Reuben didn’t waste any time. We headed back to Sorrendale and registered our marriage.
I wasn’t keen on a big celebration, so we kept it simple a small gathering with the Millars, the Mowbrays, and a handful of close friends to witness the moment.
After that, we hopped on a plane to Faldora. While Reuben and I took in the beauty of lavender fields in Faldora, Owen hosted a stream of singles parties for Vanessa.
By the time I moved into Reuben’s home in Almoria, Owen had already helped Vanessa move into his place to start living together.
My friends tactfully asked how I was doing, but I felt numb as I was too consumed by everything else. I returned to the career Owen had once belittled, becoming a music teacher at a prestigious school in Almoria.
I was certain our paths would never cross again, especially since he had poured all his love into Vanessa. With me out of the picture, there was nothing left to stand in the way of his devotion to her.
But then, one day, Owen appeared before me, looking disheveled and weary. His suit was ill–fitted, and his tie hung loosely. His eyes were clouded with sorrow.
“Where have you been these past three years, Audrey?” he asked. “I’ve searched everywhere but couldn’t find you. Susan and Gerard wouldn’t tell me where you went. Your friends curse me out whenever they see me. I’ve missed you so much.”
His words didn’t stir anything in me except for a feeling of disgust.
Owen stepped forward, reaching for my hand, but I instinctively pulled it back. He looked wounded by my reaction. Once, I would’ve been torn apart seeing him like that, but all I felt now was annoyance.
“Why aren’t you with Vanessa? Didn’t you say she couldn’t live without you?” I asked calmly.
His eyes hardened with a flash of anger at the mention of her name.
“She played me, Audrey. She ditched me back then because she saw me as poor and useless. Then, she took off with a rich heir who ended up mistreating her. When she heard that Susan and Gerard were handing Millar Group to me, she showed up again, acting all depressed—”
“They’re my parents, not yours. Your parents have been gone for years. Stop bringing up my parents‘ names,” I cut him off, impatience dripping from my words.
Owen looked at me sadly. “You’ve changed, Audrey… Is it because of Vanessa? Please, don’t be angry anymore. You’re the only one I’ve ever loved.”
Before I could respond, Reuben’s voice rang out beside me. “Audrey and I are married. Don’t even think about coming between us.‘
He hurried over, cradling our child in his arms, his eyes narrowing into a chilling glare at Owen.
