ManyWriters

A mere seven days before the nuptials, heavy snowfall rendered the roads impassable. Luckily, I had preemptively filled the house with provisions.
Clyde welcomed his old flame and began cohabiting with her.
He cunningly persuaded me to reside at a companion's vacation home, which was devoid of sustenance and refreshments.
He and his former sweetheart ostentatiously displayed their sumptuous meals on Instagram Stories each day.
I endured hunger in the lodge, bereft of food, water, and electrical power.
Once the roads were cleared, he dispatched urgent messages during the wedding preparations.
I had already retreated to my family's residence. I sent him a communication stating, "I'll allow you two to be together."

A Snowy Nightmare

The mobile device was inactive at that particular time.


The temperature outside had plummeted to negative ten degrees, causing my fingers to become so rigid I couldn't extend them.


I realized that staying here without utilities would likely result in my demise.


Aware that my vehicle still had some fuel, I entered it, allowed my phone to charge briefly, and contacted my closest companion.


My friend assured me they would dispatch someone to assist immediately.


Within thirty minutes, my friend sent a snow removal vehicle and an all-terrain automobile.


I proceeded with the snowplow in the lead and the off-road vehicle following behind. Eventually, at 10:30 PM, I managed to traverse 20 to 30 miles to reach my residence.


Upon my arrival, Clyde's expression became stern. He gestured to the security personnel to prevent my entry.


"Angela, it seems you misunderstood my previous statement. Why do you persist in disrupting Betty and me?"


Clyde's icy gaze made me consider retreating to the off-road vehicle. However, I had purchased all the supplies stored here for the snowstorm, and my personal belongings were inside. Why should I depart?


After a decade of looking after him, does he truly intend to force me out during this severe weather? I gazed at Clyde sorrowfully and inquired with a quivering voice,


"Clyde, this is the nearest place where I can find warmth. I haven't eaten for twelve hours and I'm on the verge of hypothermia. Do you genuinely want me to perish outside?"


Clyde observed my shaking form, then signaled for the guards to withdraw.


"Very well. You may rest in the caretaker's quarters on the ground floor."


"The upper level is Betty's and my private pre-matrimonial space for this week. Do not disturb us, or the wedding will be called off."


I watched Clyde's rigid posture as he ascended the stairs to charge my phone.


Once the blizzard subsides, I'll book a flight and leave without hesitation.


I had always believed that my ten years of devotion led Clyde to accept me, but I now realize he still views marrying me as a torturous obligation to fulfill his parents' arrangement.


If that's the case, I'd rather release him. I don't wish to be the source of his misery.


After charging my device, I went to my upstairs bedroom to collect my belongings.


As I opened the door, I witnessed Clyde embracing Betty, posing for wedding photographs in the bridal suite I had meticulously prepared.


The bridal gown Betty wore was designed and crafted by my mother, a fashion designer.


The jewelry adorning her was an heirloom green jade set passed down through my grandmother's lineage. My grandmother had given it to me upon my engagement, intending it to be a lifelong treasure.


It represented my grandmother's affection for me. I rushed towards Betty.


"Why are you handling my possessions without my permission?"


Betty appeared like a startled rabbit, cowering in Clyde's embrace, her eyes brimming with tears that fell onto Clyde's attire.


This suit was a high-end piece I had commissioned from my mother's atelier, carefully constructed under her guidance.


Clyde held Betty tightly, drying her tears with his sleeve, and regarded me with a disapproving look.


"Angela, it's merely a wedding dress. Why are you reacting this way? Betty simply wanted to take a wedding photo with me before we depart."


"After all, you did obtain the marriage certificate with me, didn't you?"


Betty pressed closer to Clyde, nodding dolefully.


"Angela, please don't fault Clyde. I've never worn such an exquisite wedding gown. If I can't marry Clyde, I might never marry again in my life. I may never have another chance to wear a wedding dress."


"So, when I saw it, I couldn't help but weep. Clyde was kind enough to allow me to wear it and take wedding photos with him."


Chapter 2