The weather was unusually clear on the day of the final rehearsal.
Under the lights, Rebecca stood center stage in an ivory gown, posing for the camera.
“I want this shot to feel natural,” she told the photographer with a smile. “Should I try different earrings?”
She pulled a pair of crystal–clear studs from a small box and put them on.
Emerie’s breath caught.
She recognized those earrings.
They weren’t ordinary pieces–they were her own custom design from three years ago. She’d personally selected the stones, named them, and refined every detail through countless revisions.
She’d planned to wear them on her 28th birthday.
That morning, she’d texted Andrew not to forget their evening plans.
He’d promised to meet her after work.
He never came.
No gift arrived either.
Now those earrings adorned another woman’s ears–a token of love for his new bride.
Emerie’s fingers tightened until her knuckles whitened.
“Nice earrings,” Andrew’s voice came from behind her, sudden and close.
She froze. “Do you remember who originally designed them?”
“Why did you give them to her?”
“She found them in my drawer. I didn’t give them to her.”
“But she’s wearing them.”
Emerie forced a smile. “Did you tell her I gave them to you years ago? That they were meant for the person you loved most?”
“I didn’t.”
“Then how did she know?”
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Chapter 3
“She probably knew all along.”
Suddenly Emerie understood.
Rebecca had known about her existence. Known Andrew carried someone from his past in his heart.
She’d entered their story long before the breakup, pretending all along to know nothing.
How ironic.
“I should go,” Emerie said.
“Let me drive you.‘
“No need.” She paused. “I’m heading back to Sunset Care Center.”
His eyes flickered. “How much longer will you stay there?”
“Two more days.” Her voice softened. “But it’s fine. I’ll be leaving soon.”
She walked away, her back ramrod straight.
He stood rooted, as if paralyzed.
He suddenly realized her “leaving” meant something final.
Disappearing from his world completely and forever.
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Chapter 4
Chapter 4
