It was no wonder Mandy could be so heartless. She even desecrated her own mother’s grave to frame me.
It turned out that her mother’s death was a lie.
I sent Luke a text.
[Mandy’s mother isn’t dead. The truth is in the email I just sent you.]
Whether he looked at it or not was no longer my concern.
Ethan scheduled my flight to depart in three days.
When Luke came home, he saw me packing my things. Half of my clothes were discarded, and a small portion was shipped to South City.
“Why are you packing?” Luke asked uncertainly.
I brushed him off with a one-word reply. “Moving.”
Not sensing anything amiss, he paused and said matter-of-factly, “Lane Corporation is in South City. We’ll settle there after the wedding, so starting early is good.”
Suddenly, Luke’s piercing gaze was upon me as he snapped, “As for Mandy’s mother, apologize as soon as possible. Don’t put me in a difficult position. Do it on the wedding day, alright?”
After speaking, he left his phone behind and went to look for his ID. It was the day he and Mandy were registering their marriage.
He did not come back all night. When I checked my phone, a message from Mandy popped up.
It was a photo of her and Luke wearing matching outfits, lying side by side in bed.
I closed my eyes, but the ache in my heart was unavoidable.
Suppressing the emotions, I turned off my phone.
Late at night, my phone vibrated every hour like clockwork. Each time, it was Mandy sending me provocative videos of her and Luke.
By morning, I received a message from Ethan.
[Ms. Lane, everything is ready. Take your time coming home.]
Attached was a photo of the marriage certificate and a pot of vibrant red peonies.
I never expected Ethan to still care for the flower I casually gave him years ago.
For some reason, an indescribable feeling stirred in my heart.
I replied with a single word.
[Okay.]
Putting my phone aside, I began organizing my work files on my computer. I did not even notice when Luke returned.
He packed his things and said, “I’m moving in with Mandy for a few days. She’s overwhelmed preparing for the wedding. Make sure you’re on time for the ceremony the day after tomorrow. Don’t be late.”
He then gave a lengthy explanation, claiming it was just regular help, urging me not to stir up trouble again.
