For the Ten Years I Wasted

It was the photo we took at the bridal shop last week.Vicky Yeager was helping me fix my veil while chatting with me nonstop. In the mirror, she was smiling even more brightly than I was, as if she were the one getting married."Zoe Evans, you're so beautiful. Josh Clark is really the luckiest guy." Her voice choked suddenly.Josh stood not far away, looking down at his phone. When he heard his name, he looked up and gave us a gentle smile.Somehow, I found a hint of reluctance in that smile."You're exaggerating." I held Vicky's hand. "If it weren't for you insisting on bringing me here to try on wedding dresses, I might have just bought a random one.""How can that be?" Vicky widened her eyes. "My dearest baby's once-in-a-lifetime wedding has to be perfect!"She turned to look at Josh. "Don't you think so?"Josh put down his phone and walked over, naturally placing his arms around my shoulders. "How could it not be? Zoe looks stunning in whatever she wears, but this dress is

I stumbled into the bathroom and repeatedly rinsed my face with cold water, but I still could not calm down.My wedding would be held tomorrow. The invitations had been sent out, the hotel had been booked, and the wedding dress was hanging in the closet; everything was ready.I trembled as I tried to call Josh's number. Once, twice, thrice... No one answered.I stood there for a long time, stunned. Somehow, I called Vicky's number. It gave me the same busy tone; My heart almost sank right away.I could not understand it. When they were having fun together without telling me, did they ever feel a shred of guilt toward me? Or were they just enjoying the thrill and excitement of the affair?I knew Vicky was a travel blogger. She was used to filming wherever she went, and traces of her influence could be found on various platforms. I also knew that people who ran social media always had countless sub-accounts.I searched the hotel name and looked through the attached IP. Finally, I f

There was an eerie silence on the other end of the line. I could imagine their expressions — panic, confusion, and perhaps a hint of embarrassment after being exposed."Zoe, let me explain..." Josh's urgent voice came through.I simply hung up the phone and turned it off.The sky outside had already brightened up. This should have been the most beautiful day of my life.I stood up and began packing my luggage.The toothbrushes were placed side by side in the bathroom, the couple's mugs were on the coffee table in the living room, and his tie and my dress were still hanging together in the closet. Every detail pierced my heart like needles.I booked the earliest flight to Gardeenia as soon as possible. It was where the newly established branch of the company was. My manager, Gary Marshall, had asked me before if I wanted to expand the business there, but I had refused because of my wedding preparations. Now, it was just the right time.Before leaving, I took one last look at the

After Josh left, my life was peaceful again.Work gradually got on track, and I gradually adapted to my job at Gardeenia. I would sometimes think of the past, but I no longer felt heartbroken; all I felt was numbness.Vicky never contacted me, which was within my expectations. Someone as proud as she was would never admit her mistakes.One day, I received a call from an unfamiliar number."Is this Ms. Zoe Evans? We're from Gardeenia's police department." The other person's tone sounded serious.My heart skipped a beat. "Yes, I'm Zoe Evans. What's the matter?" "Mr. Josh Clark was targeted in what we suspect is an intentional injury case. He's currently in the hospital and specifically requested to see you."I froze, thinking, 'Intentional injury? Josh?'Although I had no feelings for him anymore, I still went to the hospital.In the ward, Josh had a bandage on his head and a cast on his left arm, looking disheveled. "Zoe..." He saw me, and his eyes lit up for a moment. "You'

After New Year's Day, I officially took over the management of the Gardeenia branch. Life was busy but fulfilling.Gabriel was a great colleague — professional, meticulous, yet humorous.We got along very well. Occasionally, we would have meals together, talking about work and also about life.He never asked about my past, and I rarely mentioned it either. This just-right distance was comfortable.One day in March, I received a call from Josh. It was the first time he had contacted me in over six months."Zoe, I'm getting married," he said.I paused for a moment. "Congratulations.""To Vicky," Josh added."Okay."There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line. "Is there nothing else you want to say?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible anticipation. I thought for a moment and replied, "I wish you both happiness."It was a genuine blessing.Since they had chosen each other, they should live a good life together rather than torment others