The Billionaire's Regretful Marriage

Amelia Miller couldn't remember the last time she felt this nervous, her knuckles numb as she clutched the edge of the veil draping perfectly beneath the delicate crown resting on her head.

This was the day she had been waiting for. Standing in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection with a small smile, she suddenly felt like everything was just a dream.

She was getting married today. The long-awaited day for both her and her beloved-Ethan Blackwell-had finally arrived. The white lace gown had initially felt heavy on her slender frame, but with every passing second leading up to the ceremony, her racing heart overshadowed any discomfort she felt in the dress.

Outside, the church bells chimed softly, signaling that the moment was drawing near. Her best friend, Lydia, entered the room with a bright face. "Are you ready?" Lydia asked with a smile, though her voice carried a hint of uncertainty.

Noticing the fragile smile on Amelia's lips, Lydia stepped closer and gently rubbed her shoulder. "Come on, we practiced walking in this dress yesterday. What's making you so nervous?"

The faint unease Amelia had felt for the past three days leading up to the wedding was something she had tried to suppress. The reality of getting married had drowned out any worries or doubts about Ethan. And yet, he hadn't called her directly in the last three days either.

Amelia shook off the negative thoughts. Ethan was just busy. He was the CEO of a famous fashion brand, after all. Of course, a wedding like this took up a lot of his time. She nodded and looked at her best friend brightly, forcing herself to stay positive.

"Just a little nervous," Amelia replied, flashing a wider smile. "I'm ready."

As she stepped out into the church aisle, the wedding guests stood, all eyes fixed on her. Most of them were Ethan's colleagues-wealthy and influential people whom she only knew by name. Amelia felt small among them, as if she didn't belong there.

It wasn't a new feeling. Ethan's family-his parents, even-were people she had barely, if ever, met until today. Ethan had always said they were too busy and would only attend the wedding. But now...

As Amelia lifted her gaze, standing in the center of the church, she saw the long carpet leading to the altar, where only a lone priest stood-without Ethan by his side. Her smile vanished.

The solemn church piano echoed through the room. Some guests looked at her in confusion, concern etched on their faces, as if willing her to believe that Ethan, who should be standing next to the priest, was simply running late. But he wasn't there.

Where was Ethan?

She turned to the priest, her expression full of uncertainty. He simply nodded slowly, as if asking her to wait. A few guests started whispering, their hushed voices like needles piercing her ears.

"Where is he?" she whispered to Lydia, who now stood beside her.

Lydia looked panicked. "Maybe he's running late because of something-I'll check."

Lydia hurried out, leaving Amelia standing alone. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the anxiety crawling up her throat. She scanned the crowd, hoping someone would provide answers. But they only stared back-some with pity, others with mocking smirks.

Minutes passed like an eternity before Lydia returned, her face pale. In her hands was a small white envelope. She handed it to Amelia without saying a word.

Amelia's fingers trembled as she opened the envelope. Inside was a small note, Ethan's neat handwriting filling the page.

"Amelia, I can't do this. I'm sorry. I know this is painful, but I have to be honest with myself. Please forget me."

Amelia's world collapsed. She staggered back, nearly falling if Lydia hadn't caught her. A soft murmur rippled through the crowd as they watched her, their gazes heavy with judgment. The priest looked on with concern.

"What happened?"

Amelia's hearing faded, drowned out by the suffocating stares around her. Lydia called her name, but Amelia could only focus on breathing, trying to pull herself together.

From the wide-open church doors, a swarm of reporters and journalists-whether from fashion magazines or online tabloids-flooded the room. Their cameras flashed, capturing Amelia's pale face, frozen in shock.

Dear God, what was Ethan thinking?

A voice suddenly rose from the far end of the church. "Leave! Everyone, leave! The wedding is canceled. Canceled!"

Guests turned to each other, murmuring in confusion, their whispers filling the grand hall with ridicule. Amelia was too weak to stand and stop her mother from causing a scene.

"Amelia, what should we do? Is this really over?" Lydia asked, panicked. The priest clicked his tongue.

"Try contacting the groom. We need to confirm if this sacrament should truly be annulled." His voice was calm, but to Amelia, it was nothing more than a death sentence for her wedding.

"Amelia, get up." Lydia tried to help her stand straight, but Amelia could only stare blankly at the altar-the place that should have been the beginning of her happiness.

Her mother approached, face red with fury. "Didn't I warn you? Men like Ethan will never be serious about a girl like you. Look at what you've done to our family! His parents aren't even here!" Her voice was loud enough for nearby guests to hear.

Amelia wanted to respond, to tell her mother that this wasn't her fault. But her voice was gone, buried beneath the humiliation and heartbreak.

Then, a guest stepped forward, holding up a phone. She showed something to Lydia, who immediately froze.

"What is it?" Amelia croaked. Lydia hesitated, but Amelia snatched the phone from her hands.

In an instant, her world shattered again.

The screen displayed a photo-grainy, taken in a rush, but clear enough to show Ethan pressing a tender kiss to another woman's temple.

A gut-wrenching sensation punched through Amelia's stomach, leaving her paralyzed.

After three days of silence, this was what she got from Ethan? But... why?

"Amelia, maybe this is just a misunderstanding," Lydia tried to console her.

Amelia didn't reply. She handed the phone back and slowly walked out of the church. Every step felt heavier than the last, but she knew there was no reason to stay any longer.

Outside, the rain had begun to fall. The droplets soaked her dress, turning the pure white fabric into a dull gray. But she didn't care. She kept walking, leaving the church, the stares, and the dreams she once held onto.

She stopped at the edge of the road, rain mixing with the tears streaming down her face. The wedding gown she had once envisioned as a symbol of happiness now felt like an unbearable weight.

Unbeknownst to her, from the distant shadows of the church parking lot, Ethan sat behind the wheel of his car-with the same woman by his side, gently caressing his leg. Watching the heartbreak unfold, relishing a moment Amelia would never even know about.

Elysian Atelier was located on Fifth Avenue, New York. Usually, on Sundays, more than ten clients would come in. However, today was unusually quiet, and for some reason, it made Amelia's thoughts drift back to the night she felt utterly shattered.

A failed wedding.

The news had spread widely across online platforms and articles followed by fashion enthusiasts-especially those keeping up with designers or executives managing major fashion brands.

And Blackwell's company was no small boutique. The scandal caused quite a stir in the fashion industry, with reports stating that a woman had gone mad, believing she was going to marry Ethan Blackwell.

Yes.

That was how all the reports framed it. And Amelia had read every single one of those annoying articles written by relentless reporters and journalists, spreading the news everywhere while keeping her identity anonymous.

Fortunately, none of those articles featured her face. That was a relief. But now, everyone was questioning why a woman would cause such an uproar and genuinely believe she was Ethan's bride.

One of the articles even included an additional interview with Ethan's parents. The most humiliating part was Ethan's mother declaring that Ethan would never marry anyone without the entire family's knowledge. She dismissed the entire incident as nothing more than a woman causing unnecessary drama.

Amelia's heart ached, and her world no longer felt the same. Every time she sat at her desk, staring at her designers' packed schedules, she found no motivation for her work.

Everything seemed to move so fast, and before she knew it, ten days had passed since that dreadful day.

The office door was suddenly thrown open. The sharp sound of boots clicking against the floor filled the room-steps Amelia recognized all too well. She snapped out of her daze and quickly grabbed a document, but her action was halted when Reina yanked it from her grasp.

The document fell to the floor, and Amelia's eyes widened in shock.

"Miss?"

"Look at what you've done to my dress!"

Reina tossed a medium-sized box adorned with elegant ribbons onto the table, then pulled out a black mini dress with lace fabric layered over it. Amelia lowered her gaze, carefully examining the dress that didn't seem to have any apparent issues.

"What... what happened?"

"What happened?" Reina's eyes widened with fury, almost bulging out of their sockets. She pointed a finger at the dress. "Can you even do your job? Ever since your failed wedding, everything you've worked on has nearly caused my clients to complain. Luckily, they're patient! This dress doesn't match the fitting specifications! Find Mrs. Fay's documents!"

Reina's voice was loud, sharp, and explosive, like fireworks bursting in the night sky. It wasn't the first time Amelia had heard it, but today, she was particularly sensitive.

Obediently, Amelia checked the documents. As it turned out, there was indeed a mistake in the dress size she had sent. Staring at the document, Amelia fell silent, realizing her error.

"See now? You worked on this right after your wedding disaster. I thought I gave you enough time to rest, but look at the result! I misjudged you." Reina snatched the document from the table and glared at Amelia with disdain.

"Leave. I don't need an incompetent employee ruining my projects."

The words struck Amelia like a slap. She grabbed Reina's wrist.

"Miss! Miss, please don't do this! I promise I'll fix everything. Please, just give me a chance-"

Reina shook off her grip and stared at Amelia coldly. "You don't need to beg, Amelia. My decision is final."

Once again, Amelia felt her heart shatter. She watched as Reina left the room, disappearing while Amelia stood frozen, unable to say anything.

From behind the cubicles, she heard Lydia's approaching footsteps.

"Amelia, Amelia! Let's go after Reina. We can't let her fire you-"

Somehow, Amelia found the strength to shake her head. "No. I don't want to trouble anyone anymore." She looked at her friend slowly and forced a small smile. "I should just go."

Lydia could see that Amelia had made up her mind, and there was no turning back. She had to accept her mistakes. And for yet another painful moment, Amelia had to walk away from a job she had dedicated almost five years of her life to.

"Amelia... then what about-" Before Lydia could finish, Amelia's phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID-her mother.

Amelia stepped into the restroom and answered.

"Yes, Mom?"

"I've packed your things."

Amelia gasped, nearly shouting, "What?"

"Haven't I told you? I'm sick of the reporters ruining the front gate of this small house. You need to leave so they stop bothering me!"

"But, Mom, I can't. Where am I supposed to go if you keep telling me to leave?" Amelia's voice trembled, on the verge of tears. She could already imagine her mother standing with arms crossed, face full of anger.

"Do you think I care!? Ever since you embarrassed this family at your failed wedding, I've had enough! I was still kind enough to take you back in. Do you know? Every time I go to the market, to the mall, everyone talks about it. I'm so ashamed! Ashamed!"

Amelia's throat tightened. She knew that even though her mother wasn't her biological mother, she had lived with this woman for years. Despite her harsh words and constant complaints, Amelia had never left that house. It was the only place that still connected her to her father's memory.

"But Mom-"

The call ended abruptly. Amelia blinked, tears streaming down her cheeks as she clenched her phone tightly.

"For God's sake... why is this happening to me?"

"Are you sure it's really okay? What if the flat owner finds out that someone else is in your house?"

"No, don't worry. The important thing is that I move your belongings first, and then you can come after I notify you again. Just wait here."

Lydia disappeared around the corner of the street where Amelia stood awkwardly in front of a café. On a chilly autumn night, Amelia watched her best friend struggle slightly to pull her suitcase. This was beyond limits-why had everything suddenly spiraled out of control?

Where was she supposed to find a new job? There were plenty of ateliers around Park Avenue, but Reina had many connections. Moreover, Amelia knew several designers from those boutique owners. If Reina spread the news about her being fired, it was likely that no atelier there would be interested in hiring her.

While waiting for Lydia, a few people in thick coats walked along the sidewalk, filling the street. A black sedan was parked in front of a building across from the café. For some reason, Amelia couldn't take her eyes off the car until suddenly, her heart stopped beating.

A tall man in a black shirt and glasses stepped out of the car. Amelia's throat tightened, freezing as her entire body screamed to chase after him.

"Ethan..." Amelia's lips parted, soft and weak. She gripped the strap of her shoulder bag, unconsciously stepping across the street-sworn at by a man inside a car that abruptly stopped because of her reckless crossing.

"Ethan..." Amelia quickened her pace. The man didn't hear her, of course. The car door closed, and Ethan proceeded into the building ahead. Amelia ran, ignoring the cold wind slapping her face-

"Ethan!"

Her shout finally broke through. The man stopped, and so did Amelia, gasping for breath as her entire body froze in place.

Those blue eyes looked at her over his shoulder. Ethan raised his eyebrows briefly. A distance-so far, so painful-made it impossible for Amelia to reach him again. She struggled to stand firm on her feet, trying not to be overwhelmed by the swirling emotions in her head.

"Ethan..."

Even just saying his name, Amelia knew she was half-hoping he would understand what she was asking for.

Without saying a word, Ethan grabbed Amelia's hand and led her into the building.

"Didn't I already tell you to forget about me?"

"Why?" Amelia's voice trembled. She looked at the one man-the only one-who was the reason she had nothing else to think about but him. "We talked about this long before we got married. And when the time came, you-"

Ethan had never looked at her like this. Cold, distant, and-worse-slightly disgusted. After more than six years of knowing him, despite his busy schedule and demanding job that often kept them apart, he had always welcomed her warmly whenever they met. More than her own mother, more than anyone in this world who had ever made her feel insignificant.

"Stop it." Ethan cut her off. He looked at her exactly the way Reina had, the way his mother had.

"Maybe it's too late, but I've realized this. We're not meant to be, Amelia."

Amelia's chest tightened. "We're not meant to be? That's impossible. I was the one who rejected you first when you asked me out. Do you remember? Do you remember how many times I told you that you were too far out of my league-that you, the CEO of a major company, wanted to date me, just a small assistant at a boutique back then?"

Ethan shook his head. "I was just blind."

That statement pierced her heart even more. "So you've been trying to get rid of me all along? You were just playing with me? Was I never enough to complete your life, Ethan? Is that also why you never introduced me to your parents?"

Amelia's breath grew more labored. She turned away, wanting to rid herself of the pressure strangling her throat like burning chains. But she couldn't. Ethan stood before her, towering too high for her to recognize anymore.

"The decision is final. I'm sorry. You should stop calling me or trying to see me-"

"Is this because of that woman?"

Ethan's blue eyes dimmed. For the first time in a long time, Amelia was sure there was a lie hidden in them. After nearly six years of knowing him, Amelia was certain Ethan was hiding something.

"She is my chosen woman."

"Liar."

Ethan shut his eyes tightly, then turned away. Amelia grabbed his wrist.

"Say it again and look into my eyes." Amelia demanded, but Ethan didn't respond. With a slight pull-enough to break her grip-he turned slightly. "We're not meant to be, Lia."

That beloved nickname was finally spoken. Piercing and shattering every last bit of hope Amelia thought she could still hold onto. In his final steps, Ethan walked away, disappearing around the empty corridor leading to the elevator.

*

The flat wasn't very big. Just a living area with a small couch and a TV, a corner with a few potted plants, and a kitchen taking up half the space.

"I'm going to shower first. My room is here. You can put your clothes here, and we can share the bed. Sorry if it's a little cramped..." Lydia showed her warm, small, and cozy room. Amelia quickly shook her head.

"Don't apologize. I should be the one thanking you. If it weren't for you, I might be sleeping on the street..."

Lydia sighed. "Your mother is really cruel. We need to find a way to get you back home-"

"There's no use. My mother won't allow it until I meet Ethan. She won't accept the failed marriage."

"I don't accept it either. But what kind of mother lets her child go through this alone? She's unbelievably cruel. Sorry."

Amelia forced a small smile. She somewhat agreed-her mother had never truly cared for her. If she weren't used to all the harsh treatment, she probably wouldn't have endured it this long.

"Instead of thinking about her, I should focus on finding a job. I can't stay here forever."

Lydia nodded while grabbing a dry towel from the balcony hanger. "You're right. While you look on your own, I'll ask my college friends. They might have job openings for you."

Amelia approached Lydia and hugged her. "Thank you so much."

Lydia offered a small smile and patted her shoulder. "Don't mention it. Now, I'll take a shower. You should unpack."

Amelia nodded. She reached for her suitcase while Lydia entered the bathroom. As she was unpacking, a message popped up on Amelia's phone.

It was from an unknown number.

"Do you want to know what really happened with Ethan? Meet me outside that apartment building now."

For a moment, Amelia froze. She stared at the message, wondering whether this was just someone trying to mess with her reputation again. A few minutes passed as she ignored it, but an unsettling feeling crept over her. Another message came through.

"I'm not joking. It's freezing outside. If you want to know, reply. If not, forget it-and you will never see Ethan again."

Amelia lifted her gaze, glancing at the bathroom door still closed. She might send Lydia a message. But right now, the anxiety was too overwhelming, and she needed a clue-even just a small one.