Chapter 1

Darren and I had been together for six years, during which I had grown from a carefree young woman into someone nearing 30. Despite pressure from my family to marry, Darren kept putting it off. Just when I was about to give up hope, he proposed publicly a few weeks ago.

We had chosen this day as our special day. Just two days ago, Mom called me, saying excitedly, "CeeCee, I checked with a fortune teller. They said the day after tomorrow is perfect for registering your marriage!"

I agreed with a smile, and Darren overheard the conversation. He pulled me close, affectionately telling me that he would follow my lead in this matter. Yet yesterday, as the big day approached, he was suddenly packing for a trip.

Before departing, Darren even stroked my head lovingly and assured me, "Don't worry, it's just for a day. I'll be back in time for tomorrow, I promise."

His calm gaze worked its charm, and I swallowed the questions I wanted to ask. After that, I saw him off at the airport while maintaining a happy facade. Even last night, he insisted he was already at the airport for his return flight when I called.

I woke up early, applied light makeup, and headed to the courthouse with my documents. I was eager and hopeful for our future, envisioning our happy life together.

As time ticked by, the fresh roses I held gradually wilted. I called Darren countless times, but there was no answer.

Concerned something might have happened, I called his coworker, who was supposedly on a trip with him too. As I casually inquired about the trip, I discovered there was no such thing at all.

"I heard Mr. Preston took a week off just to prepare for the wedding. Don't forget to invite me!"

I forced a laugh and responded, "Of course." Then, I hung up the call. Despite everything, a part of me still clung to the hope that Darren might be planning a surprise.

Sadly, I returned home only to find the place empty and dark. No surprise awaited me. I slumped into the chair, trying to figure out what Darren was up to. As my mind wandered, a sudden notification brought me back to the present.

It was a message from Darren, "Something came up at work, and I can't make it back. Let's reschedule."

"Okay," I replied simply before opening Instagram.

There, I saw a post from Darren's childhood friend. The caption read, "Thanks for the birthday gift, Darren!"

It was taken at a tropical beach, with a woman in a sexy swimsuit under palm trees, wearing a sun hat and carrying a limited-edition handbag. From the reflection in her sunglasses, I could see a muscular man taking her photo.

It was unmistakably Darren. So, this was what he meant by something had come up at work. I scrolled through the comments, which were flooded with envy as they wished they had someone like Darren in their lives.

I could not help but laugh bitterly at how foolish I was. Just moments ago, I had been worried something had happened to him. Even when I discovered he was lying, I was still making excuses for him.

If someone needed an example of a fool, they could just point at me. My chest ached as the memories of our six years together flashed through my mind. Throughout our sweet moments together, there had always been an unwelcome third party—his childhood friend, Lily Park.

Lily was orphaned at a young age and raised by Darren's family. The two grew up like siblings, sharing a close bond that often overshadowed my relationship with Darren. There were countless times Darren dropped everything for her.

On my birthday, Darren abandoned me mid-candle-blow because Lily mentioned a power outage at her place. During our dates, he would bring her along, claiming he could not leave her alone. Even when he proposed, he bought her a dress from the same collection as mine, saying she liked it too.

As memories flooded back, I recalled every argument about Lily that Darren had dismissed by saying she was just like a sister to him. The word now left a bitter taste in my mouth.

My heart sank as I realized Darren was on a tropical getaway with his so-called "sister" while I was waiting alone at the courthouse. I had wasted six years of my life with him. How many more could I waste?

Growing up without a father, I had always longed for a complete family and wanted to provide the same for my future children. I wiped away the tears that had unknowingly fallen, managing a bitter smile.

After liking the post, I messaged my friend, "Remember that blind date you mentioned? Set it up for me."

Meanwhile, Darren returned home three days later. He stood in the entryway with his luggage, expecting me to greet him. I sat expressionless on the couch, not sparing him a glance.

Noticing my indifference, he said first, "Cassie, I'm home."

I mumbled a response, continuing to watch TV. Darren could tell something was off, and he approached me after hanging his snow-covered coat.

He pulled me into his arms and asked softly, "Are you mad at me? Cassie, I'm sorry. The project was complicated."

I listened to his heartbeat, which was steady even when lying. I said flatly, "I saw Lily's post."

I didn't hesitate to expose him as I watched his reaction. I noticed that his face was clouded with annoyance at the mention of her name.

His voice was tinged with impatience as he replied, "Lily just happened to be there. I celebrated her birthday with her since I was around. How many times do I have to tell you? She's like a sister to me."

Just as I expected, he stuck to his usual excuse. "So, you had time to celebrate her birthday but couldn't spare a moment to call me?" I asked, struggling to keep my voice steady.

When I could not reach him, I became worried about his safety. Yet this was the response he gave me. I felt a lump in my throat, but I tried to compose myself, refusing to let myself cry in front of him.

Darren pressed his lips and stubbornly replied, "What difference does it make if I told you earlier or later? We couldn't register our marriage anyway."

As I looked at the man I had spent six years with, disappointment washed over me. I could not find the energy to argue anymore.

Just then, the doorbell rang. It was Lily, holding a large bag. She smiled sweetly at me and said, "Oh? Cassie, you're here too! I brought Darren's luggage, which he left at my place."

As she extended the bag to me, I noticed the rosary she was wearing—identical to the one Darren had given me years ago. The sight of it sent a chill through my heart.

Darren got me the rosary when he joined a 90-day pilgrimage. He even voluntarily fasted and abstained during that time. I thought the rosary was precious, a testament to his dedication and sincerity.

I was moved to tears when he gave it to me. He even said, "It's blessed by the priest, and I hope it can always keep you safe."

Apparently, what I thought was a gesture of deep love was not as unique as I had believed—he had given one to Lily too.

"I'm sorry, Cassie," Lily said, tilting her head apologetically with an innocent look in her eyes.

Chapter 2

"Darren knew it was my birthday and took me there to celebrate. You're not mad, are you?" Lily asked.

I remained silent, closing the door without a word. After that, Darren and I gave each other the silent treatment. This was a familiar pattern whenever we argued about Lily, but it usually only lasted three days before I would apologize.

This time was different. Before I went to bed that night, there was a loud banging on the door. Then came Darren's angry shout, "Carrie Stark!"

I opened the door, and he shoved his phone in my face. He accused, "How many times do I have to tell you? Lily is just my sister! Why are you always targeting her?"

I was confused and asked, "What are you talking about?"

"Don't play innocent! My mom says Lily's been acting strange since she went back. Now, her depression has flared up, and she's in the hospital!" Darren explained, showing me a photo of Lily lying weakly in a hospital bed, her wrists wrapped in thick bandages.

"I didn't say anything to her," I replied honestly. After all, we had not even talked.

But Darren did not believe me. He scoffed, grabbing my throat and snarling, "If anything happens to Lily, our wedding is off!"

I wanted to call him crazy, but I couldn't speak. As I struggled to breathe while trying to pry his hand off, Darren threw me to the ground.

He looked down at me coldly and growled, "We've been together for so long, and I still care for you. If you stop causing trouble for Lily, I might still consider marrying you."

With that, he stormed out and slammed the front door behind him. I sat on the floor, coughing and gasping for air. My heart had shattered into pieces. Without any evidence, he blamed me and acted out violently.

With trembling hands, I steadied myself against the wall. Then, I finally answered the phone that had been ringing non-stop.

"Cassie, it's been so long! Let's meet up for a drink."

It was Rae Wagner, my high school friend. She had just landed in Aureiville and would be leaving tomorrow after taking care of some business. I pulled myself together and agreed to meet her.

Rae had chosen an upscale bistro for our get-together, and she invited a few other friends who happened to be in Aureiville too. The atmosphere was relaxed as we caught up on each other's lives and reminisced about the good old days.

"Cassie, how are things with Darren? Are you married yet?" Rae asked, raising an eyebrow.

Darren and I were high school sweethearts. Later, we attended the same college, so everyone expected us to get married.

I pulled my turtleneck sweater higher, staring into my wine glass before downing it in one gulp. I replied, "No, and I don't think it's going to happen."

Tracy O'Reilley frowned and asked, "Is it you or him?"

"It's him," I answered quietly.

Tracy slammed her hand on the table, causing the glasses to tremble slightly. "Is it because of Lily? I warned you that she'd always come between you and Darren, but you wouldn't listen!"

I shook my head with a bitter smile. I remembered how I once thought Darren was just overly indulgent with his so-called sister.

"Lily?" At the mention of the name, Emma Lowe seemed to remember something. She pulled out her phone and played a video for us.

In it, Lily was frantically hitting a middle-aged man with her high heels. The man gripped her wrist tightly, telling bystanders, "Don't worry. She's my wife, and she's just throwing a tantrum. Mind your own business!"

Lily's eyes were filled with desperation as she pleaded for help, "No! He's lying! Please, someone help me!"

The video ended with a tall man stepping in and threatening to call the police. The man glared at Lily and whispered something threateningly in her ear before leaving.

"This video went viral in our area. Everyone's saying the guy's a psycho and we should be careful," Emma explained, her eyes full of pity. "I thought the woman looked familiar."

"It's her," I confirmed grimly. The woman in the video was unmistakably Lily, down to the clothes she wore.

Darren had once vaguely mentioned that Lily was harassed as a child, leaving her with deep psychological trauma. I realized her suicide attempt was probably connected to this incident.

"Enough about her! I've always said Darren was no good. When are you going to dump him?" Tracy interrupted, her face flushed from alcohol. She glared at me, as if ready to tear me apart if I said I still loved him.

Outside, it was beginning to drizzle. For some reason, the bruises on my neck ached dully.

I stared at the raindrops on the window and murmured, "Soon, I guess. In the next few days."

Darren did not contact me again until a week later. Lily's story had made the news, and I learned there had been developments. The report stated that the man had been committed to a psychiatric hospital, and the woman was now under her family's protection.

Darren must have learned the truth and realized he had wrongly accused me. Even so, he did not apologize when he called. Instead, he simply said he would be home for dinner that night.

I simply replied, "Oh. Is there anything else?"

The realtor stood beside me, waiting for me to sign the contract. After a final check, I signed my name.

Darren paused before speaking again, "Cassie, about that day..."

I waited silently for him to continue, but the apology never came.

He simply said, "Let's get married, Cassie. I'll meet you at the courthouse tomorrow."

I chuckled mockingly at myself, feeling a wave of sadness. His audacity made me wonder if I had been too lenient with him all these years.

After hurting me like this, he thought he could make it up to me with marriage. Nothing about his actions showed that he actually respected me, not even the slightest.

"No thanks," I replied firmly.

Darren's voice turned irritated. "What do you mean?"

I walked to the window, looking at Aureiville, the city I had called home for years. I moved here for Darren because his whole family lived here.

I even bought this apartment, hoping Mom could move in after we married so that I could take care of her. Looking back, I felt like a lousy daughter. Mom was aging, yet I was planning to move her to a strange city for my sake.

My thoughts were clearer than ever for the first time in my life. "We're done. It's over," I said decisively.

As Darren tried to respond, I heard Lily's voice in the background, calling for him urgently, "Darren! Darren, where are you?"

Darren hurriedly muttered, "Stop acting like this," before hanging up.

The realtor pretended not to have heard anything and smiled as he said, "Ms. Stark, the funds will be transferred within 24 hours."

I nodded, handing him the keys. "Thank you for your help."

Chapter 3

After selling the house, I drove back to the apartment I shared with Darren. Upon opening the door, I was greeted by darkness and silence. It seemed Darren had not been home in a while, likely spending all his time at the hospital with Lily.

I let out a bitter smile at the thought of it. Nonetheless, it was probably for the better. I didn't want to see him anyway.

Most of my belongings were in the guest room, where I would often retreat during our frequent arguments about Lily. Whenever we fought, I always ended up being the one to apologize first. As I packed, I couldn't help but laugh at how pathetic I had been.

I made sure to leave behind everything that reminded me of Darren. Two hours later, I was finally done. As I wiped the sweat from my forehead with a tissue, my phone rang—it was Mom.

"Hey, Mom."

Mom's voice was filled with joy and relief. "CeeCee, honey! How was the marriage registration? Have you and Darren set a wedding date yet?"

The words were stuck in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't seem to make a sound. After a long silence and Mom's confused prompts, I finally found my voice.

I choked out, "Mom, I'm not getting married."

"What happened, CeeCee? Is everything okay?" Mom's voice turned anxious.

I calmly explained, "Darren and I aren't right for each other."

Mom's tone instantly turned sharp as she questioned me, "CeeCee, you've been together for years! How can you say you're not right for each other now? Stop acting like a child. You're 27, for goodness sake!"

She did not even ask what happened. She just pushed for the wedding. Tears filled my eyes as I covered my mouth, trying to keep myself from sobbing.

It took me a moment to regain my composure, and I insisted, "Mom, I just don't want to get married anymore!"

However, my stubbornness only further fueled her frustration. She scolded, "CeeCee, what nonsense are you talking about? You can't throw away years of love just like that!"

"Yes, I can," I replied firmly.

Mom's tone suddenly sharpened, like she was about to say something else. But then, a dull thud echoed through the phone. I called out cautiously, but there was no response.

I immediately panicked and shouted, "Mom! Mom, are you okay? Answer me!"

Soon, I heard faint groans of pain coming through the speaker. My heart raced as I hung up and quickly checked the surveillance camera I had set up at home.

Perhaps I was too emotional, but my hands were trembling so badly that I dropped the phone. It rolled under the couch. I fell to my knees, scrambling to retrieve it.

On the screen, I saw Mom clutching her chest in pain, reaching for her medication on the table. I felt helpless, wishing I could jump through the screen and help her. Then, it hit me that I needed to call someone for help.

The only thought on my mind was saving Mom. I quickly dialed Aunt Betty, who lived in the same building as Mom.

"Please pick up! Please!" I prayed silently as each second stretched like an eternity.

Finally, Aunt Betty answered. I broke down sobbing like a helpless child, overwhelmed by a crushing weight. I cried out, "Aunt Betty, Mom's having an attack! Please help her! Hurry!"

Aunt Betty was startled and tried to calm me down as she rushed to my mom's unit. After hanging up, I called 911 and anxiously watched the surveillance feed, waiting for someone to arrive and help Mom.

At that moment, I deeply regretted moving to Aureiville, leaving Mom to live by herself. Now, I could only watch helplessly through a screen as she struggled. I cursed myself for breaking the news so carelessly, triggering an episode.

Self-blame and regret threatened to engulf me. I kept mumbling that I shouldn't have done that, that I was wrong and that there would never be a next time.

Finally, after two unbearable minutes, I heard the sound of beeping at the door as the password was being entered. Aunt Betty rushed in like a guardian angel, quickly giving Mom her medication.

I watched with relief as Mom's complexion improved. The incident seemed to have exhausted all of my strength, and my phone slipped from my hand, landing with a thud.

Later, Aunt Betty called to tell me Mom was out of danger. I asked her to accompany Mom to the hospital for a thorough check-up.

After hanging up, my rationality slowly returned, and my racing heart finally began to slow. I took a deep breath and resumed packing, more determined than ever to leave Aureiville.

While waiting for the courier, I was too focused on texting Aunt Betty for updates to notice Darren's arrival until I heard a bouquet hit the floor. Startled, I looked up to see him standing before me.

Darren was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, complete with a tie. His neatly combed back hair revealed his handsome features, also adding a hint of maturity to his overall look.

A bunch of vibrant roses lay at his feet. His eyes simmered with barely contained anger as he gritted out, "Cassie, what's the meaning of this?"

"I told you—we're done. Is that so hard to understand?" I retorted harshly. The emotional roller coaster over the past few days had left me with little patience.

Darren kicked the coffee table in rage, shattering the glass top. Then, he pointed at our discarded photos in the trash, shouting, "We're supposed to register our marriage today! What the hell are you trying to pull!"

So, that was why he was all dressed up. I had assumed he was making a grand gesture to welcome Lily home from the hospital.

"There's no need—" I began, but Darren cut me off.

"Didn't I agree to marry you? What more do you want? Haven't you had enough of this nonsense? How are you going to explain this to your mother?" he sneered.

The smug look on his face told me he was clearly aware of Mom's desperation to see me married. Even so, he chose to deliberately string me along for three years before reluctantly agreeing to marry me. My heart sank, wondering what kind of man I had fallen for.

I met Darren's gaze in silence, and his anger faded as he saw the lifelessness in my eyes. He softened his tone and coaxed, "I'm sorry about standing you up before. CeeCee, can we please stop fighting?"

I felt my resolve waver, not because of Darren but because of Mom. I feared another health scare if she learned about our breakup. I knew how desperately she wanted me to have a family, and she would undoubtedly prefer Darren over a stranger from a blind date.

The bruises on my neck warned me against agreeing, but the thought of Mom in the hospital made me hesitate. Just as I was wavering, an unexpected turn of events made the choice for me.