ManyWriters

I made my way back to Illinois discreetly, holding onto my bridal gown—a reminder of the vow Jason Grey and I had exchanged three years prior. My pulse quickened with excitement as I neared the location of our long-awaited meeting. Instead of the loving encounter I had envisioned, I walked into a shocking scene.
There stood Jason, his fingers interlaced with those of another woman. But this wasn't just any woman—she was an exact replica of me. A doppelganger.
They were in the midst of their betrothal ceremony.
The instant her watery gaze met mine, she became still, then burst into tears. Without uttering a word, she darted from the room, stumbling as if fleeing from a specter.
Jason turned to face me, anger evident in his attractive face. "Why must you look like that?" he barked. "You're causing distress to everyone!"
His harsh words cut deep. Before I could reply, the man I once believed in chased after his 'fiancée', abandoning me to embarrassment and confusion.
The gathering was merciless. Pointing fingers, hushed gossip turned to jeering laughter as I became the focus of their amusement. My supposed friends—familiar faces that once greeted me warmly—made no effort to conceal their contempt.
"Did you have to return and spoil everything? Wouldn't it have been better if you'd remained deceased overseas?"
"For all this time, Paula had to bear your likeness as if it were a hex. The moment you reappear, you bring chaos like a tempest."
"Offer an apology and show remorse, or our friendship is over."
Revulsion filled their eyes, but I remained unmoved. I allowed their words to slide off me like water off a duck's back. Without a backward glance, I phoned my mother.
"Mom," I said, my tone unwavering and icy, "I'll say yes to the Moore family's marriage proposal."
The room fell into shocked quiet as I exited, leaving their chatter and criticism behind. These so-called companions weren't deserving of my concern.

My Husband's Shocking Betrayal at the Altar

I paused momentarily. "One month? Very well."


My tone was composed, but beside me, Jason tensed up. "A month? What's this about?" he inquired forcefully.


I chose not to respond, and for once, he didn't persist.


At the racetrack, the crew burst into applause as Jason and Paula made their entrance.


Jason reflexively looked in my direction, seemingly worried about my reaction. But I remained impassive, which appeared to ease his concern.


It was then that the team noticed my presence. "Who's she?" someone asked inquisitively.


Over the past three years, all the familiar faces had been replaced. I didn't recognize anyone.


Before I could answer, Paula cheerfully linked her arm with mine and declared, "She's the escort I brought along."


Then she turned her saccharine gaze towards me. "Hailey, I've heard you were once an exceptional racer. How about a friendly competition?"


The team murmured in admiration. "Sister-in-law's friend? A professional racer? This should be fascinating!"


It had been ages since I'd gripped a steering wheel. The challenge ignited something within me. I accepted.


As I neared the vehicle, Jason approached, speaking softly. "Paula doesn't handle defeat well. Let her win. You owe her that much."


I fixed him with an icy, piercing stare. Without a word, I entered the car.


The engine roared to life, and as I pressed the accelerator, a rush of long-forgotten exhilaration coursed through me.


"Paula wants to win?" I thought. "She'll have to catch me first."


Unexpectedly, Jason announced over the radio that he would act as my navigator for the race. His voice crackled through the headset, steady and familiar as he guided me.


Despite myself, I began to rely on him. How could I not? Years ago, he was my navigator—my partner in every sense. The rhythm returned effortlessly, the unspoken understanding we had cultivated over six years resurfacing like muscle memory.


I overtook Paula within minutes, leaving her far behind.


Then, as I approached the final stretch, Jason's voice resonated in my ear.


"After this wide turn, it's a straight shot. Floor it and claim victory."


But it wasn't a straightaway—it was another turn. A sharp one.


The car smashed through the guardrail, rolled several times and came to a halt with a horrific impact. Agony ripped through my body as everything faded to black.


When I briefly regained consciousness, all I could hear was jubilation and merriment. Through hazy vision, I saw Paula encircled by the team, celebrating as if she were some sort of champion.


At the center of it all, Jason embraced her, planting a kiss on her forehead.


"Paula, I knew you'd emerge victorious!"


The realization struck me like a knife. Jason—my navigator—had deceived me. He had risked my life to ensure Paula's triumph.


The final image I saw before slipping back into unconsciousness was his beaming face.


6#06