Chapter 8 Going From Home-Wrecker to the Real Deal

"What should I do now, Summer?" I stared blankly out the window, my gaze vacant.

For years, Liam was my entire world. My life had revolved around him. Now that he was out of the picture, I felt as if I had lost all purpose. I was clueless to what my existence could amount to or what was even worth doing anymore.

"Rina, he's nothing but a scumbag. You're better off knowing his true colors now rather than after the marriage." Summer sat next to me and her arms enveloped me. Her eyes brimmed with compassion.

"But it hurts, Summer. It hurts so much," I cried, clinging to her. My tears had dried up over the past few days, but the ache in my heart was as raw as ever.

"Rina, you're going to forget that jerk and find someone a thousand times better. Make that man regret ever letting you go." Summer's determined-filled eyes met mine.

At that vulnerable moment, I realized how lucky I was to have such a faithful friend. Without her comforting and encouraging words, I couldn’t fathom how I would’ve made it through any of this.

"Come on. Let's get dolled up. We're going on a shopping spree. After today, that jerk will be ancient history." Summer yanked me out of the bed, urging me to get ready.

We made our way to the nearest shopping mall and wandered through the women's clothing section. This mall was said to be under Liam's company. The connection made me instinctively resist, but Summer held onto me tightly. Though reluctant, I knew Summer was trying to help me heal, so I decided to tough it out.

We roamed through the aisles, and Summer’s arms started weighing down with shopping bags. I, on the other hand, bought nothing. I was just not in the mood.

Suddenly, I spotted the silhouette of a happy couple not too far in the distance. It was Liam and Julia. My heart sank, and in a nervous move, I seized Summer and signaled that it was time to leave.

"Why are you pulling me, Rina? I'm not done shopping."

Oblivious to the couple nearing us, Summer was confused by my sudden urgency.

"Let's go somewhere else. I don't want to be here anymore."

Keeping my back to Liam and Julia, I tried to make myself invisible.

Summer's eyebrows knit together, her gaze filled with confusion at my abrupt change in demeanor. Just as she opened her mouth to say something, the couple noticed me.

"Fancy bumping into you here. I see you’ve moved on pretty quickly from your heartbreak. Shopping after just a few days?" Julia’s words oozed sarcasm and an air of smugness.

Being prodded right where it hurts, I acutely felt the pain. But I refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing me hurt. This disgusting pair simply was not worth it.

Upon seeing Liam and Julia, Summer finally understood why I was trying to pull her away earlier. She stepped in front of me and acted as a shield. "What a sight for sore eyes. If it isn't the other woman herself. What's it like going from home-wrecker to the real deal?"