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

That evening, Jason informed me I'd be sleeping in the spare room. His justification?


"Paula's not accustomed to staying here."


I observed him enthusiastically guiding Paula to the main bedroom and casually inquired, "So, you're sharing a bed with her now?"


He recoiled, as if caught in the act. "Absolutely not. Paula just gets anxious alone at night, so I'll keep her company. I'll sleep on the floor—don't misunderstand."


I remained silent. However, later that night, through the thin walls, I detected the unmistakable sounds of muffled groans and the bed frame shaking vigorously.


The following morning, Jason emerged from the room looking invigorated and content, while Paula clung to his side, her cheeks rosy with bashful happiness.


During breakfast, Paula suddenly brightened and suggested, "Why don't we go go-kart racing today?"


Her words struck me like a blow. Go-karts—an activity that had once been special to us.


I fell for Jason because of racing. In the past, during a chaotic event, a vehicle had lost control and careened into the spectators. Jason had shielded me from the impact, ending up in the hospital as a result.


That day, I vowed to marry him. And he had made the same promise to me.


Now, watching him sit next to Paula, smiling warmly, the recollection left me feeling bitter.


Paula unexpectedly turned to me, her tone saccharine yet cutting. "Hailey, you ought to join us."


I began to decline, but Jason shot me an annoyed look.


"Stop acting like you're at a wake. Don't spoil the atmosphere."


Before I could respond, he grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the vehicle.


Paula promptly claimed the front seat, leaving me no option but to sit in the back. I didn't mind. I had more pressing matters—I answered a call and spoke softly, disregarding their banter.


"Hailey," my mother's voice came through, "let's schedule the wedding for four weeks from now."


5#05