My Destiny Found in Betrayal's Wake

riend of five years, Jackson

o another woman, Campbell. He

ed our entire relationship, c

s violent shove caused me

b, all for a lie. Because Campbell

roy me, a powerful man na

ity footage for the entire room to see-the footage o

proof of her

ckson," I said, as his

pte

Kenne

e altar with another woman. It was my 24th birthday, and the "surprise party" he'd promised me was actually his wedding r

king out the dress Jackson had hinted at, believing this was the night he' d finally make our love public. Instead, he ma

one else' s past. Every whispered promise, every stolen moment, every future plan we' d meticulously crafted felt like a cruel joke,

Campbell clinging to his arm like a trophy. "Alycia," he said, his voice dropping to a low, apologetic murmur, "I know this is a lot to take in. But Campbell... she's sick. Terminal. I had to

oice sweet and laced with venom. "It's a shame, really. Such a beautiful day, wouldn't you say, Alycia? Almost makes you forget all the little unpleasantries." She

el small. This wasn't just a wedding; it was a public execution of my dignity. Her subtle snee

asses clinking. My friends, my colleagues, even some of my family, all blissfully unaware, stood and applauded. They raised their champagne flutes high, their smiles wide, show

lms, leaving crescent-shaped indentations. I wouldn't cry, not here, not now. I wouldn't give them the satisfaction. I would not l

he celebratory chatter. "May your marriage be as transparent and honest as our past five years together." The air in the ballroom seeme

uch. "Alycia, let's step aside for a moment," he murmured, his voice low, a warning wrapped in concern. He still thought he could control

discuss, Jackson," I said, my voice gaining strength. "Not tonight. Not ever." I turned away from him, my heart hammering

being defied, not by me. His perfect public facade seemed to crack, revealing a flicker of the pos

"Jackson," he said, his voice low and placating, "Alycia's had a long day. We'll catch up later. Congratulations." His words were

, meant only for my ears. "This marriage... it's a temporary arrangement. You know how much I care about you." His words wer

temporary arrangement? Were all your promises just for show too?" His words were a fresh insult, diminish

ngement?" The crowd was starting to murmur, sensing the underlying current of hostility. Jackson's face flushed.

ou were inseparable!" The speaker, an old college acquaintance of Jackson's, quickly clapped a hand over her mouth, but the damage was done. All eyes

ompromise, every tear I' d shed in those five years, waiting for him to finally choose me, for him to make me his publicly. All for this. For him to cal

se. We'll have everything." His words, once anchors of hope, now felt like shackles, binding me to a past that n

"Is that... is that the locket your grandmother gave you? The one with her initial 'J'?" My hand flew to the delicate silver locket

y ribs, a warning drumbeat. I knew that locket was special to his family. He' d told me stories about his grandmother,

eceives a piece of jewelry that symbolizes the husband's undying devotion. I was hoping... since you' re already wearing it, perhaps you cou

cene. It's Jackson's wedding day, after all." His plea was a dull thud against my already fractured heart. He didn't

en turned to me, his eyes pleading. "Alycia, you understand, don't you? Campbell's... sentimental. It would make her so happy." His words, a dismissal of my feelings, a

l gold or anything valuable." The insult hung in the air, thick and suffocating. He wasn't just asking for the locket; he was stripping it of its meani

ience, something to be hidden away and then discarded when a better option presented itself. The pain was still there,

something in her ear, and she giggled, a high, tinkling sound that grated on my nerves. They kissed then, a long, li

reams. I looked at the 'J' engraved on its surface, a letter that once symbolized 'Jackson' for me, a promise of forever. Now, it was just a letter, empty of meaning. I extended