I watched him kiss Naomi's lips and tell her,

"I'll stay with you."

I watched the video, and my stomach churned violently. Before I could react, I had already vomited all over the floor.

When my friend rushed over, she just held me tight.

"Don't cry."

"Stella, this is a blessing in disguise. As long as you're not married yet, as long as you haven't signed the certificate—it's a blessing." She gripped my shoulders. "I'll expose those two right now for what they really are!"

She was ready to burn it all down, but I stopped her.

"The wedding still has to happen."

"You still want to marry that scumbag?"

"No." I looked at her, my tears finally spent. "Someone who betrays trust doesn't get to walk away clean."

"I won't let them walk away clean."

"I want them ruined. Disgraced."

I stayed at her place for a week. A full week.

Alex's messages came every day. Naomi went from demanding answers to sweet-talking me. I didn't know how much of it was real anymore.

It didn't matter.

I told Alex the wedding would proceed as planned. He was thrilled, wanted to see me immediately. I refused.

"Alex. In my family, the bride and groom don't see each other before the ceremony."

My parents backed me up. "That's how it's done."

So Alex sent flowers daily, texted constantly—every half hour, reporting his location to prove his devotion. "Babe, with a wife as beautiful as you, how could I ever look at anyone else?"

He thought it was over. He even joked about it.

"Someone like Naomi? She can't compare to you. What does she even have?"

I saved every message. Then I asked my friend, "Is everything ready?"

"Ready. Just waiting for the wedding."

The day arrived.

To show how much he cherished me, Alex hired photographers to capture everything. Even random coworkers got invited to toast the happy couple.

The venue was packed, buzzing with celebration.

I watched Alex, beaming, tell the event manager, "Let's begin."

The highlight reel he'd prepared played on the massive screen—us holding hands walking into the chapel, the moment before he kissed me.

Then the footage cut.

An Audi, rocking rhythmically.

Naomi's breathy voice filled the banquet hall. "Alex... let's have a baby."

Alex was on top of her, face flushed. "Just got rid of one and you want another? Naomi, admit it—you're shameless."