Chapter 2 Cruel Fiance

"She can leave if she wants to. If she doesn't keep that attitude in check, life's going to be a lot harder than she wants it to be." Zach swung his hand dismissively and started helping Daisy try on the gown.

That man had forgotten that I was supposed to be his wife.

"It's not her fault, Zach. She's been really busy with the wedding. She didn't mean to throw a tantrum. And it's pouring out there. What if she gets drenched?"

Daisy pretended to care for me, but she didn't stop changing into the gown at all.

The rain was quickly turning into a downpour. Zach knew I hitched a ride in his car on the way here.

I couldn't get back to the countryside myself, but he still had the gall to say, "And that'll be a good lesson. I've spoiled her more than I should. She should know her place. She should never get jealous of you."

That was it. Those words slashed through any hesitance I had, and I ran headfirst into the rain.

Daisy posted a new story 15 minutes later. The caption read, "Another ride in Rolls-Royce Wraith. I really wanted to stand in the rain, but c'est la vie."

I recognized that car's interior.

The old me used to think that I should be happy that my boyfriend and best friend were getting along swimmingly. When I caught them flirting for the first time, I held my tongue. They took it as a sign to go further, and things kept getting worse from that point on.

I left no reaction or comment on that story.

I walked in the heavy rain for nearly an hour before I got home. My clothes were drenched, and I was freezing, but before I could even change, Zach texted me.

"Why aren't you at the restaurant? God, you're taking your time. Daisy and I are going ahead without you."

That reminded me. We promised to have a meal at an upscale restaurant after testing out that gown.

"Come on already. You always make us wait," he grumbled.

This wasn't the first time it'd happen. Daisy would always hitch a ride in his car whenever we made plans to have lunch or dinner, so they'd arrive before me.

I would have to set off alone from miles away, from where I worked. When I finally got there, the food was already half finished. Every time I tried to tell him he was being unfair, all I got in return was indifference.

"Of course, we started without you. Daisy's stomach isn't exactly the best. Keep giving me that attitude, and there won't even be leftovers next time."

The old me would've wept in silence and licked my wounds if she'd seen that message. This time, I turned my phone off without giving him a reply.

This wedding could go on without me. Daisy wanted to steal my fiancé? Well, I was going to give her that chance.

…

Midnight had come, but Zach wasn't home yet. I was curled up on the bed and wrapped myself in three layers of comforter. Yet, I still found myself shivering.

I tried to hold on, but I couldn't. Eventually, I called him, saying raspily, "Get me some flu remedy."

He stayed silent for a moment, then he answered coldly, "If you're strong enough to call, then you're strong enough to tough it out. I know what you're up to. I'm not falling for your lies and going home."

I heard music blaring and screeching on the other side, and there was a party going on in the background. Daisy snatched the phone away. She was tipsy as she babbled happily, "It's alright. He's with me. I'll keep an eye on him. He's not going to flirt with any other girl!"

She even sent me a photo as if she thought I wouldn't believe her. The audacity of her to send that picture, even after there was an obvious lipstick mark on Zach's lips, nearly made me turn violent.

"I've already sealed him. You can check his mark when he gets home. I went all out just for you. You're not mad, are you?"

I laughed at myself and shook my head. "I'm not." I ended the call and pushed myself up from the bed with all my might. Once my head stopped spinning, I started packing my stuff up.

Once I was done folding my final shirt, my mentor's text came. It was curt. "Sure, but you'd best be quick."

I booked a flight ticket immediately.