The day I burned my wedding photos and left, my phone was suddenly flooded with messages from Charles.
I decided never to go back.
——
I took Emily and returned home.
I intended to pack my things and leave, but the house was empty.
When I asked the servants about my mother, they hesitated and refused to give clear answers.
My father died young, and after that, I followed my mother when she remarried into the Shaw family.
I knew her position in that family had always been vulnerable.
Worried for her, I pressed the servants until I learned they’d gone to a hotel.
I didn’t have time to ask more and rushed there anxiously.
The moment I pushed open the hotel door, I froze.
Unexpectedly, Charles and Sophie Song’s wedding was happening on stage.
Not content with holding it abroad, they had to celebrate in our own country, in grand style.
Charles wore a sharp suit, standing amid flowers on the wedding stage.
When Sophie saw me, her face instantly went pale.
She staggered over, stammering, “Grace, I... I’m sorry. Please, can you listen to my explanation?”
She knew everything — I had shared all my feelings with her since childhood, including my love for Charles.