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

The following morning, I woke up feeling famished. I hadn't eaten since my flight, so I decided to prepare some food. As I ate quietly, Jason shuffled into the kitchen, still sleepy and disheveled.


When he spotted me, his eyes grew wide with alarm. In one quick motion, he yanked the chopsticks from my grasp.


"What's going on?" I asked, taken aback.


He looked annoyed and explained, "Paula's a clean freak. If she finds out you used these, she won't eat anything."


He grumbled to himself, as if dealing with Paula was an impossible task. "You can't imagine how hard it is to keep her calm."


Suddenly, we heard the front door being unlocked.


Paula entered, looking uneasy, as if expecting something unpleasant.


"Paula!" Jason's face immediately brightened, and he hid the chopsticks behind him like a child caught misbehaving. "You're back! Have you changed your mind?"


Paula didn't respond to him. She walked straight ahead, speaking calmly but firmly. "I'm just here for my belongings. I'll leave once I've got them."


Jason's face showed sudden fear. He rushed in front of her, his voice shaky. "What do you mean, Paula? This is your home!"


"You're not an outsider, you'll never be one. You're my Paula." He clasped her hands and declared earnestly, "If anyone tries to make you leave, they'll have to get past me first!"


Paula's eyes welled up. "Do you really mean that?"


"Of course." Without hesitation, he wrapped her in a tight hug, carefully wiping her tears as if she were made of glass.


They acted like I wasn't there, but I didn't mind. I had my own agenda.


4#04