Even Joe, Danny’s younger brother—someone I used to favor—decided to pipe up. “Paige, Danny hasn’t even married you yet, and you’re already pulling this?
“You better watch yourself. If Danny says the word, he’ll drop you like that. Honestly, who’d even want a used-up reject like you?”
They shared a round of knowing looks, smirking like they’d just landed the ultimate burn.
Danny, still holding Mia, let out a low, mocking laugh. “You sure about this, Paige? Don’t come crying later, begging for forgiveness.”
Right then, a sleek Maybach pulled up to the curb. Without a word, I turned and walked straight to it, sliding into the passenger seat.
Danny’s face twisted like he’d swallowed something sour. “Paige!” he bellowed. “Get out of that car! We can still talk!”
Hugh Parker, cool as ever in the driver’s seat, leaned over to buckle my seatbelt, his lips curving into a faint smile.
“Take me home,” I said quietly. “I need to pack my things.”
“Sure. Pack everything up properly.”
***
Over the years, Danny had showered me with expensive gifts. Handbags, jewelry—you name it. I called a resale boutique to haul it all away. They could only take half, promising to come back for the rest tomorrow.
My temples throbbed as I massaged them, trying to stave off a headache. I ordered takeout, eating while I mindlessly scrolled through social media.
The first thing that popped up? A picture of Danny and Mia. He was cradling her face, staring at her like she was the love of his life.
Next was a video in the group chat, courtesy of one of his buddies. It showed them kissing, all while the peanut gallery cheered and whistled in the background. The wet, sloppy noises made my stomach turn. I exited the group chat without a second thought.
Seconds later, Danny called. His voice was a mix of frustration and desperation. “Paige, it was just a joke! How many times do I have to explain?
“These are my closest friends. Are you really planning to ghost all of us without even talking to me?”
I replied with a quiet, “Yeah.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Joe’s voice chimed in from the background. “Chill, Danny. She’ll come crawling back in a couple of days, begging to rejoin.”
I hung up and let out a dry laugh.
They probably thought they were right. In the past, I might’ve swallowed my pride and apologized. But not anymore. I was done.
That night, before I went to bed, my eyes laned on the wedding photos scattered across the nightstand and dresser. I couldn’t stand the sight of them.
I got up, grabbed a framed picture of Danny and Mia I’d swiped from his study, and swapped it in for the wedding photos.
He should thank me for my thoughtfulness.
***
The next morning, Danny came home, like nothing had happened. His eyes lit up the second he saw me.
“I knew you’d be waiting for me,” he said, grinning like he’d won. “I should’ve come back last night. It’s Mia’s fault—she was scared of the dark, so I stayed with her. It won’t happen again…”
His voice faltered when he noticed the boutique staff hauling out my handbags. His face stiffened, panic flashing for just a moment.
“Why are you selling the stuff I gave you?”
I stayed calm. “They’re taking up space. I need room for new things.”
Danny’s face lit up. He grabbed my hand, practically bouncing. “Got it. I’ll buy you new ones!”
I frowned, pulling my hand free. He’d completely missed the point.
The space wasn’t for my things.
It was for Mia’s.
