Chapter 6: Blueprints for a Broken Heart

Luke really started taking care of me seriously.

He bookmarked health forums on his iPad, watched YouTube videos about ovarian cysts, and sent me text reminders to take my vitamins. Every day, he made sure my prescription was refilled and that I was resting.

He even wanted to come with me to the hospital for a check-up.

I refused, saying I was embarrassed.

What a joke—that would give me away.

Meanwhile, Emily’s wedding planning was moving along step by step.

Every morning, Emily sent me short, concise texts—"Love the draft. Approve the menu. Change the lighting." She was very satisfied with my plan.

She told me at our next meeting, "Ms. Rachel, your design is even more stunning than I imagined."

I smiled and said nothing.

Some of the clever design ideas were from my own private stash.

I had originally wanted to use them for my wedding with Luke.

Now that there was no chance, I used them all for this grand wedding without hesitation.

While Emily’s best friend marveled, she was also a bit indignant.

She rolled her eyes dramatically. "Luke is too much—really acting like a hands-off boss?"

"He hasn’t shown up even once."

Emily didn’t care.

She shrugged, picking lint from her sleeve. "Men just don’t want to waste time on details. Let him be."

But I couldn’t help remembering how, when we bought the condo, Luke was so enthusiastic.

We spent every weekend going to furniture stores together. From wallpaper and tiles to every lamp and throw pillow, we picked them all by hand.

Back then, I really thought I’d found a treasure of a man.

Now that I think about it, it was just a ‘role-playing’ game for a rich kid.