"Tessa was right beside me. I had to consider her feelings."
A hollow laugh slipped past my lips, my voice hoarse and raw. "So… our marriage is a mistake now?"
"If that’s the case, let’s cancel the wedding."
For the first time, Elliot faltered. A flicker of panic flashed in his eyes.
But then, Elliot let out a cold, humorless laugh. His expression twisted into one of pure contempt.
He stepped toward me, his fingers gripping my chin, forcing me to look up at him as he sneered. "Leah, you've got some nerve. Trying to use this wedding to control me now?"
He paused, his eyes narrowing. "But it looks like you've forgotten your place."
"Wasn't this wedding everything you ever dreamed of? Your greatest wish?"
"If you want to cancel it, fine. But don’t come crawling back to me when it all falls apart."
With a forceful slam, Elliot kicked the door open, leaving me in a deafening silence.
I stood alone in the emptiness of the house, the walls closing in.
A bitter laugh escaped me.
I’d cried so many times before, begged him for scraps of affection.
I’d loved him for as long as I could remember. Ten long years of chasing after him, thinking if I just tried hard enough, he’d see me.