Chapter 3

"Ms. Evans, the fetus is three months along and perfectly healthy. Are you absolutely sure you want to go through with this?"

The doctor asked gently, a trace of pity in her eyes.

I stared at the tiny ultrasound screen, imagining what the baby would have looked like growing up.

Wiping away the tear at the corner of my eye, I nodded firmly.

Even though this was the little life I had prayed for over seven long years, everything connecting me to Lucas had to be severed. If I kept the baby, I knew I would weaken.

Seeing my resolve, the doctor sighed softly and scheduled the procedure for the afternoon.

Lying on the hospital bed waiting, the television in the recovery room was broadcasting the local news.

"The Grand Wedding of the Year: Cross Enterprises CEO Marries His Executive Assistant!"

I thought my heart would break, but all I felt was a strange sense of relief.

On the screen, Josie walked down the aisle in that pristine white gown, looking like a pure, radiant princess.

To be fair, the dress was magnificent.

The crystals on the train sparkled brilliantly under the sun.

Unfortunately, it was never meant for me.

My phone suddenly buzzed on the nightstand.

Seeing Lucas's name on the caller ID, I hesitated before answering. After seven years together, perhaps I owed him a proper farewell.

The moment the line connected, before he could speak, I said, "Happy wedding day, Lucas. Don't forget to sign the divorce papers soon so Josie won't have to live as your mistress in the shadows."

Silence hung on the other end for a few seconds before his voice erupted with fury.

"Audrey, haven't you thrown enough tantrums? It was just a damn dress! Why are you still holding onto it? If you hadn't run away, I wouldn't have had to ask Josie to step in as a stand-in bride!"

"Did you want the entire country to laugh at me because my bride ran off the day before the wedding?"

It was a dress, yet so much more than just a dress.

He knew where my deepest trauma lay.

Yet he chose to stomp all over it and expected me to smile and get over it.

Some wounds never heal.

I spoke softly, "Isn't this what you wanted all along? Now everyone knows she's your devoted partner."

The media cameras couldn't get too close, but I could clearly see Lucas pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration on the screen.

"Audrey, this wedding is just a PR stunt for the press. You're still the legal Mrs. Cross."

The ceremony was about to begin, and Josie slipped her arm through his.

She reached up naturally to adjust his bowtie, a gesture so practiced it looked like second nature, playing the role of a doting wife to perfection.

Holding the phone with one hand, Lucas used his other hand to gently adjust Josie's veil, his expression tender and attentive.

Perhaps sensing that his father was marrying another woman, a sharp cramp tore through my lower abdomen.