My Wedding, My Choice novel Chapter 2

I was quitting my job.

I'd spent five years helping build Elliot's jewelry company-handling multiple roles at the start, then later focusing on design.

But if I was leaving him, I was leaving this place too.

I spent the whole day organizing files, wrapping up projects, and preparing my resignation.

By the time I finished, most of the office had emptied out.

I headed upstairs to Elliot's office.

The door was slightly ajar.

Inside, only a dim desk lamp was on.

Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, two figures were tightly wrapped in each other's arms.

"Chester, I'm so scared Alyssa will come looking for me. I can't face her… I'm so scared…"

Before she could finish, Elliot cupped her face and kissed her, deep and desperate, as if he wanted to melt her into himself.

When they finally broke apart, Elliot caught his breath, running his fingers through her hair as he whispered:

"Nova, don't be afraid. I won't let her hurt you."

"The wedding is yours alone. My love is yours alone."

"I only feel responsible for her-there's no love left."

"I've taken care of everything. I'll only have kids with you."

"It doesn't matter if they're born out of wedlock, they'll still have inheritance rights."

"Aside from that meaningless piece of paper, everything I have is yours."

They kissed again, lost in each other, their hushed whispers and ragged breaths filling the dimly lit office.

Tears blurred my vision.

I carried the box downstairs, tossing the items one by one into the dumpster.

Every picture of us together-I ripped them apart before letting the pieces fall.

At last, my hands were empty. I stood there, dazed, staring at the red string bracelet still wrapped around my wrist.

Tears fell like broken pearls, silent and unstoppable.

Closing my eyes, I yanked it off and threw it away.

From childhood best friends to partners, to strangers who no longer understood each other-we had reached the end of the line.

Years of love and devotion, reduced to nothing.

Wiping my tears, I turned around-only to find Elliot standing a short distance away, watching me.