Chapter 1
Anna's POV
"Why would you do this to me?" I screamed, my voice echoing off the walls as I walked in on Jeremy and Bianca, both of them nearly undressed. The sight was a punch to my gut, and I felt the world tilt beneath me.
"Oh my God, Anna!" Jeremy panicked, scrambling to pull on his trousers. His eyes were wide with shock, but I could see the guilt lurking behind them. "What are you doing here?"
"Calm down, Anna," Bianca said, her tone icy as she stared me down from the bed, legs crossed under the duvet.
Ignoring her, I turned my focus to Jeremy. "What happened to trust, Jeremy?" My voice trembled with pain. "To think you could do this to me, Bianca." I shot a furious glance at her, but she remained unfazed, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Jeremy, please," I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice. "Look at me and tell me this is just a silly prank to rile me up."
He didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the floor, and my heart sank further.
"Is this scene not enough for you to understand that he doesn't need you anymore?" Bianca's voice dripped with satisfaction, her relaxed demeanor only fueling my anger.
"Will you let him speak for himself?" I thundered at her, my frustration boiling over.
"Jeremy, is this why you've been asking about Bianca lately? Why you've been so concerned about her?" I pressed, hoping to draw him out of his silence.
Bianca blushed, a mockery of innocence. "Aww, Jer, you've been worried about me?"
"Bianca is right, Anna," Jeremy finally spoke, his tone shifting. "If what you're seeing here isn't enough proof that our love was just fickle, then maybe you need to work on yourself."
The words hit me like a slap. I felt my heart shatter, but I fought back the tears. "Jeremy, are you saying you never loved me after all these years?"
"If that's the point you're making, then yes." His words were cold, and I could see the change in his demeanor.
Bianca let out a soft, mocking chuckle that only deepened my despair. "Bianca, since when has this all been going on?" I demanded, my voice barely above a whisper.
"You can't blame Jeremy for choosing the hotter friend, Anna. It's obvious every guy would die for me, and fortunately for me, Jeremy is one of them, right, Jeremy?" She looked at him expectantly.
"Yes, Bianca," he said, leaning over to kiss her in front of me. "You're the right choice. You've always been the right choice for me."
"I thought I was the right choice, Jeremy." My voice cracked, the weight of betrayal suffocating me.
"Then I lied to you, Anna. This…" he gestured toward Bianca, "…is true love."
"I can't believe you," I said, my voice lowering as the reality of the situation sank in.
"You better open your eyes, Anna. This is real life," Bianca snorted, her confidence infuriating me. "You fight for what you want. I fought for Jeremy, and I've gotten him. Go fight for someone who loves you because we both know it's not Jeremy."
"I am just wasting my time here with you two betrayers," I snapped, a tear finally escaping down my cheek.
"You should go now," Jeremy said, his tone harsh.
"The wedding's off!" I yelled, my heart racing as I stormed out of the hotel room, the weight of betrayal heavy on my shoulders.
---
It's been a month since that tragic day, and I've never felt so utterly betrayed in my life. Flashbacks of how blissful my wedding day was supposed to be haunt me, a cruel reminder of what I lost.
I found myself at a bar, drowning my sorrows in drink after drink, but nothing could erase the memories that tormented me. "Make it stop!" I screamed into the emptiness, frustration boiling over.
The sun shone brightly the next morning, the aftermath of rain clearing the sky and revealing a rainbow. I paused at the door, taking a deep breath as I looked up. "What a good way to start this beautiful day," I murmured to myself, but the sight only reminded me of the promise Jeremy made two months ago.
My wedding was supposed to be next week. I was on my way to pick up my wedding dress from the seamstress, excitement bubbling within me.
"Hey babe," I said, my heart racing as I pulled out my phone.
"Are you on your way yet?" Jeremy's voice was filled with excitement, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Just left the house! I'm so excited!" I squealed, my heart fluttering at the thought of our future together.
"Won't you be late for the dress fitting?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
"I feel like you're more excited than I am, Jer," I giggled, covering my mouth in delight.
Jeremy was the acting CEO of his family's company, where I worked alongside my best friend, Bianca.
"Have you heard from Bianca lately?" I asked casually, a hint of unease creeping in.
"It's not a bad idea to get to know more about my wife's best friend just before we get married, is it?" he replied, and I felt a knot form in my stomach.
"What happened to all the years we spent together in high school and college?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light.
"Are you saying Bianca is free to hate on me as her in-law?"
"Well, I didn't say that," I paused, considering. "It's not a bad idea," I chuckled, trying to shake off the unease.
"That's more like it, Anna," he yawned, and I could almost picture him stretching lazily.
"You just got up from bed?" I asked, smiling at the thought.
"You have no idea. I've been tired all day," he replied.
Just then, my phone beeped—a text from Bianca. A photo message.
"Hold on, Jer, I'll call you back," I said, my heart racing as I opened the message.
What I saw shattered every atom of my being.