Chapter 8: Goodbyes and New Beginnings

Coming out of my memories, the proud, elegant heiress before me overlapped with the down-and-out ex-girlfriend in my mind.

She looked just the same—eyes burning, lips curled. Only the setting had changed.

Actually, she never changed. Only I did.

Maybe she was always waiting for me to break first.

Natalie frowned at me. "Why aren’t you saying anything? Too ashamed to talk?"

She searched my face for any sign of guilt. She wouldn’t find it.

"There’s nothing to say. You should go back. Don’t keep your bride waiting."

I blinked, the dust in my eyes making me uncomfortable. I turned away from the wind, wiping the tears from the corners of my eyes.

The breeze stung, and my mascara threatened to smudge. I pressed my palm to my cheek, pretending it was just allergies.

Natalie sneered, taking out a ring box and flaunting it in front of me.

She opened it with a flourish, like she was unveiling a magic trick.

"Crying won’t help you now."

Her voice was a low hiss. I almost laughed.

"This ring—I bought it the day you broke up with me. Seventy thousand dollars."

She let the number hang in the air, daring me to react.

"The position of Mrs. Porter was supposed to be yours, but you’re not worthy. A gold-digger like you is only fit to be someone’s secret mistress."

Her words were meant to hurt, but I refused to give her that satisfaction.

"If you—"

Before she could finish, my phone rang.

I saw Marcus’s name flash across the screen. Relief flooded me.

I ignored her and answered.

My husband’s voice came through the line.

His tone was warm, familiar—like home. "When are you coming home? If you can, come back early. I’ll be home by seven. I’ve been on a business trip for half a month. I miss you."

I couldn’t help but smile.

His words felt like a lifeline. For a moment, everything else faded away.

"Okay, I’ll be back soon."

I deliberately used a sweet voice to call him "honey" before hanging up.

I could see Natalie’s jaw clench. I almost felt sorry for her.

When I looked up, Natalie’s face was dark.

She was biting the inside of her cheek, eyes narrowed.

"You’re married?"

She sounded incredulous—like the possibility had never even occurred to her.

"Impossible. We only broke up a year ago…"

She stared at me, as if searching for any sign I was lying.

I couldn’t help but laugh. "Why is it impossible? Aren’t you getting married today too?"

She blinked, thrown off balance.

"How is that the same? I…"

Her voice trailed off. She looked down at the ring box, lost for a moment.

Suddenly, something seemed to dawn on her. She laughed, "Rachel Lee, are you jealous?"

She tossed her hair back, as if she’d regained the upper hand.

"You made up a nonexistent man just to see if I still care about you, right? You’re not the first woman to try that on me."

She glanced at my bare finger, looking even more convinced.

Her eyes lingered on my left hand. I almost wanted to show her my driver’s license just to shut her up.

Some people are so full of themselves, it’s laughable.

I tried not to roll my eyes. How had I missed this side of her for so long?

Why didn’t I notice before just how self-absorbed she was?

All those little red flags, swept under the rug for love.

"Natalie Porter, I’m not joking. I’m really married."

I wanted to show her my diamond ring, but remembered I hadn’t brought it.

I’d left it in my jewelry box back home—too worried about losing it in a crowd like this. Marcus always teases me for being too careful.

Such a big diamond—I was afraid of losing it, and only wore it to important events with Marcus.

I’d have to text him a picture later, just for the story.

Forget it. I couldn’t be bothered to argue. I’m nothing to her now—why explain anything?

I’d wasted enough breath. My Uber was almost here.

"What, not going to keep pretending?"

Her voice was sharp, but I didn’t flinch.

"My ride’s here."

I saw the blue Prius roll up, the driver waving from the window. I exhaled, grateful.

The car pulled up. I didn’t waste another word, just turned and got in.

The seat was warm from the sun. I gave the driver the address and stared out the window, letting the city blur by.

In Natalie’s eyes, I probably looked like I was running away in defeat.

But really, I just wanted to go home—to something real, for once.

Behind me, the music swelled, and I wondered if anyone inside would notice the empty seat. Or if anyone ever really noticed me at all.

Just after I left, bridesmaid Erin walked over.

She wore a rose gold dress, drink in hand, watching Natalie with raised eyebrows.

"She’s gone, and you’re still standing here like a lovesick fool."

She nudged Natalie, voice teasing but not unkind.

"If I remember right, Rachel Lee is that gold-digging ex who dumped you, isn’t she? Didn’t expect she and Lillian would look so alike."

Natalie said nothing, which was as good as admitting it.

She stared at her shoes, lips pressed into a thin line.

Erin realized, "Don’t tell me you’re still carrying a torch for her. Nat, come on."

Her tone softened, concern flickering in her eyes.

"What about Lillian? The ceremony’s about to start, everyone’s waiting…"

The music was swelling from inside. Guests were finding their seats. The wedding coordinator waved from the door.

Natalie cut her off.

She straightened her shoulders, smoothing her dress. "Don’t worry. I’m not that pathetic. The wedding…"

She took a deep breath, preparing herself for the performance ahead, but I could see the cracks forming. Even the best actresses slip, sometimes.