached Joe to avenge you. I wanted to sleep with him, take the pics, and show everyone the trash he really is."

She took a deep drag and breathed out a string of smoke. "But the more I do it, the more I get why Summer went for him and not you."

I shivered. "Why?"

She turned her eyes to me, and a small smile curled her lips. "She has a good eye. He's so much better than you."

The trembling stopped, and my blood froze. "Wendy, you…"

"He tattooed my name, and it expands when he does. I can see every letter bounce. It's exciting. You can't do that. You complain about the pain if I get too rough.

"I didn't want to touch the wound, but then I remembered you only took on that suffering for Summer, and… and I didn't like it."

Her voice was turning raspier with every passing moment. Her eyes were crimson enough that it felt as though she was one temper away from bursting her veins in her eyes. "How is she better than me? Why is it that she gets to win every time?"

I stared at Wendy as if she'd shed her human skin and revealed her grotesque form. The usually gentle and courteous woman was acting like a wench who had gone insane.

She flung the door open and wanted to leave, but she softened when she saw the tears on my face. "The stylist will change your clothes." Then, she left just like that. My eyes were puffy from all the crying.

I was holding that woman's hand and exchanging my marital vows with her in front of everyone just 10 minutes ago.

Now, my sight was blurred by my tears, and something sorrowful filled my heart.

The wound on my lower back was groaning again. Once again, I was faced with the same situation. Once again, I found myself at the same crossroads.

…

Somehow, my legs brought me home. When I opened the door, what met my eyes surprised me. The house was filled with the stuff I'd mentioned in passing—the limited-edition signed jersey I wanted to collect back in college, the vintage vinyl I stared at for a second too long, and even a limited-edition watch she asked someone to bring back from Soland.

All I did was leave a like on socials, and she went through all her connections for nearly a year to get it.

Everything was wrapped up in premium packaging and finished with an exquisite ribbon. 'Happy Wedding' was spread in the backdrop, and my eyes stung. My fingers were trembling when I called her. It went through after a few rings. "What is it?" she asked.

It took me everything I had to push my voice out. "Can you come home? We need to…"

She chuckled. "You lost again."

My mind was blank again. "What?"

Her laughter became a roar of hilarity. "I was talking to Joe. He said you're too dignified and would demand a divorce." After a beat, she continued with certainty, "I said you'd come to me."

Joe's mocking laughter was making my scalp tingle. "You're a loser, Ashton. I stole two of the most important women in your life away! How impotent could you be that you couldn't satisfy them?"

My soul was ripped in half, and the pain was making me shake. "I want a divorce, Wendy."

The call ended a long while later, but not my tears.

Then, the door swung open.

Wendy was back, and Joe had an arm around her waist. Hickeys littered all over her neck and chest only served to break my spirits further.

I charged ahead with my hand raised, but she grabbed my hand and shoved me out the door before I could land that slap. "Cool down, just like you did three years ago."

Then, the door slammed shut. I could feel the freezing rain pouring all over my head, causing me to shiver under the biting cold.

I had suffered the same rain three years ago. The woman who held up that umbrella was the very same one who pushed me into the depths of despair once more.