Chapter 1
The moment I decided to leave William Clark, I made three bold decisions. First, I posted all the expensive gifts he’d given me online for free–buyers just had to cover the shipping costs. Second, I secretly sold the apartment we had bought for our future, unloading it at a fraction of its value. And then, I shredded the million–dollar wedding gown he’d never see me wear. Third, I erased myself from the world, enrolling in a top–secret, decade–long national research project that demanded I sever all ties with everyone–perhaps even forever.
By the time William had meticulously planned his perfect proposal, I had already vanished from his life. He never realized it, but with every embrace, every kiss, every night he didn’t come home while
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playing “wedding” with his childhood sweetheart, I was quietly preparing my exit. I had transformed into the obedient, accommodating woman he claimed to adore, only for him to shatter my trust beyond repair.
One night, he finally lost his composure and asked, “Why don’t you get angry anymore? Don’t you love me anymore?”
I didn’t meet his gaze, my lips pressed tight. But when I heard a flirtatious voice note from his childhood sweetheart, Ava Johnson, echo from his phone, I made the call- calmly confirming my participation in the decade–long national research project.
“Victoria Amelia, are you absolutely certain?” My professor’s voice was grave.
“This research project is top–secret. It’s
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a ten–year commitment. Once you enter, you may never be able to leave or contact anyone outside again.”
His tone softened, and he added seriously, “You’re my brightest student. I have to ask you to think this through carefully.”
I stood outside a bridal boutique, watching Ava twirl in the wedding dress I had spent months designing and commissioning. She stood next to William, their faces pressed close as they posed for photos. He mimicked the veil–lifting kiss–a trend he must’ve seen online. Then, as if to twist the knife deeper, he took the ring meant for me. and slipped it onto her finger.
A sharp pang struck my chest, but it faded quickly, leaving only an emptiness in its
wake.
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“I’m sure, Professor,” I replied, my voice steady. “You know I’m an orphan, with no family or attachments. This is an honor- a chance to give back to my country. What more could I ask for?”
A year ago, my professor had invited me to join the program. But back then, I had just accepted William’s proposal and couldn’t bear to leave him. Now, there was nothing left to hold me here.
My professor exhaled with relief. “I’ll arrange everything on my end. It’s urgent, so they’ll pick you up in a week. Use this time to settle your affairs. Don’t leave anything unresolved.”
As I ended the call, I heard Ava’s voice float over to me. “William, you’re the best! I really love this dress so much!”
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The dress she wore was the one I had dreamed of–custom–made by a top
designer, a one–of–a–kind masterpiece worth ten million dollars. And I hadn’t even worn it myself yet.
“It’s just a dress,” William said gently, stroking her hair. “As long as you’re happy.”
“But what if my sister–in–law sees? Won’t she be upset?”
When he noticed me standing at the
rance, his face flashed with panic for
moment before quickly recovering. He released Ava’s arm and said in a low voice, “Be a good girl. Go take it off and let her try it on.”
Ava pouted, clearly reluctant to part with the gown. “Just a little longer, please? She can wear it whenever she wants. I’ll never get the
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chance again.”
“Don’t be silly,” William replied, pinching her cheek with a laugh. “One day, you’ll find a boyfriend and have your own wedding dress to wear”
“But who could ever compare to you, William?” she teased, her voice dripping with affection.
They joked and flirted openly, oblivious to my presence.
Worried I might confront Ava, William turned to me, offering a flimsy excuse. “She’s just playing a wedding game, okay? Don’t get upset over this, alright?”
If this had been the old me, I would have exploded–arguing, shouting, maybe even ripping that dress apart just to make sure no
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one else could wear it. But with my departure only a week away, what was the point? Sometimes, silence was the loudest protest.
For the first time, I wasn’t angry. I was free.
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