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 regained consciousness in a hospital room. The antiseptic odor irritated my nostrils, and my cranium ached. Jason was slumped in a seat next to me, his expression brightening as he realized I was awake.


"Hailey!" he cried out, seemingly relieved. "I never imagined... I never thought the vehicle would actually veer off course. I just wanted Paula to be victorious. That's all."


His words were quiet, filled with remorse.


Then, as if attempting to make amends, he gently caressed my cheek. "Why did you keep your overseas medical procedure a secret?"


In his grasp was a medical document. Brain tumor. Three years prior, I had departed to undergo an operation and battle for my existence. I hadn't informed him—I'd claimed I was studying in another country. I believed I was protecting him, but now it all seemed absurd.


I glared at him coldly. "What does it matter if I did?"


7#07