Dear Ex, I Am Not Your Backup Anymore

Ellie’s P.O.V. The first whisper didn’t reach me. It brushed past me like wind, disappearing under the soft melody of violins and the scent of flowers decorating the grand hall. But the second whisper lingered. And then the third one… grew teeth. “…did you see that?” “…is that really her?” “…play it again.” My fingers tightened around the bouquet, petals trembling under my grip. “Calm down, Ellie.” I forced myself to breathe. “Weddings are overwhelming. Guests talk. It’s normal.” But this didn’t feel normal. Everything was exactly like I had dreamt about. Yet now, hundreds of eyes watched me with something between pity and disgust. And Jared… wasn’t even looking at me. Standing at the altar in his tailored black suit, he stared at his phone with a cold expression, just like everyone else in the room. I quickened my steps, nearly tripping over the hem of my gown before finally reaching him. “What’s going on?” I whispered. Jared slowly lifted his gaze. And stupidl

Ellie’s P.O.V. The moment I looked up, my heart paused. That man was not old. He wasn’t weak, fragile, or anything like the rumors surrounding Zackary Walton. The young man standing near the door looked handsome in a way that felt illegal. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in a black shirt with the top buttons undone. And those eyes… Amber! Not soft golden brown, but deep amber that glowed under the dim lights like something wild hiding beneath a human’s skin. For several seconds, my brain completely failed to function. This couldn’t be him… The entire city talked about Zackary Walton. He was a sick old man hidden from society after that scandalous downfall. But that man in his early thirties looked powerful enough to destroy people with a single glance. His observant gaze moved over me, scanning me unapologetically. I clutched the fabric of my gown and stood up, my voice steady. “A-Are you Zackary Walton?” He raised his eyes to face me, his

Ellie’s P.O.V. Exhaling sharply, I turned. Zack stood a few steps away, one hand in his pocket, the other loosely holding his phone. There wasn’t a speck of concern on his face. His keen gaze moved over my face, scanning me, as he added casually. “I came to visit Dad. Didn’t realize I had walked into a storm.” Heat crept up my neck. I looked away. “You can go back to your day. I don’t need an audience.” Although I expected him to leave, the sound of deliberate footsteps approached me. I glanced at the side. Zack moved beside me now, leaning against the car as his one arm rested casually along the roof. He inched closer, close enough that I could smell his expensive perfume. “I wasn’t aware this requires an invitation.” He whispered. “Next time, I will be careful.” I took a step back instinctively, my heart racing. To ignore that six feet three inches of pure masculinity, I reached into my bag and pulled out a tissue, focusing on wiping the last traces of t

Ellie’s P.O.V. What the hell was wrong with Zack? Anger coiled in my chest as his accusation played in my head on repeat, challenging my restraint. I couldn’t even believe he accused me of stealing his family property. Like how? How could I steal anything from him when my own life was in shambles? “Unbelievable! I groaned, pacing restlessly in my room, frustration boiling. Zack’s calm face flashed in my mind, his signature smirk pouring gasoline over the fire of fury. Zack Walton was rapidly becoming the biggest source of stress in my life. Lost in thoughts, I flinched as a sudden knock on the door interrupted my anger session. I paused. “Come in.” The door opened and the maid, Lilly, stepped inside, her posture as composed as ever. “Madam,” she said politely. “Can you please come to the living room and attend to a guest? He wishes to see Mr. Walton and…” Although she left her sentence incomplete, I understood it. My voice came out steadier, unlike the chaos inside

Ellie’s P.O.V.My mind barely rested after the message I sent to Maria. The possibility alone had left a bitter weight in my chest.And now, standing before the tall window watching the ambulance arrive…I had no energy left to untangle Jared and Alice’s secrets.Although Zack told me about his dad, I couldn’t trust him at all. But the moment that ambulance pulled through the mansion’s gate, it occurred to me.He wasn’t lying!That infuriating, arrogant man… had actually told the truth.I stood at the window, watching the staff moving quickly around, unloading equipment and stuff. My fingers curled around the grill. So, that was it.The man whose name I had signed beside.The man I married without seeing.The man who had turned my life upside down in a single night.My husband… It was time to meet him…A strange unease twisted inside me, making my heart heavy. Taking a steady breath, I walked out of the room to face my real life. The mansion felt different now, alive. Servants mo