ManyWriters

The moment I discovered my pregnancy, I was overcome with joy and anticipation, eagerly planning how to reveal the news to Ray. I envisioned an intimate dinner, with candlelight and the sonogram tucked away for him to find. However, my plans were shattered before I could even begin.
Arriving home unexpectedly, I overheard voices coming from Ray's office. I hesitated by the entrance, my pulse quickening. While it wasn't uncommon for Ray to entertain guests, something in his tone made me linger silently, eavesdropping.
"You've maintained that young woman as your mistress for half a decade. Don't you intend to legitimize her position?" one of his companions jested, his words laced with sarcasm.
Ray let out a chuckle, the sound piercing me like shards of broken glass. "If Susan were to find out, she'd surely leave me. I can't afford that risk."
Their amusement erupted, filling the space like a cruel chorus. One voice stood out, oozing with admiration. "You're quite the cunning one, aren't you? Even your infidelity is meticulously orchestrated."
Each word felt like a stab, each more painful than the last. With trembling hands, I pushed the door open, stepping into their circle of casual camaraderie. Ray glanced up, his smile unwavering, as if nothing had transpired. He slipped a ring onto my finger with practiced ease.
"The wedding is scheduled for next month," he declared, his voice brimming with rehearsed enthusiasm. "I have to work late tonight, so go enjoy trying on wedding gowns. I'll see you later."
His touch lingered just long enough to make me nauseous. I knew the real reason for his absence. It wasn't work—it was Christine Brooks, the artist under his contract. He had reserved a romantic suite for them that night, another in a series of betrayals.
I suppressed the rising bile and forced a smile, playing the role of the unsuspecting fiancée. But inside, my heart was shattering into pieces I feared I could never reassemble.

Betrayed Before the Vows, A Bride's Heartbreak

As I stood in the airport security queue, my pocket buzzed repeatedly with Ray's incoming calls. I hesitated briefly before switching off my phone and tucking it away. Taking a deep breath, I moved forward. The scanner's metallic tone and the surrounding chatter seemed distant, drowned out by my racing heartbeat.


After retrieving my belongings, I carefully slipped on my shoes, moving deliberately. Among my items was a small velvet case housing my wedding band. I opened it one final time, observing the simple ring with its modest diamonds. Once a symbol of hope, it now felt like a burden I needed to shed. Without hesitation, I abandoned the case and walked away, never looking back.


The ring glinted under the harsh airport lighting as I vanished through the terminal. From this point on, Ray and I were strangers—with no path to reconnection.


Chapter 7