Looking at my reflection in the rearview mirror, I smoothed out the curls around my face. My phone vibrated on the car seat beside me, and I grinned, anticipating the identity of the caller,it was Reese, my best friend.
"Hey Reese!" Is our plan still happening later? I asked, leaning back in my seat.
"Definitely!" I need to get updated and I want to know all the specifics. "What is the task for today?" Reese had her usual bubbly tone, yet her curiosity was evident in her voice. She enjoyed being aware of the types of events I was involved in.
"A wedding." Seems like a major client. "I mentioned how Mr. Alvin was very specific about this particular one," I stated as I pulled into the venue's parking lot. The location was enormous, filled with tall columns and shiny windows, the kind of place that clearly demonstrated wealth.
"Hmm, that sounds quite sophisticated." Following this, you have earned yourself a beverage. I'll come pick you up later."
"Agreed," I nodded, smiling at the idea. Reese always knew how to help me cope with stressful days. "I'll phone you once I finish."
Just as I was about to speak further, a voice coming from behind me suddenly shocked me. "Chelsea!" - There is no time to talk. Mr. Alvin awaits."
I glanced upwards and saw Vivian, my colleague, eagerly motioning for me to come over. Standing by the entrance, she appeared frazzled as always, holding her tablet.
"I need to leave now," I hastily informed Reese. "Looking forward to seeing you this evening!"
Wishing you good luck! Before I ended the call, Reese made a chirping noise.
I hurried towards Vivian, who was already talking rapidly, after getting out of my car. "We are running late, and Mr. Alvin is in a bad temper." He's been continuously examining the plans. We must complete the table arrangement and ensure the dessert station is prepared. The visitors are expected to arrive very soon!
"I reassured her, attempting to calm her nerves despite my own starting to unravel." "We have this under control."
We quickly made our way through the large double doors and stepped into the impressive hall. I was amazed by the decorations, which were all gold and white, with big floral arrangements on each table, causing my eyes to widen. Everything was luxurious, yet another thing immediately grabbed my focus. A large banner adorned the front of the hall, shining letters displaying the names of the couple: Adams Hemsworth and Sandra Heathens.
I felt a sudden flutter in my chest. I stood still, gazing at the banner in disbelief. Adams Hemsworth?The same Adams Hemsworth that I know?
It was impossible. I felt my heart rate increase as I anxiously looked around the room for solutions. Could this have been a mistake of some sort?
Prior to me being able to comprehend anything else, Mr. Alvin advanced towards us, his face tense with anxiety. "Hey Chelsea! Great to see you've arrived. We're running out of time, but it's crucial for you and Vivian to concentrate on the finishing details. And please, remain alert for God's sake. This is not just an ordinary event, it is the wedding of Adams Hemsworth and Sandra Heathens.
I felt parched in my mouth. "Is Hemsworth Adams?" "Is he the groom?"
Mr. Alvin briefly looked in my direction while nodding, but his focus had already shifted elsewhere. "Indeed, they are currently at the church for the ceremony." Everything must be perfect before their return.
Adams' words hit me with the force of a truck. Getting hitched. To **Sandra Heathens, of all individuals-the dazzling actress I had only witnessed on television. And there I stood, in the center of the hallway meant to commemorate the occasion of their marriage.
All of a sudden, everything began to fall into place - Adams' unexpected work trip, his recent absentmindedness and emotional distance. I believed he was under work-related pressure. **He deceived me. He was tying the knot.
"Chelsea?" - "Is that Chelsea?" Mr. Alvin's abrupt manner brought me back to the present moment. "Are you okay?" It is imperative that we relocate.
I nodded without feeling, my body working automatically as I assisted Vivian with the final details. I struggled to understand everything, my thoughts moving quickly. How could I not have seen that coming?
Soon, I heard the noise of vehicles arriving outside. They had returned. As I faced the entrance, my stomach twisted in discomfort.
The large wooden doors swung open, revealing Adams and Sandra emerging from a stylish black vehicle. Sandra appeared stunning in her well-fitted gown, exuding the glamor of a well-known celebrity. Adams... God, he appeared unchanged as ever-handsome, assured, the man I had adored for ages.
I stood still, watching as they passed by me. My heart raced in my chest, hoping he would glance at me, notice me, and recognize the situation.
However, Adams ignored me completely and continued walking past, with his hand lightly touching Sandra's waist.
Not even a twitch from him. Did not rotate his head.
I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm as they walked into the hall. What did I think would happen? Would he come to me and explain that everything was just a misunderstanding? I meant nothing to him at that moment.
"Chelsea, we have to bring out the appetizers," Vivian quietly uttered, giving me a slight push. "Let's go."
I nodded rigidly, grabbed the tray, and went inside behind her. The event was already bustling with activity, attendees conversing and laughing, oblivious to the turmoil brewing within me.
I was still struggling to stay composed, concentrating on my job as Vivian passed me another tray. "You must attend to the pair."
I felt a sinking feeling in my chest. "Are Adams and Sandra here?"
"Sure, it's your go," she replied, offering me a compassionate expression.
Trembling, I carried the tray to their table. Sandra leaned in close to Adams and whispered something that caused him to laugh. I felt my throat constricting as I got closer.
"Sorry," I whispered, my voice barely heard as I placed their beverages on the table.
Right when I was going to move back, I sensed a movement beneath me. Sandra's leg extended in front of me on purpose, causing me to trip and drop the tray before I could do anything. I tumbled to the ground with a noisy bang, the glasses shattering near me.
The music came to a halt. Conversations fell silent. Everyone was looking at me.
Lying on the ground, feeling embarrassed and defeated, I watched Sandra smirking from her chair.
"Goodness me, so clumsy," she exclaimed, her tone filled with feigned worry.
Adams remained silent. He didn't even make eye contact with me.
My eyes filled with tears as I quickly got up, feeling the heat of embarrassment on my face. At that point, it dawned on me that I held no significance to him.
I remained motionless, feeling the embarrassment sting my cheeks. My hands shook while I rubbed them on my apron, attempting to calm down, but my stomach was in turmoil. Everywhere I turned, the room was quiet, as though all the air had been taken away. I could sense a gaze directed at me, possibly filled with judgment, pity, or even amusement.
I quickly looked at Adams, wishing-hoping-that he would utter some words. He remained the man I had adored for many years. Certainly, he wouldn't simply watch and allow this to occur. I can't believe this happened considering all we went through together.
"Adams?" I was able to barely whisper as I choked it out. "Are you not going to speak at all?"
He glanced at me, and in that brief moment, I recognized the man I used to know. However, it disappeared suddenly, being replaced by a chilly, scornful grin.
"Why do I need to?" he asked, his voice cutting. "Chelsea, take a good look at yourself. You are pitiful. You look like an elderly woman, overweight and unproductive. Sitting back in his chair, he crossed his arms while Sandra chuckled quietly next to him. "Did you truly believe you were ever suitable to be my wife? That's the reason I left you for someone... deserving.
His words felt like a sharp blade piercing my chest, each one striking harder than the previous one. The breath escaped my lungs and I feared I might faint for a second. What made him utter those words? How was he able to stand before this crowd and completely destroy me like that?
Before I could reply, Mr. Alvin hurried towards me, his face pale with alarm. "Chelsea, please," he urgently whispered, seizing my arm and guiding me to the side. "Stay calm and composed." I cannot afford to lose this client, and you cannot afford to lose this job. Simply leave, just walk away.
I gazed at him, too shocked to speak. Everything I knew was falling apart, and he thought I would leave without looking back? I took a quick look at Vivian, who was observing everything happening, with a look of confusion and worry on her face.
"What in the world is happening?" she inquired, speaking softly as she approached me.
I attempted to communicate, but no words were spoken. How can I even start to describe what was going on? The man I had been in love with, the man I had believed I would be with forever, had broken my heart completely, and I felt utterly helpless.
Prior to being able to collect my thoughts, I was startled by a powerful voice coming from behind me. "Security!"
Just as I turned around, I caught sight of Marina Hemsworth, who is Adams's mother, waving towards the entrance. Remove her from this place. "She's making a scene."
The words struck me like a blow to the stomach. I wasn't even worth considering for a moment. Just a minor inconvenience to get rid of. The two big men in black suits were hardly noticed by me as they neared, firmly grasping my arms and guiding me towards the exit. Tears clouded my vision, blurring the world around me.
I glanced back one final time, foolishly hoping that Adams would intervene. He would realize the extent of the mistake. However, what I witnessed was only him and Sandra, engrossed in a profound, affectionate embrace, completely unaware of my presence. It's like I had never been involved in his life before.
The grand hall doors were pushed open, and I was abruptly pushed out into the chilly evening air. The embarrassment, the disloyalty, it was too overwhelming. I stumbled towards my car, struggling to maintain my composure while my thoughts raced. How did everything deteriorate so fast? How did I allow things to reach this point?
I sank into the driver's seat, the floodgates releasing as tears shook my body. I tightly held onto the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white as tears flowed more intensely than they had in a long time. I had never experienced such intense feelings of shatteredness and complete confusion before.
The sudden ringing of the phone snapped me out of my unhappiness. I quickly looked at the screen, using the back of my hand to wipe my face. Reese.
I sniffed, attempting to compose my voice as I replied. "Um, hi?"
"Is this Chelsea?" Reese's voice quickly showed signs of worry. "What is happening?" I've been attempting to get in touch with you. "You sound terrible."
"It is..." I felt my throat constrict, and I had difficulty expressing myself. "Reese, it's a tale of considerable length. I'll clarify it all, but first, I must meet with you. Is it possible for me to visit your place?
"Sure thing, darling. I am present. Just make sure to arrive here safely whenever you're ready, alright? She spoke softly, yet I could sense the hint of urgency in her tone. "We will resolve it as a team, no matter what it is."
I affirmed silently, even though she was unable to witness it. "Thank you, Reese. "I will arrive shortly." I ended the call, sensing the heaviness of the day increasing on me. At the very least, I had Reese. I wasn't completely alone in this situation, at least.
Right as I was about to turn on the car, my phone vibrated once more. This time, it was a written message. I paused before glancing at the screen, feeling my heart sink as soon as I saw the sender.
"The bill for electricity, you fool. "Don't let it slip your mind!"
Naturally, the source was my aunt Sonia. The woman who had welcomed me after the loss of my parents, but who constantly reminded me of the weight I carried. Watching the message, my chest constricted with a fresh wave of hopelessness.
"Make sure you remember it."
At this moment, I wished to erase all memories. My aunt, Adams, is my life. The heaviness of everything seemed likely to overwhelm me.
I sat back in my chair, my eyes shutting as one thought came to me: I hoped for the world to collapse on me and bring everything to an end.
In the quiet night, feelings of loss and betrayal resounded strongly within me, but I was certain that I couldn't allow this to be the conclusion. This is not acceptable.
My phone vibrated as I picked it up and stared at the screen. It was Adam's. My heart began to race as I wondered why he was calling.
"Why are you calling?" I asked, trying not to show any emotions or make him feel like he won.
"Just wanted to know if you're alive,do not want my security team paying for a crime they didn't commit." I gasped as the call ended.
"Dead?" I whispered and my body shook violently.
The journey to Reese's house seemed to last forever. My thoughts constantly went back to the wedding incident, recalling every painful remark, every chuckle, and every expression of contempt on Adam's face. I held onto the steering wheel with such force that my knuckles paled, feeling the heaviness in my chest. I had shed tears to the point that my eyes were stinging, yet I still couldn't comprehend everything. How had everything gone so wrong so fast?
I saw Reese's house ahead, a lovely contemporary structure that always felt like a second home to me. I stopped the car and remained seated for a moment. I felt a weight in my heart. What was the way I would clarify this? How could I confess that everything I had strived for, everything I had faith in with Adams, was untrue?
I dabbed at my face, attempting to compose myself. Reese was my closest companion; she would comprehend. She consistently did so.
When I knocked on the door, Reese was already there. When she laid eyes on me, her pupils dilated at the sight of my disheveled appearance. Without speaking, she ushered me into the room and embraced me tightly.
"Chelsea, oh my God, what's wrong?" she asked, a worried tone in her voice. "You appear as though you were struck by a truck." She whispered, pulling me into a tight hug.
I shattered. The barrier I had been maintaining broke, and the tears poured out again. Reese continued to embrace me tightly, allowing me to cry on her shoulder without releasing me.
"I-I'm in disbelief," I managed to say amid tears. "I'm in disbelief that he would do this to me,I just received a call from him and guess what? He called to know if I'm still alive or not, that's the height of it,the height of his wickedness!"
Reese led me to the couch, where we sat down and I buried my face in my hands. She didn't immediately demand answers, allowing me to vent. After the crying started to calm down, she spoke once more, her voice gentle yet strong.
"Share all the details with me." "What transpired?"
I cleaned my face while my hands shook. It took me a short while to muster the courage to speak, but I eventually succeeded in articulating, little by little.
"Adams..." I began, my voice faltering. Adams has a spouse. He wed Sandra Heathens, who is an actress. Their wedding was taking place at the venue today, and as I spoke, I shook my head, feeling the words getting stuck in my throat.
Reese's eyes grew wide, her face becoming stern. "Hold on. Huh? Did he tie the knot with another person? Chelsea, you have been in a relationship with him for years! "What on earth?"
"I whispered, 'I understand'." "I was not aware, Reese. I was completely unaware. I was at the event working when I arrived and spotted him with her. Initially, I believed... I was unsure of my thoughts. But when Mr. Alvin informed me that they were going to get married, I completely fell apart. I expected more from him,not this,not shattering me into a million pieces in front of everyone."
Reese displayed a combination of anger and disbelief on his face. I am in disbelief. What a jerk! "He's been deceiving you for so long and then just-what was his response when you challenged him?"
I chewed on my lip, experiencing the usual pain from his words. "I hesitated, the pain still too raw," he said. He stated that I was not suitable to be his wife. I was described as overweight and elderly, being used for entertainment by him."
Reese's face turned serious, her jaw tightening. Did he really say that? "Directly in front of you?"
I nodded, on the verge of tears once more. "Directly in front of everyone,the press,his friends,his pathetic wife"
Reese swore repeatedly while walking back and forth in front of me. "I promise, if I come across him once more, I'll use my own hands to end his life." Who does he think he is to say that to you? He's not even that good! What about Sandra Heathens? I beg you, her most recent film was a complete catastrophe." I know she was just saying this to make me smile and it did work.
I forced a feeble chuckle amid the tears, yet the ache was still present, intense and throbbing. I simply cannot comprehend, Reese. How could I have missed this? I believed that he had feelings for me.
Reese ceased his walking back and forth and kneeled in front of me, taking hold of my hands. Chelsea, pay attention to what I am saying. You have done no wrongdoing. Adams is a spineless person, a worthless individual who is unworthy of you. Can you hear me? You are superior to this. You are worthy of a lot more."
I nodded, but the words didn't register. I continued to feel foolish, as if I had squandered years of my life on a man who never truly valued me.
Reese got to her feet and folded her arms. "That is all." We are departing. "You need a new beginning."
I looked at her and blinked. "Are you going away?"
Sure, I'm heading out. This urban environment, this existence. All things. You have to escape from everything-Adams, his mother, your aunt. Let's begin fresh in a different place. What do you think about... Columbia?
I looked at her, shocked. "What about Columbia?"
"Why don't we give it a try? It's distant, sunny, and offers an opportunity for a new beginning. We will escape this harmful situation and begin anew, just the two of us. Chelsea, you should be in a place where you can truly relax and breathe freely."
The concept of departing seemed attractive. It seemed like the only option for survival, more than just attractive. I had to leave New York because Adams was always on my mind. The thought of witnessing him and Sandra showing off their life together was too much to handle.
"Are you being sincere?" Still shaky, I asked.
Reese had a smile on his face. Absolutely serious. You, I, a different location, a fresh start. We will introduce you to attractive Colombian men who will captivate you, and you won't have to worry about Adams anymore."
I released a brief chuckle. "I believe I'm not prepared for that." I replied and thanked my stars for having a loving friend like Reese,at least I wasn't left alone on a day like this.
"Well, not immediately." Believe me, we will enjoy ourselves. You will find that Columbia will benefit you. A new beginning.
I was on the verge of speaking when my phone vibrated on the table, bringing me back to the present moment. I quickly looked at the screen, and unsurprisingly, it was Sonia. I felt sick to my stomach as I gazed at her name, the last thing I wanted at this moment.
Reese grabbed the phone off the table before I had a chance to consider answering it. "Negative," she firmly replied. Right now, we are not handling her. It's necessary for you to take a break from everything, and that includes her.
"However-"
"No excuses, Chelsea. We are reserving seats on planes. At this very moment. She took her laptop and sat next to me, her fingers quickly typing on the keyboard. "We will leave the day after tomorrow."
There was no room for argument due to the certainty in her voice. I gave a nod, experiencing an odd feeling of comfort. Perhaps this is exactly what I was looking for. An opportunity to flee, to abandon all that is.
Reese's phone made a sound, and she smiled, showing me the screen. "Air travel arrangements are finalized." We will leave early in the morning.
I blinked in disbelief at the rapid pace of movement around me. Perhaps being quick was beneficial. Perhaps I had to act before I could overthink my decision.
Reese extended their arm and gently grasped my hand. Chelsea, this is the correct choice. Have faith in me.
I nodded, inhaling deeply. In the coming day, everything was going to be different. Tomorrow, I will depart from New York, leaving Adams in the past.
Tomorrow, I will begin anew. A new life,a new me and all the memories I had with Adams will be long forgotten.