Time to pack and bounce.
I didn’t bother with the gifts Mom had given me or the flashy jewelry Henry had tried to win me over with.
And those old family photos? Burned. I wasn’t the type to cling to the past. If I was leaving, I’d do it clean and final.
Dragging my suitcase downstairs, I caught Mom dabbing ointment on Betty’s arm.
Mom shot me a cold look. “Oh, so I scolded you a little, and now you’re running away? How mature. Fine, leave. Maybe the house
will finally be peaceful without you. Come back when you marry Henry.”
I didn’t even flinch. Didn’t say a word. Just gave her one last look.
I wasn’t about to tell her I’d switched out the groom–or that the wedding was in ten days.
She wasn’t family anymore. And I didn’t need her, Betty, or Henry anywhere near me to mess it up.
Pulling out my phone, I ordered a ride.
While I waited, guess who decided to show up? Henry, rolling in with his car.
“Daphne, what’s with the suitcase?” he asked.
“Moving out.”
1/3
Chapter 5
+15 BONUS
He frowned. “Why? Where are you even going? I already gave the wedding house to Betty, so don’t go making trouble for her. I’m looking for a new place–just wait. You can move later.”
I didn’t answer. Didn’t even look at him. Just walked past his car.
But Henry grabbed my arm. “Do you have to make this so unpleasant? Can’t we just go back to how things were before? When we
were happy?”
“You cheated on me with Betty. And you still expect me to act like everything’s fine? Where do you even get the audacity?”
“Are you seriously still hung up on that? How many times do I have to explain myself? You’re so petty, always holding grudges. Why can’t you be more like Betty–understanding for once?”
Oh, the irony. Listening to him blame me, then turn around and compliment Betty, like I was the problem here? It hit me just how
shameless someone could be.
“If Betty’s so understanding,” I said, “then why don’t you marry her?”
Henry scoffed, like I’d told a bad joke.
Because let’s be real: everyone knew how much I’d loved him. No one–not even Henry–believed I’d actually walk away. Especially not days before the wedding.
“Fine,” Henry said with a dismissive tone. “Just don’t come crawling back to me later, crying and begging for forgiveness.”
Cue Betty’s entrance. “Henry, you’re here for me?” she chirped, stepping out of the house.
“Your mom said you were upset today. What happened?” Henry asked.
Betty shot me this wide–eyed, help–I’m–so–fragile look before cozying up to him. “Daphne lost her mind today and came after
me with a baseball bat…”
Henry’s face darkened, and I could see the lecture forming. But Betty tugged on his sleeve.
“Don’t yell at Daphne. I’m not mad at her anymore. It’s my fault, really. If Mom hadn’t adopted me, I wouldn’t be here, getting in
her way.”
“How could it be your fault?” he said, all tender, resting a protective hand on her shoulder. “She’s the one at fault. Petty and
intolerant as always.”
Then, he turned to me. “Daphne, for Betty’s sake, I’ll let this go. But you owe her an apology. Get on your knees and apologize.”
