At the time, I truly believed him. I thought I was just being paranoid, imagining things. Now, I realized how wrong I had been. I had been so blind.
I squeezed my eyes shut, and took a deep breath, trying to clear my mind. When I opened them again, the sadness in my eyes had been replaced by a calm determination.
My phone vibrated.
Right there, Jason’s name flashed on the screen.
[Emma, I’m sorry. I was wrong earlier. I shouldn’t have hit you. Please don’t be mad. Come back... it’s cold outside.]
His message stung, but I couldn’t help but feel a cold resolve setting in.
Emma's POV
I scoffed and quickly typed a reply: [No need, I’m staying at a hotel tonight.]
It didn’t take long for Jason to respond.
[Emma, don’t make a scene. What hotel are you staying at so late? Be a good girl and come back.]
I paused for a moment, but with all the resolve I had left, I typed: [Jason, let’s break up.]
The wedding was just a month away. Invitations had already gone out, the photos had already been taken, the banquet had been booked, and everything was set. I was just waiting to become a bride.
Now, it all felt like a cruel joke.
Out of nowhere, a black Maybach pulled up in front of me. The window slowly rolled down, revealing a familiar face.
It was Chase.
He quickly stepped out, his face etched with concern. "Emma, are you okay? That jerk Jason, how could he hit you?"
As he spoke, he removed his coat and draped it over my shoulders.
The faint scent of his cologne—something unfamiliar but comforting—brought a small amount of peace to my shattered heart.
"I... I’m planning to break off my engagement with Jason," I said, my voice a little shaky but firm.
Chase stopped in his tracks for a brief moment, a flicker of surprise passing over his face before it quickly settled into a calm, concerned expression.
He then asked, "Emma, are you really sure? This isn’t something small."
Taking a deep breath, I answered with more conviction than I felt, "I’m sure. I don’t want to be lied to anymore, and I can’t keep wasting my time."
...
The next morning, I called the wedding planner and canceled everything—everything. I also informed all the guests.
Emily, the wedding planner, nearly cried when I told her over the phone. She went on about penalties, losses, and how "absurd" it was that I was backing out at the last minute.