I Cancel Our Wedding, Then He Comes Begging

Chapter 7

"Don't go, Wendy, I, " Mrs. Louis started, but I didn't let her finish.

"Mrs. Louis, some things are better left unsaid," I cut in, my tone firm. "Lucian and I aren't meant to be."

I took a breath, my voice softening just a bit. "Since Lucian and Liana are truly in love, maybe it's time to accept that. As they say, it's better to break up than drag out a marriage. I don't want to be the villain here. I'm sorry."

I handed her the birthday gift and turned on my heel, walking out without looking back.

Once outside, the floodgates opened. Tears spilled down my cheeks, and I couldn't hold them in.

From a nearby convenience store, a song blared through the speakers, almost mocking me: Happy breakup, I wish you happiness, you'll find someone better...

In a daze, I stumbled into the store. The clerk glanced up at me, a little taken aback, but didn't say anything.

I wiped my eyes, trying to hold it together, then grabbed a cup of spicy chicken noodles and some snacks. I sat down in the rest area, shoveling the noodles into my mouth, the spice hitting me like a punch. I switched between noodles and snacks, each bite salty and spicy, a strange mix that matched my emotions.

The clerk, noticing my shaking shoulders, quietly set a bottle of milk next to me. "Miss, there's nothing you can't get through. If it's too spicy, drink some milk. Don't be too hard on yourself."

My lips were burning from the heat, my vision blurred by tears, but I managed a weak, "Thanks."

After the self-pity party, my phone buzzed. It was my mom.

She was at it again, suggesting I heal my broken heart by jumping into a new relationship. She wanted to set me up on a blind date.

I sighed, feeling reluctant. "I'm not ready to date, Mom. I just need to focus on my career right now. Let's talk about it when I'm more settled."

She tried to push, but I quickly came up with an excuse about work, ending the conversation before she could say more.

My mom had remarried when I was eighteen, after my biological father ran off with all our money and his mistress when I was five. She raised me on her own, working tirelessly. Now, she's happy, but I can't forget the years we spent homeless because of my dad's betrayal.

That's why I can't stand unfaithful men, especially those who can't choose between women. I thought Lucian was different, but I was wrong. This experience had shown me one thing: the only thing you can truly rely on is the money in your bank account.

Instead of wallowing in heartbreak, I threw myself into work and self-improvement. I blocked Lucian's number, and his parents' too. Life had taught me a hard lesson: when it's time to cut ties, you do it cleanly. No loose ends.

I dove into my work, built a solid routine, and left anyone who could mess with my peace in the past.

"Wendy, how long will this business trip be?" my new assistant, Liam, asked as I straightened my desk.

"Two days. Just pack a change of clothes," I replied.

Liam was recommended by my former assistant before her maternity leave, her brother. I usually avoid nepotism, but his skills were on par with hers, so I decided to keep him on.

Liam had a solid work ethic, and I never had to worry about him. But of course, his first mistake at work came on this business trip.