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Chapter 3 - Shattered Trust, Silent Vows

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FLASHBACK — XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I used to believe we were meant to be — soulmates in every sense of the word. But he broke me… not into pieces, but into dust. And I'm afraid I may never believe in love again.

XXXXX

"My love... we'll be together soon," James said gently over the phone.

"I know. Just two more days and I'll see the love of my life," I replied, a soft smile on my face.

"Goodnight, Jamie."

"Night, James."

XXXXX

"Since he'll be back in two days, I'll go to his place and surprise him," I thought, a little giddy.

We were close — close enough that I had a spare key to his apartment.

After getting up and doing the usual morning routine, I headed straight to his place.

The moment I stepped inside, I paused.

The whole place was a mess.

"What happened here?" I murmured. Clothes were thrown around, things overturned. It didn't feel like the home of a man eagerly waiting to return to his fiancée.

I began tidying up out of habit — folding shirts, straightening pillows, organizing scattered books. That's when I saw it.

A packet of protection... and a dress. A girl's dress.

My heart skipped.

Confused, I picked it up, turning it over in disbelief.

"No... James wouldn't..." I whispered.

I wanted to call him. I really did. But I hesitated.

"Maybe he bought this for me? He's always asking for... that," I thought, nervously laughing to myself. "Maybe he couldn't wait for our wedding night."

Then, something clicked in my mind.

"Tonight... I'll give myself to him," I whispered. "If this is his way of showing he's ready, then maybe I should be, too."

I took a deep breath, hid in the bathroom, and waited for him to come home.

I was going to surprise him. Show him I loved him. Be his woman — fully.

XXXXXXX — HOURS LATER

The silence was broken by laughter. A woman's giggle. A man's breathy chuckle.

I froze.

Then I heard it. The sound of desire. Moans. Heavy breathing. Clothes falling.

My stomach twisted as I opened the bathroom door slowly.

What I saw crushed me.

There they were — bodies entangled, limbs twisted in hunger.

James.

And Eliza.

My best friend.

My fiancé.

Right there. Against the wall. In our home.

"What the hell is this?!" I screamed, tears blurring my vision.

James jumped, clearly caught. "Jamie! It's not what you think! This... this was the devil's work!"

"The devil?! Are you serious?" I choked out, barely standing.

Eliza had the nerve to smirk. "Jamie... I'm sorry... I couldn't help myself."

I ran. I didn't look back.

XXXXXXXXX — END OF FLASHBACK — XXXXXXXX

As the memories replayed in my mind like a cursed movie, tears silently streamed down my face.

That day shattered every piece of me. But sadly, my misfortunes didn't end there.

That same night, I ended up in a bar. Drunk. Lost. Broken.

I don't remember much — except that I lost my virginity to a stranger in some underground club.

Not love.

Not passion.

Just pain and regret.

But I had no time to dwell on it. If I was even a second late, that devil incarnate would have my head.

I got up quickly, dressed, forced myself to eat something, then hailed a cab.

As the car moved through the cool breeze of the late afternoon, I rested my head against the window... and then I saw him.

"Stop the car!" I shouted.

I stepped out, and my heart stopped.

It was James.

JAMES' POV

My life hasn't been the same since Eliza. I left the one who truly loved me for someone who used me — drained me of money, trust, and everything in between.

Eliza vanished, along with my reputation and savings.

I was left with nothing but guilt.

"James? Is that really you?" a soft voice said.

I turned.

She was breathtaking. Like a goddess descending from heaven. My jaw dropped.

But she wasn't just a stranger. She was Jamie.

My Jamie.

All the memories came crashing back like a dam breaking. She was more beautiful than I remembered.

And suddenly, I was aware of everything I'd lost.

"Y-Yes. It's me," I stuttered. "How do you know my name?"

She gave me a bitter smile. "Don't you recognize me, James? Jamie... your ex."

It hit me hard.

I'd destroyed something so pure.

"Earth to James," she said, waving a hand in front of my face. "So, how have you been all these years?"

"Good..." I replied, then hesitated. "Jamie... can I ask you something?"

"What is it?" she said warily.

"Are you... seeing anyone?"

Before she could reply, her phone rang.

She smiled. Not at me. At the voice on the other end.

"Alright baby, I'm coming to the car now," she said sweetly, then ended the call.

"Guess we'll catch up another time, James," she said, turning away.

I stood frozen, watching her walk toward a sleek black Maybach parked across the street. Her heels clicked confidently, her figure regal and untouchable.

She was gone — not just physically, but emotionally.

And she had every right to be.

"She deserves better," I muttered to myself. "Better than a traitor like me."

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