Gone With the Secret

My sister, Yvette Smith, texted me a photo of some guy she wanted me to meet. I barely gave it a glance before closing the message.I texted her back.[Sure. Set it up, but give me three days to sort things out here.]I needed three days to say my goodbyes to that whole mess.My engagement party was hijacked and turned into a welcome party for Sophia Green. Sticking around was like being the punchline of a cruel joke.I tossed the ripped-up dress in the trash and got ready to head home.However, of course, Sophia just could not resist twisting the knife."Yoana, I'm so sorry about your engagement getting sidetracked. Simon just had to throw me a welcome party today, and I couldn't say no. Don't be mad, okay?"She strutted up to me, chin high, her smirk wide, making sure I did not miss the love bite on her neck.She was showing it off, waiting for me to lose it like I used to.Too bad for her. I was over it."Yeah, I don't mind," I replied, not giving her the satisfaction.H

Simon sounded cautious. "Yoana, don't get it wrong, I just ran out of time to grab a birthday gift for Sophia. I'll get you something way better later on.""Yeah, I get it. Making do isn't so bad."I was on the verge of marrying someone else anyway. Clinging to that ring would just be a constant thorn in my side.Simon let out a relieved breath before asking, "I caught your resignation letter. What's with the sudden exit?"He had seen it but had been too busy to care.I replied, "Need a break. I'm burnt out."He did not even pause as he responded, "Good call. Quit, stay home, and chill. I'll take care of you. Dinner's at our place later."My hand brushed over where my belly used to swell and I murmured, "Sure."I packed up and took a cab home.Simon, who never touched a pot or pan, had a feast laid out.One look told me it was all spicy fried chicken. My stomach churned at the thought. I could not handle spice with my gastritis.It was clearly not for me.Simon caught my ey

I glanced at the screen—it was Simon.Annoyed by the incessant ringing, I shut off the phone, slipped on my eye mask, and reclined my seat.I drifted into a deep sleep and had the sweetest dream.In that dream world, Sophia was nowhere to be seen. Simon and I were together, just as everyone imagined, and we were married.We had the perfect set of twins, a boy and a girl, and he adored me.Simon treated me like his princess, always taking me to the beach.Our family of four was truly blissful.I woke up with tears on my cheeks, the remnants of a dream too sweet to be true.The feelings hit me hard as I gazed out at the endless blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds.My throat ached from holding back sobs, and all the pent-up emotions I carried burst free.Was I really so terrible? Why did he have to do that to me?I curled up, my face hidden in the crook of my arm, and let the tears flow quietly.The lady next to me did not know my story, but she saw my pain and offered me a tis

Yvette channeled her rage into action, picking out a whole lineup of wedding dresses for me to try on.Then, out of the blue, Tracy video-called me."Yoana, didn't you tell Simon when you left?He just showed up out of nowhere, freaking out, asking where you were. I could tell you hadn't clued him in, so I didn't mention your wedding."Yoana, I've never seen Simon so rattled like he was today..."I never thought Simon would go to Tracy for info on me, but I just brushed it off. "Aunt Tracy, whatever he's up to, it's none of my business now."Tracy must have realized I was truly over it when she saw how unfazed I was.She let out a sigh. Then, her face brightened into a smile as she said, "Exactly, it doesn't matter. All that counts is your happiness."It looked like Tracy caught a glimpse of the wedding dress I was wearing, and her eyes sparkled. "Show me how you look in that dress, Yoana."Hearing her, I had Yvette hold up the phone and I did a little spin. "What do you think