I kept scrolling, unable to stop myself. More comments poured in.
[Elliana, are you coming to the wedding? It’s going to be amazing! It’s all anyone’s talking about.]
[Elliana, you were always close with Amber, right? Will you be there to celebrate?]
I couldn’t even respond. There was too much to process. I’d spent years with Darren. Years of my life, thinking I knew him. How had I missed this?
The stream continued, Amber and Darren’s smiles burning into my brain. I felt a sick twist in my gut as Amber blew him a kiss, and he returned it without a second thought.
I snapped out of my trance and quickly texted my assistant.
Me: "Cancel the rest of my meetings for today. I need to take care of something."
I grabbed my keys without another word. If Darren thought he could go ahead with this wedding, if he thought I wouldn’t find out, he was wrong. I had to see it for myself. I had to confront him.
Two days. That’s how long I had to prepare myself for what was coming.
***
Two days later, I found myself driving my sleek black sports car—the same one Darren's used to borrow often. It felt strange to be in the driver’s seat instead of him, but something about it felt right, like I was reclaiming a part of what was mine. I needed answers!
The wedding venue was on the outskirts of town, tucked away behind a set of tall iron gates, surrounded by gardens and towering oak trees. As I parked, I noticed the crowd gathering outside. There was no mistaking the lavishness of the event.
I walked past the rows of luxury cars, making my way toward the entrance, where a massive banner hung overhead: "Warmly Welcoming Mr. Herault, CEO of International Group of Companies, to the Wedding!"
I felt a wave of nausea hit me. So that’s what this was all about! All this time, I thought I was the one helping Darren get ahead, but really, he’d been using me the whole time. And now, here he was, planning to marry Amber, showing off his connection to a successful, well-known entrepreneur.
Inside, the chatter was nonstop. I scanned the crowd, spotting familiar faces from my past. Everyone was here for Amber, all here to watch her step into a new life with Darren. I hung back near the back, unnoticed at first.
Amber stood under the big banner, glowing in her white wedding gown. The crowd buzzed around her, all excited and envious.