Forsaken After 'I Do'

Forsaken After 'I Do'

Elizabeth Julius

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She was a brilliant writer with dreams of forever-he, a rising star in the art world with the world at his feet. When Sophia lost her parents in a tragic accident, the only light left in her world was Cassian, her childhood friend and the man she secretly loved. Their families had arranged their wedding long ago, and for Sophia, marrying him felt like destiny finally turning in her favor. But fate was cruel. Just a day after signing the marriage contract, Cassian disappeared-fleeing the country without a word, leaving Sophia abandoned at the altar in front of a thousand guests. And as if heartbreak wasn't enough, she was struck by a devastating car accident that very night. Eight years later, she's no longer the girl who waited-she's a woman who survived. Now, Sophia returns to confront the man who broke her. With her heart pounding and memories crashing back, she hands him annulment papers, hoping to finally close that chapter. But when their eyes meet again, the past comes roaring back... and so does the ache she thought had died. The only problem? Cassian has moved on-and she's just the bride he left behind. Will Sophia finally free herself from a love that once shattered her? Or will the fire between them reignite in the ruins of what they lost?

Chapter 1 Prologue

The wind danced through the half-open car window, catching the edge of her veil and brushing it gently across her tear-streaked face. Sophia sat in silence, staring blankly ahead as the luxurious black car sped down the coastal road. Her wedding dress-slim-cut and suffocating-clung uncomfortably to her figure, a painful reminder of the day that had gone horribly wrong.

This was supposed to be her honeymoon.

A bitter smile ghosted her lips as fresh tears welled in her eyes. Her wedding day-the day every girl dreamed of-had become her worst nightmare.

She hadn't even chosen this dress. Her late mother's best friend, Margot Ellington, now her future mother-in-law, had insisted on handling the gown. It was elegant, expensive... and two sizes too small. A subtle jab? A mistake? It didn't matter. Margot had gasped and apologized upon realizing the dress didn't fit. She'd even suggested postponing the wedding to find a better one. But Sophia had refused. She didn't want to spend another sleepless night agonizing over a marriage that already felt like a mistake. She just wanted it over with.

Cassian.

Her childhood friend. Her first love. The country's most adored artist.

He had started with commercial jingles as a boy, then rose to stardom in a hit teen musical that conquered the world. Sophia knew every step of his career like a proud fan-because once, she had been more than that. She had been part of his life.

But that morning, he had left her behind-literally. After signing the marriage contract the day before, he vanished. A last-minute international performance had "come up." No explanation. No message. Nothing.

And like a cruel joke, she had walked down the aisle alone.

Guests had stared in uncomfortable silence. The priest hesitated, the wedding rings clinking awkwardly on the altar. She recited her vows anyway, her voice cracking mid-way. She slipped the ring on her own finger. Smiled. Cried. Pretended the humiliation didn't crush her soul.

The most important moment of her life had been reduced to a pitiful show.

"Madam... we're here."

Sophia blinked, pulled from her thoughts by her driver's soft voice. She looked out the window, her gaze settling on the luxurious honeymoon resort glowing beneath the evening sky. It was beautiful-but utterly meaningless.

She pulled off her veil, her hair cascading over her shoulders. "I never wanted to come here," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "Take me to the villa, James."

She didn't know why she even bothered coming. Maybe because Margot had insisted, promising Cassian would show up later. Maybe a part of her still hoped.

But she knew better.

As the car turned away from the resort, a cruel memory flashed in her mind-a massive billboard on the city roadside. Cassian's face beamed from it, standing close to a beautiful singer. His new duet partner. The same one he was performing with tonight. She'd seen the interview clip just hours ago. His smile was bright, his charm effortless.

She pulled out her phone and opened the same video again. Watching him had become a habit over the years. At least fame made him easy to find. Her fingers trembled as she wiped away another tear, smudging what was left of her makeup.

"Madam..."

The car swerved. Her head shot up. A massive truck loomed ahead, bearing down on them with blinding lights.

"James!" she screamed.

He tried to turn the wheel, tried to swerve, but it was too late. The world spun. Her heart pounded violently in her chest. A loud crash erupted, metal shrieked, and pain seared through her body.

She clutched her phone instinctively-Cassian's voice still playing.

Is this how it ends?

Memories rushed back-her parents' car accident, the last time she'd felt this helpless. Her wedding dress, now torn and stained with blood, stuck to her skin. Her breath came out in shallow gasps as she lay crumpled on the cold concrete.

She looked up at the sky, lips trembling.

"Mom... Dad... not yet. Please. Don't take me yet."

Her vision blurred. Her body shook. The wail of approaching sirens echoed in the distance, but it felt far too late. Sophia's lips parted in a broken whisper, her final plea hanging in the air.

"Cassian... did you ever think about me? About our wedding? Were you smiling while I stood there... alone?"

Her fingers loosened around the phone.

"Did you know... that I still love you?"

And then-

Silence.

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