Chapter 1

The rain poured down on me as I wandered aimlessly through the streets, feeling hollow and broken. Each drop of rain stung against my skin, but none of it compared to the ache in my heart.

I had never imagined Harvey would fall for another woman. Worse, he had even planned to swap brides on our wedding day. His expectation that I should share him with someone else stung even more.

Even though I was his fiancée, if he married Carrie first and only came back for me afterward, the world would see me as nothing more than a mistress.

He wanted two women at once, yet he never considered my feelings.

All the years we had spent growing up together as childhood sweethearts didn't matter to him like Carrie's place in his heart.

As I wrestled with these thoughts, I received a message from Harvey. "Darling, I miss you. Are you off work yet?"

I stared at the text blankly for a long while before composing myself and replying, "I'm working late until 10:00 pm tonight."

"Okay. Remember to drink plenty of water, or your stomach will hurt. I'll cook your favorite dish when you get back." His response came instantly and was full of care.

Tears blurred my vision. His care was genuine, but so was his betrayal.

…

After walking for a long time, I got exhausted and dragged myself home.

Before entering the bedroom, I heard Harvey's low and tender voice coming from within. "Please don't cry. It hurts me when you cry."

Then came Carrie's muffled sobs. "I can't help it. I don't want to marry Shawn, but he's forcing me into it."

The door was ajar. Through the narrow gap, I saw him reach out and gently wipe her tears away.

"Don't worry. I won't let you marry that useless man," he assured her.

She nodded and clutched his hand. "I believe you. I'll always stay with you."

Harvey smiled at her affectionately and teased, "Good. And you'll also give me children."

Carrie blushed instantly and threw herself into his arms. "But I am scared Angelina won't let me stay by your side. If she finds out, she'll definitely make a scene."

"Don't worry. She loves me a lot, so she'll forgive me." Harvey dismissed it without hesitation. Then, he paused before adding, "She knows we're friends, so I'll tell her I need to protect you, and she'll agree to let you take her place. With time, she'll slowly accept you."

Carrie's eyes flickered as she nodded. "You're right. Angelina listens to you completely and will do whatever you ask. So there's nothing to worry about."

"You're so lucky to marry your childhood sweetheart and the woman you love," she added with a smile tugging at her lips.

Pride flashed across his face at her words. Then, he pulled out a ring and slid it onto her finger.

My breath hitched. That ring was our wedding ring that Harvey had designed and spent a fortune on. It was supposed to symbolize our love, but he had given it to another woman.

Carrie's eyes sparked as she stared at him in shock. "Are you really giving it to me?"

Harvey nodded and stroked her hair. "Of course it's for you. You are my wife."

Upon hearing his words, she smiled sweetly and leaned to kiss him.

He responded eagerly by pulling her close and kissing her hungrily in the room I had decorated for our wedding night.

A wave of nausea surged through me, and bile rose in my throat at the repulsive sight. I clamped my mouth with trembling fingers, struggling to hold back a sound as my heart broke apart.

I lied about working late, and he brought Carrie into our bridal suite. What he did tonight was nothing short of betrayal.

Harvey assumed I would forgive him because I loved him too much to leave. But this time, he'd crossed a line, and I wouldn't tolerate his cheating.

Since his heart belonged to another woman, I no longer wanted him. If he wanted to marry Carrie, so be it. I would become Shawn's wife.