Chapter 1She Stole My Wedding, So I Left

My boyfriend Ethan Carter always had an excuse for Ava Taylor, his childhood sweetheart. She'd lost her parents when she was young, so according to him, I should cut her some slack.

If she called in the middle of a date, he'd leave without a second thought and abandon me at the table.

When he got his first paycheck, he spent every penny on a gift for her. He didn't even think of getting me anything.

When a hurricane hit, he rushed to Ava's side and stayed with her for days. He didn't remember I existed until the danger was over.

That was my breaking point. I told him to choose: her or me.

He didn't take me seriously. He just laughed and leaned in to kiss me.

"Jealous, baby? There's nothing between me and Ava. I only help her because I feel bad for her. You've always had everything. Can't you be a little more understanding? I promise it won't happen again! You're the only one I love!"

We'd been together for five years, from college right up to our wedding. In the end, I gave him one more chance.

A week later, I showed up for our wedding and found Ava standing at the altar in my wedding dress.

"Baby, Ava has dreamed about having the perfect wedding ever since she was a kid. Just let her have this one."

* * *

I stared at Ethan Carter in disbelief.

He said it like it was the most reasonable thing in the world.

"Look how much work you put into this wedding. What if something goes wrong?

"This way, Ava can have a trial run and make sure everything goes smoothly for you. We're practically family, so there's no need to thank us."

I laughed in disbelief.

Five years of love and this was what it had come to.

"Fine. Then you can be her groom too."

My calm response seemed to catch Ethan off guard.

"Baby."

Ava looked at him with a shy smile.

"Ethan."

Ethan took her hand and gave me the same promise I'd heard a hundred times before.

"Baby, just wait. We'll have an even bigger, better wedding afterward! This is just Ava playing bride for a day. It doesn't count. You're the only woman I'll ever marry!"

But I didn't want him anymore.

The two of them walked down the aisle together, looking every bit like newlyweds. I turned around and walked out with my head held high.

Then I texted the former labmate who had invited me to Europe a month ago.

"I've changed my mind. I'm coming."

On the way home, Ava posted a whole series of wedding photos.

In one, she had her cheek pressed against Ethan's. They looked like a real couple.

The caption read, "Today I'm the happiest bride in the world!"

By then, my phone was flooded with messages from worried friends and family.

I gave them a vague reply, then made up my mind. I would finish my current project and quit.

The company belonged to the Carter family. I wanted nothing more to do with Ethan or his family.

That evening, a client asked to meet. But when I arrived at the club, Ethan was waiting for me instead.

He walked toward me in a tailored suit with 99 roses in his arms.

"Baby, don't be angry."

I turned to leave without a word, but the door beside me opened.

Ava came out in tears.

"Sophia, I'm sorry. This is all my fault. Ethan only pities me."

Ethan immediately dropped the flowers and rushed to comfort her.

"None of this is your fault! Don't cry!"

Just like that, I was the villain again.

Behind the door, Ethan's friends began cheering.

"Kiss her! Kiss her!"

Some looked at me with pity. Others openly mocked me.

I stared at Ethan.

He gazed at Ava with such tenderness, completely lost in her.

What a perfect pair of assholes.

I burst out laughing and started clapping.

"Congratulations on the wedding. I hope the two of you are happy forever!"

Only then did Ethan finally look at me. His expression darkened.

"Sophia, what nonsense are you talking about? I already explained that this was only to satisfy Ava's fantasy. Why are you being so petty?"

With every word, he sounded more righteous, as if I were the one who had done something wrong.

As though it were my fault that Ava's parents had died, leaving her all alone.

As though it were my fault she was so fragile that she couldn't survive without Ethan.

As though it were my fault she kept interrupting our dates, stealing my boyfriend, and had now even taken my place at my own wedding.

And somehow, I was still expected to step aside for her.

Again and again.

Like hell I would.