He Ignored My Plea, I Cut Ties

Chapter 2

"Thea, have you really thought this through? The medical mission to West Ardin lasts three years. Once you leave, you won't be coming back until it's over."

My coworker peeled away the bandage and carefully changed the dressing on the back of my head.

"I've made up my mind."

"What about your fiancé? Is he okay with it?"

"He's fine with it."

She sighed in frustration. "I swear, I want to give him a piece of my mind. You lost so much blood and needed four stitches in your head, but he spent the whole time being with his ex in the hospital for period cramps. You have no idea what those gossip mongers here have been saying behind your back..."

The story about Luke accompanying Emily to the hospital had already spread through every hospital group chat.

I gave a faint shrug. "Let them talk. I'll be gone in a few days anyway."

That wasn't even the worst thing he'd ever done to me.

Last year, during a terrible rainstorm, my car broke down in the middle of nowhere. I called him 17 times. He didn't answer once. In the end, a passing police officer stopped to help me.

The next day, Luke came home and simply said, "Emily's scared of thunderstorms. If you can't reach me next time, call one of my men."

Whenever it came to Emily, he handled everything himself.

When it came to me, I was told to call his subordinates.

So who was his fiancée?

Just before I got off work, my phone rang. An unfamiliar number flashed across the screen.

"Thea, what's going on with your phone? Why can't I ever get through to you?"

He still hadn't realized I'd blocked him.

"What do you need?" My voice was flat.

"The bridal shop just called. Your custom wedding dress is ready. Let's go try it on after work."

I stayed silent for a long moment. "Okay."

Breaking up over the phone felt too careless.

Five years deserved a proper ending.

At 6:30 that evening, I arrived at Platinum Bridal.

As I walked inside, I passed a display wall.

In the VIP fitting area, standing before a huge three-panel mirror, was a woman in a wedding dress.

Emily.

Luke sat on a nearby sofa, watching her reflection with visible tenderness.

"Is the waist too tight?"

Emily smoothed the lace over her waist. "It feels a little snug."

Luke stood and walked over. He looked her up and down before saying, "If you're wearing it, the waist and shoulders need another half inch. The hemline should be a little longer too."

Every outfit he'd ever bought me had fit terribly. Whenever I complained, he'd always say, "I can't remember women's sizes."

Apparently, he could remember Emily's. Every single detail, including her measurements.

Emily pouted, "Are you calling me fat?"

"Not at all." Luke smiled as he coaxed her. "The dress is just a little too small."

One of the sales associates beamed. "Sir, you're so thoughtful toward your fiancée."

Fiancée? A quiet laugh escaped me.

As if she'd heard it, Emily suddenly turned around.

"Thea? You're here?"

She sounded surprised. As though I were the unexpected guest.

Luke looked over too. His brows immediately knitted together.

"You cut your hair?"

His voice dropped, unmistakably displeased. "Do you realize the wedding is right around the corner?"

"Why are you being so harsh?" Emily interrupted him, wrinkling her nose. "Luke, where are your manners?"

Then she turned to me with a smile. "Don't mind him. Men have terrible taste anyway."

Seeing that I hadn't moved, Emily walked over and took my hand. "I heard a patient attacked you a while back. How are you feeling? Are you okay now?"

Luke reached over and affectionately tapped the tip of her nose. "Thea's a doctor. She knows how to take care of herself."

Then he looked at Emily. "You, on the other hand. Next time you have cramps, you're not allowed to..."

"Drink iced water!"

They answered in perfect unison. Then they laughed and high-fived each other without missing a beat.

They looked like a real engaged couple while I was the outsider standing between them.

Emily glanced down at the wedding dress she was wearing, as if she'd suddenly remembered something.

"Thea, don't get the wrong idea. Luke mentioned your wedding dress was ready, and I got curious. He insisted I try it on. I'll take it off right now."

She hurried toward the fitting room. But the train was too long. She stumbled forward.

Luke reacted instantly. He caught her around the waist before she could fall.

"Easy."

After helping her steady herself, he turned to me. "Wait here for a minute. I'll help her change."

I watched the two of them standing together. Then I looked straight at Emily and said calmly, "Don't bother changing. That dress looks beautiful on you. You can keep it."