The Fiancé Who Chose Another

I found out from a viral video while preparing his f

d to pity. This wasn't the first time. Three years ago, he be

s. I even forgave him for the miscarriage his violent outburst caused.

ltar, his promises echoed like a cruel joke. He' d abandon

tant, finally ran dry. This wasn't j

to cancel my IVF appointment," I told the clinic.

pte

Walk

rated again, an insistent, desperate rhythm against the pristine marble countertop. I was stirring the delicate crème

reenshot of a viral video. "Audra, you

ons, each one a sharp jab to my calm Sunday afternoon. There were links to news articles, screenshots

Jacob. My fiancé, Jacob Daniel, a man I' d loved for over a decade, storming down the aisle like a madman, snatching a w

at's he doing?" "Oh my god, it's Kierra Gates! Didn't he do something similar for her b

tions, but for a public brawl. He' d assaulted a man, violently, in front of a gallery opening, all because someone had allegedly insulted Kierra' s art. It was a sp

Muse." The public had been divided. Some called him a hero, a pass

he's mine! My responsibility! My suffering angel!" I'd stood by him then, convinced it was a one-time madness, a misguided act

tively reached out to steady myself, landing flat on the still-hot stove burner. A sharp sizzle. The smell of burning skin filled the air, mingling with th

. My thumb fumbled across the screen, finding his contact. The phone rang once, twice, then the famili

od in this very kitchen, holding me close, whispering about our future. "This time, Audra," he'd promised, his lips brushing my hair

red us together. He' d promised me he was done with Kierra, that she was a mistake, a p

ren, silent shore. There was no anger left, no tears, no familiar ache in my chest. Just an exhaustion so profound it felt like my soul had been scooped out. T

d to the gaping chasm in my chest. My movements were slow, deliberate. I cleaned up the broken ceramic, swept the shattered piec

he clinic's number in my contacts. I dia

cancel my IVF appointment scheduled fo

ker, is everything alright? Perhaps we can resch

inal. "No need to reschedule. And... I'd like

nce. "Ms. Walker, ar

, my voice gaining a chilling

long. "Of course, Ms. Walker. I'll se

nning, forged from the ashes of