Shattered Heart
402 Words
*RILEY HARRINGTON'S POV*
I watch the video of Wilden and Briana kissing on repeat. The pain in my chest makes it impossible to look away. The footage went viral fast—millions of views, thousands of comments praising Wilden for “choosing well.” Reading them makes me feel worthless.
Then I find the clip of me collapsing. The caption reads: _“When you find out your billionaire crush is taken. Literally fainting at the party! #WildenTaken #Heartbroken Fan.”_
I’m glad I’m a nobody. If I were known, the paparazzi would tear me apart.
I don’t remember what happened after I fell. Security dragged me out and left me at a hospital, the nurse told me later. I took a taxi home and collapsed into bed, numb.
Another clip surfaces—Wilden speaking to press after the party. “I don’t know the woman who fainted. She’s not someone I’m familiar with.”
The words shatter me. The man I was supposed to marry acts like I’m a stranger. He didn’t mention our engagement. He said his dream was to be with Briana.
Angry tears sting my eyes. Maybe it was for the cameras? Celebrities do that, right? I gave up my career to support him, and this is how he repays me.
I’d call him if I still had my phone. I’ll wait for him to come home and demand answers. Does he feel ashamed of me? Is that why he kept us secret for three years?
Mary, our housekeeper, rushes in when she hears me.
“Riley, sweetie! Thank God.” She hugs me tight. “Tell me what happened.”
“I saw it,” I sob. “He kissed her. In front of everyone.”
“Oh, Riley, it’ll be all right.”
“No, it won’t.”
She offers to run me a bath, but footsteps outside stop me. He’s here.
I rush downstairs, still in yesterday’s dress, and freeze. Wilden and Briana stand together in my living room.
“This place is exactly what I imagined,” Briana says, smiling at Wilden. He smiles back.
I force myself forward. “You’re early.”
Wilden’s face hardens. He pushes me back when I reach for him. “We need to talk.”
He nods to Briana. “Make yourself at home.” Then he pulls me toward another room. The door closes behind us.
- Writer
