Chapter 3
I drifted off in a daze. When I finally woke up and checked my phone, there were missed calls from Bella and some comforting texts from Chloe.
And one message that stood out like a slap in the face.
Just two cold word:
“Fuck off.”
I let out a bitter laugh. So my devotion meant just like a fucking joke to him.
Then my eyes landed on my wrist.
A silver chain was still wrapped around it – the one Atlas gave me three years ago.
The color had long faded, but I could never bring myself to take it off.
He got it right before we were supposed to get engaged.
It was the only one of its kind, and he’d waited weeks just for a chance to buy it.
On his way back to the New York, he got in a car accident. But he protected that thread with his life, clutching it against his chest.
First thing he did when he woke up in the hospital was tie it around my wrist. His voice was so sincere.
“Celeste, I got us a blessing. We’re gonna be together forever.”
Now I could still hear that sweet and honest voice in my head, but everything had changed.
My eyes burned as I yanked the thread off my wrist and threw it in the toilet. I hit the flush and watched it disappear.
Atlas, we’re done. We’re strangers now.
After crying until I had nothing left, I finally felt clear–headed.
I put in my resignation with the orchestra. The paperwork would take a week, so I booked a flight out of town for next Friday.
That day happened to be our ten–year anniversary.
Perfect. End it where it all started.
15:54
Missing Fiancé? Nah. He Was Just Busy Marrying Mu Vestia
Chapter 3
I shut myself off from the world for seven days. Only left the apartment to handle paperwork.
I wasn’t answering my phone. So on my last day, Bella showed up at my door. Atlas was right behind her.
She threw her arms around me and tried to drag me to the hospital. I knew what she was thinking.
I pulled away, my voice polite but distant. “I’m fine. Thanks.”
I didn’t know how to face her–whether to resent her or wish her well.
I couldn’t do either, so I just wanted to get away from her.
She didn’t seem bothered by my coldness – probably thought I was just having a rough time.
Bella let out a huge sigh of relief. “Could you maybe answer your damn phone? Like, did you buy it just for decoration? You know how worried I’ve been?”
“We’re here to pick you up. It’s your birthday – did you totally forget? I threw you a party tonight and there are gonna be some seriously hot guys there.”
“Nope, don’t say no. I’m not taking no for an answer!”
She looked dead serious, like she wouldn’t budge. Her personality was just so bright and warm and caring. Easy to
love.
No wonder Atlas fell for her.
I glanced at the man standing behind her. His eyes were ice cold, staring at me like I was a complete stranger.
Maybe it was because I couldn’t resist Bella’s kindness, or maybe I was just being selfish.
It was still early, so I let them come in.
This apartment used to be our home – mine and Atlas’s. We were gonna live here after we got married.
After he disappeared, I decorated it the way he liked. Everything was his style.
Bella’s eyes went wide. “Whoa, Celeste, your taste is… really special. What’s with all the dark tones? It’s kinda depressing in here.”
“It’s all black and gray. Not a single pop of color anywhere.”
Because there’s no color left in my world.
I answered quietly, “My ex liked it that way. So… I decorated it for him.”
15:54 O
