Chapter 12
Bianca’s explanation seemed reasonable, but it did little to quell the unease gnawing at Erick. His eyes darted between the smoldering fire and Bianca’s calm
expression, searching for a hint of regret that wasn’t there.
“You could’ve just stored the photos away,” he murmured, his tone quieter now, almost pleading. “We’ll hang them back up when we remarry.”
Bianca’s lips curved into a faint, humorless smile. “By then, we can take new ones.”
Erick felt his chest tighten. Watching the flames consume the photos–snapshots of their once–perfect life together–stirred an inexplicable discomfort within him. The memories seemed to crumble and curl like the burning paper. He knew he had
wronged Bianca, hurt her deeply.
Yet, a part of him believed they could mend
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things. “Bianca, I”
“You should go,” Bianca interrupted, her voice steady but unyielding.
“I want to stay tonight,” Erick said, stepping closer. He wanted to reach out, to touch
her hand and bridge the widening,
chasm between them. “We need to talk–about us, about everything.”
Bianca met his gaze, her own unwavering. “Erick, we’re divorced,” she stated firmly. “If you linger here, people will think I’m the homewrecker.”
Her words cut deep, like a blade slicing through the fragile hope Erick clung to.
“Bianca, you’ll never be a mistress to me,” he said, desperation creeping into his voice.
But Bianca’s expression didn’t soften. Instead, her gaze turned distant, as if she were looking at someone she no longer recognized. Slowly, she enunciated each word with chilling clarity. “Erick, I will
Chapter 12
never be someone’s mistress.”
Her conviction silenced him. Erick opened his mouth, searching for the right words, but none came. He stood there, helpless, watching her unyielding resolve.
Finally, he said, “I’ll come back for you, Bianca. I’ll marry you again. I promise.”
Bianca didn’t respond. Her gaze drifted past him, out the window, as if the conversation no longer concerned her.
Her voice, soft and faint, escaped her lips as Erick turned to leave. “That day will never come.”
The words were swallowed by the empty room, unheard.
After the door closed behind him, Bianca remained still for a long moment, staring at the flickering flames. Then, she reached for her phone. Her voice was calm as she spoke to the operator.
“Hello, I’d like to purchase all the
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advertising spaces across the city for
tomorrow.”
The next morning. Erick arrived at Harper Manor to pick up Sabrina. She greeted him with a bright smile, her hand slipping into his as they walked toward the waiting wedding car
Their vehicle took a scenic route through the city, circling prominent landmarks. Sabrina leaned close, snapping selfies with Erick, her phone camera capturing moments she quickly uploaded to social media. Each post was carefully curated to show their happiness, tagging Bianca to ensure she saw every image.
Meanwhile, Bianca drove alone, her face unreadable as she maneuvered through the city streets. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles white. One kilometer away from the wedding venue, the screech of tires filled the air, followed by the deafening crunch of metal.
Chapter 12
Bianca’s car crashed into a stopping truck. The scene was catastrophic, twisted
wreckage strewn across the road.
Passersby stopped in horror, murmuring
prayers for those involved.
Minutes later, Erick’s wedding car
approached the scene. He craned his neck, trying to catch a glimpse of the aftermath, but Sabrina tugged at his arm.
“We’ll be late,” she said, her voice laced with feigned concern. “Do you really have to see it? Today’s supposed to be our happy day.”
Erick frowned, conflicted. His instincts told him to stop, to check if he could help, but Sabrina’s grip on his arm tightened.
Pinching the bridge of his nose, he muttered, “Forget it. Let’s go.”
The car rolled past the accident, the scene disappearing in the rearview mirror as they continued toward West Manor.
***
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Chapter 12
At the wedding venue, Sabrina’s excitement was palpable. She clung to Erick’s arm as he carried her out of the car, grinning ear to ear as celebratory cannon fire erupted in the background.
Her parents greeted them with open arms, their faces glowing with pride.
Erick’s parents, who had never approved of Bianca due to her ambiguous background, were visibly pleased. Sabrina, at least, came from a respectable family.
The guests exchanged polite smiles and congratulations, but Erick couldn’t shake a lingering sense of unease. Something felt wrong, like an invisible thread pulling him toward an unraveling.
The image of Bianca burning their wedding photos replayed in his mind, gnawing at his thoughts. He pulled out his phone and dialed her number.
“The number you are calling is currently
unavailable.”
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The mechanical voice sent a shiver down his spine. He tried again, only to hear the same cold response.
Sabrina noticed his distraction and gently placed her hand on his arm. “Darling, the ceremony is about to start.” she reminded him with a sweet smile.
Erick hesitated. “Just a moment,” he said. dialing the housekeeper instead.
After a few rings, the housekeeper picked up. “Mr. West. Mrs.–I mean. Miss Bianca left this morning. She said she had a prenatal check–up at the hospital.”
Relief flooded through Erick and he exhaled deeply. Guilt pricked his conscience. Bianca was pregnant, yet he hadn’t been there for her.
Determined, he resolved to end things with
Sabrina soon and return to Bianca’s side.
He looked at Sabrina and said firmly, “Don’t call me darling. Not now, not ever.”
