The big blow
1566 Words
Chapter 1: The Big Blow
Aubrey POV
I dialed Edward’s number for the hundredth time, my brows knitting into a slight frown as fear and uncertainty settled heavily in my chest.
What’s wrong? Why isn’t he picking up? He’s never acted this way before.
“You don’t have to drive into the garage. Just drop me here, and I’ll go in myself.”
My driver nodded before pulling over.
“Thank you, Henry,” I said softly, trying my best to hide the worry creeping into my voice.
“Don’t go home yet. I’ll be out soon. I just want to know how Edward is doing. It’s unlike him not to answer my calls.”
Henry nodded once. “I’ll be waiting, Miss Aubrey.”
I stepped out of the car and walked toward the mansion.
The maids hurried outside the moment they saw me, gathering around to take my handbag and jacket.
I smiled politely and waved them off. “Don’t worry. I can manage.”
Turning to the chief maid, I asked the only question occupying my mind.
“Is Edward in? He hasn’t been answering my calls all day.”
The concern I had been trying so hard to hide finally seeped into my voice.
“I really can’t say, ma’am. I haven’t seen him leave the house since this morning.” She glanced upstairs before looking back at me. “But I can check for you.”
I shook my head. “It’s fine. I’ll check on him myself. It’s just… strange.”
Without waiting for another word, I walked into the house.
The automatic doors slid open, welcoming me into the luxurious mansion I had visited countless times before. The familiar scent of polished oak, expensive cologne, and fresh lilies lingered in the air, a scent I had always associated with Edward’s home.
Normally, I would have admired how beautiful everything looked.
Today, I couldn’t. My mind was too occupied with the unanswered calls.
I headed straight for the elevator.
As the doors closed behind me and it began its silent ascent, my reflection stared back at me from the mirrored walls.
I just hope he’s okay.
Our white wedding was tomorrow. There were still so many things left to prepare.
We had already completed our legal marriage. Tomorrow was the day we would stand before God, exchange our vows, and finally begin our life together as husband and wife.
The thought alone brought a small smile to my lips.
Edward was the first man I had ever loved… the only man I had ever imagined spending forever with.
After years of feeling unwanted and invisible, he walked into my life and reminded me that I was worthy of being loved. Alongside my twin sister, Lily, he became my greatest source of strength, holding my hand through my darkest moments and helping me find myself again.
Without the two of them, I wasn’t sure the woman I had become today would even exist.
I startled as my phone vibrated inside my bag. My heart leaped, and I reached for it almost instantly, hoping Edward’s name would finally appear on the screen.
Instead, My Manager flashed before my eyes.
I let out a quiet sigh. What does he want now? This isn’t the right time.
Still, I answered the call.
“You didn’t respond to my message, Aubrey. You know you’re fully booked this week. I need you to confirm the schedule.”
“I haven’t had the chance to go through my messages yet,” I replied absentmindedly.
“That’s understandable. You’re getting married tomorrow.” He chuckled lightly. “But please let us know as soon as you can. There are eight deals waiting for your confirmation, and we’re talking about millions of dollars here.”
“I will.”
The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped out.
“The crew is already prepared. Honestly, this is the biggest modeling campaign you’ve landed so far.”
“Yeah…” My response came out flat. At that moment, no amount of money could compete with the worry consuming me.
There was a brief silence.
“I can tell you’re not in the mood to talk,” he said gently. “I’ll call you later.”
Guilt pricked at me. “I’m sorry…”
“No worries. Talk to you later.” Before I could reply, the call ended.
I slipped my phone back into my bag and looked ahead.
Edward’s bedroom door stood at the end of the hallway.
My heels clicked softly against the polished marble floor as I walked toward it. With every step, an unfamiliar heaviness settled over me.
Why did I suddenly feel so uneasy?
I forced the thought aside. You’re overthinking, Aubrey.
I wrapped my fingers around the doorknob and slowly pushed the door open.
It had barely moved an inch when Edward’s voice drifted through the opening.
“I can’t wait to get rid of that bastard… and this s*x is incredible.”
My entire body froze. The air caught in my throat.
No… That couldn’t be Edward.
I tightened my grip on the doorknob, my trembling fingers turning pale.
Who is he talking to? And… what did he just say?
Before I could make sense of anything, a woman’s voice answered.
“I can’t believe you actually begged me to let you date her when you knew I was the one you loved.”
The sound of a lingering kiss echoed through the room, followed by soft laughter.
Every hair on my body stood on end.
“I only pitied her,” the woman replied casually. “I wanted her to feel loved for once.” A sharp laugh followed.
“I let it slide at first,” the woman said. “But then she started taking everything that belonged to me.”
My heartbeat became painfully loud.
That voice… No…It couldn’t be.
“First, she graduated as the best student. Then she landed the modeling contract I always wanted. And now…” she scoffed, “she thinks she gets to marry the best man in the world?”
My fingers slipped from the doorknob.
My breathing stopped. Lily? No…
Please tell me I’m hearing things.
I, Lily, have always lived in her shadow, and I’m done with it. I’m taking back everything that belongs to me… and I’ll feed her to the dogs.”
Her laughter echoed through the room.
“And tomorrow…” Edward added with a smug laugh, “we’ll give her the greatest humiliation of her life. She’ll be standing at the altar waiting for me while I walk in with you.”
The two of them burst into laughter.
Lily…
Edward…
How could you?
My vision blurred.
A sharp pain twisted violently in my chest, making it difficult to breathe.
No! This couldn’t be happening.
Before I realized what I was doing, I shoved the door open.
“How dare you two!”
The laughter died instantly.
“Aubrey…” Edward scrambled off the bed, his eyes widening in horror.
“W-What are you doing here?” Lily clutched the duvet to her chest, the shock on her face lasting only for a second before it disappeared.
“What…” My lips trembled uncontrollably. “What did I just hear?”
I looked from Edward to Lily.
“Tell me I heard wrong.” My voice cracked. “Tell me this is one of your stupid jokes.”
Neither of them spoke.
I turned desperately to Edward. “Please… tell me this isn’t real.”
I waited but silence answered.
My knees weakened. I staggered backward, struggling to keep myself from falling.
“Can’t you see?” Lily finally broke the silence, her voice frighteningly calm. “Everything you heard is the truth.”
I slowly turned to look at her.
No… Not Lily. Anyone but her.
I wanted her to run to me the way she always did whenever Dad and Mom called me the black goat of the family. I wanted her to wrap her arms around me and whisper, “Relax… it’s just a prank.”
I wanted her to laugh, apologize, and tell me she had gone too far this time.
But she didn’t.
She only stared back at me with eyes so cold they no longer belonged to the sister I had grown up with.
“What is it, Aubrey?” she asked without a trace of guilt. “Why are you acting so surprised?”
The tears I had been fighting escaped all at once. “How…” My voice broke. “How could you?”
The strength left my legs. I collapsed onto the floor, my entire body trembling.
I lifted my tear-filled eyes to Lily. “Why…?” I whispered. “Why would you do this to me?”
“Oh, stop pretending already.” She clicked her tongue in annoyance. “It’s embarrassing.”
She walked closer until she was standing over me. “Why are you always so selfish?”
“What… are you talking about?” I cried.
“Didn’t you hear everything I just said?” she snapped. “I’m only taking back what’s mine.”
She folded her arms across her chest, an arrogant smile playing on her lips. “Or do you think it’s a crime to reclaim everything you stole from me?”
- Writer
