Chapter 2

2

The moment I walked through the front door, my mother hurried over to me, beaming with excitement.

"Caleb's mom just called! They really want everything to be perfect for tomorrow. They're checking the final details for the reception right now."

As she spoke, my vision blurred with tears.

My mom's smile faded, replaced by worry.

"What's wrong, honey? Did Caleb do something again?"

I choked back a sob.

"Mom, it's over. I broke up with him. Cancel the wedding."

She gasped, her face turning pale.

"Cancel the wedding? But everything is ready! Lucy, tell me what happened. I'll talk to him for you."

"Sweetie, you've loved him for years. You can't just throw that away. Unless it's something unforgivable, can't you give him one more chance?"

I shook my head firmly as the tears flowed.

"No, Mom. It's really over. I'd rather be alone than spend my life in a marriage that slowly drains the soul out of me."

My father, who had been silent until then, finally spoke up.

"If your mind is made up, I'll start calling our relatives."

"Robert!" my mother cried out.

"It's her life, Martha," my dad said, looking at me with soft eyes. "I know how much she loved him, so I know this wasn't an easy choice. Lucy, remember that we are always behind you."

I was moved to tears by his support.

"Thank you, Dad. I'm not being impulsive. I've realized I'm your daughter, your pride and joy. I can't keep settling for less than I deserve because of a man."

"I owe it to you, and I owe it to myself."

I went to my room to start notifying my friends, but my phone rang first. It was my best friend, Jade.

She had organized a bachelorette party for me that night.

I decided to go. I wanted to tell everyone the truth in person.

As I approached the private lounge at the club, I heard voices coming from inside.

"Hey Caleb, where's Lucy? Is she pouting again?" someone asked.

Then came Ruby's guilt-ridden voice.

"It's all my fault. Lucy is mad because Caleb came to my graduation instead of her birthday party."

"But I saw everyone else with their families, and I felt so alone. I couldn't help but call him."

"Don't blame yourself, Ruby," Caleb said, his voice unusually soft. "Lucy is just being a drama queen."

"Exactly," another friend chimed in. "Everyone knows Lucy is obsessed with Caleb. This is just another trick to get his attention."

"The wedding is tomorrow. She wouldn't dare blow it now. She's worked too hard to finally trap him into a marriage."

"Honestly, Lucy is pretty, but she's such a headache. Caleb should've ended up with someone sweet like Ruby."

"It's a shame he's getting hitched tomorrow. Caleb and Ruby actually look like the perfect couple."

Ruby gave a shy, playful giggle. "Stop it, you guys!"

The room erupted in teasing and laughter. Neither Caleb nor Ruby denied any of it.

I felt like someone had punched a hole in my chest, letting the freezing wind whistle through.

A man's attitude dictates how his friends treat his woman.

I had spent years trying to keep up with Caleb, and to his friends, I was just a joke. To Caleb, my love was apparently nothing more than a nuisance.

Jade looked at me with concern, her face flushed with anger. She wanted to storm in.

I held her hand, took a deep breath, and pushed the door open myself.

The laughter died instantly. The room went dead silent.

"Oh, Lucy! You're finally here," someone said awkwardly. "We were just waiting for the guest of honor. You're late!"

Caleb sat there, swirling his drink, acting like I didn't exist.

Ruby jumped up immediately.

"Lucy! I heard they were throwing you a party, so I tagged along with Caleb. You aren't still mad, are you?"

I forced a cold smile.

"No need for that. I just came to tell everyone: the wedding is officially canceled."

The glass in Caleb's hand hit the floor with a loud crash.

Ruby gasped, though I could see the flash of joy in her eyes.

Caleb stood up, his face darkened with rage.

"Lucy Sterling, I dare you to say that again."

I stared back at him, unfazed.

"Caleb, we're done. There is no wedding."

He let out a dry, angry laugh.

"I've clearly spoiled you too much. You think you can pull this stunt because the ceremony is tomorrow? You think I'm trapped?"

"Don't forget, we haven't signed the papers yet. The role of Mrs. Miller doesn't have to belong to you."

Ruby stepped in, sounding frantic.

"Lucy, I'm so sorry! I'll stay away from him, I promise. I won't even call him for help anymore. Just don't embarrass him like this in front of everyone!"

I looked at her with pure disgust.

"Oh, really? Does a 'big brother' sneak into your room at night to tuck you in? Does he buy your feminine products every month? Does he abandon his fiancée whenever we're alone for more than an hour because you have an 'emergency'? Does your 'big brother' French kiss you?"

Ruby turned pale. "That... that was just a game we lost! Caleb is a man of his word, he had to follow the rules!"

Caleb looked like he had been slapped. His guilt turned into aggression.

"That's enough, Lucy! If you're going to act like a psycho, get out! Fine, the wedding is off!"

Suddenly, I felt a strange sense of peace. It was finally over.

I looked at him one last time.

"Caleb, we're officially strangers."

I turned around and walked out, Jade following close behind.