Chapter 11
In the early hours of the morning, Nathan stood by the bedroom window, clutching an old diamond ring. It was the same ring he had used to propose to Tia Clark years ago. Back then, they were so close to getting married, just a heartbeat away.
Now, he stared at that ring for what felt like an eternity, before closing his eyes and tossing it into the night. The ring vanished into the silent darkness.
A few days later, Tia Clark returned home from a medical check–up to find a car parked outside her building. Leaning against it was Nathan, seemingly waiting for her, just like he used to during their college days outside her dorm.
Tia discreetly tucked her medication away and approached him. “Are you here to see me?”
Nathan looked up and noticed how much weight Tia had lost, her complexion pale. His throat tightened, but he said nothing. Instead, he pulled an invitation from his pocket.
Tia glanced at it, her blood freezing as she broke the silence.
alized what it was. She stood motionless until Nathan’s voice
“Sylvia and I are getting married. Just thought you should know. Don’t bother coming, and don’t offer any congratulations.”
A dull ache spread through Tia’s heart. Was his hatred for her so deep that he never wanted to see her again? She took the invitation with trembling hands, unable to meet his gaze, and quietly wished him happiness.
Three days before Nathan’s wedding, Tia submitted her resignation at work, which was swiftly accepted. With Nathan moving on, she felt her purpose for living–the chance to atone–had vanished.
Two days before the wedding, Tia visited the cemetery. She purchased a plot next to Victoria’s grave and instructed the staff, “When the time comes, don’t put a name on my headstone.” She wanted to remain anonymous, so the Harrison family wouldn’t know it was her resting there.
On the eve of the wedding, Tia began organizing her affairs. She called a junk removal service to clear out her belongings, leaving behind only a large cardboard box. Inside were relics of her past with Nathan: their high school IDs, a movie ticket stub from their first date, photos, a necklace he had given her, and letters they had exchanged.
Tia lit a fire pit and, one by one, consigned these memories to the flames. She sat in the empty house until the first light of dawn.
Today was Nathan’s wedding day. As she shakily rose, a crimson stain caught her eye. Touching her face, she realized she was bleeding, but she didn’t care. She stumbled outside.
It was a rare sunny day, yet Tia shivered, bleeding as she walked. Passersby stared in shock, but she didn’t stop until she reached a tall bridge. Below, the river’s depths promised an icy embrace.
Sitting at the bridge’s edge, Tia made one final call to the hospital. “Hello, I’m going to die today. Please handle my remains and arrange for organ donation.”
She hung up, her face smeared with blood, yet she managed a small, resigned smile. It was finally over. Today, as Nathan celebrated his new life, she would find peace in the river’s depths. It was the best ending she could imagine.
With a serene smile, Tia closed her eyes and leaped.
Goodbye, Nathan.
Half an hour later, at the wedding venue, Nathan stood in his suit, watching Sylvia glide toward him in her gown. His mind drifted, filled with Tia’s voice.
“Tis what kind of wedding do you want?”
Chapter 1
“I want a simple one, on a big lawn with colorful balloons, just our closest friends, and Victoria as my maid of
honor.”
“The Harrison family doesn’t do simple weddings.”
“Nathan, who said I was marrying you?”
Neither of them had imagined that she truly wouldn’t marry him. As the ceremony progressed, Nathan’s mind was a haze of memories of Tia.
Just before they exchanged rings, his assistant hurried over, “Mr. Harrison, your phone has been ringing non–stop.”
Nathan frowned. “Do you know what occasion this is?”
The assistant looked troubled. “It’s been ringing for a long time. It might be important.”
Reluctantly, Nathan took the call from an unknown number. Simon’s voice boomed through the line.
“Nathan, you better have a good reason for this.”
Simon only said one sentence, but it drained the color from Nathan’s face.
The phone clattered to the ground as everyone watched the groom suddenly bolt from the venue in a frenzy.
Sylvia called after him, but Nathan heard nothing. His mind was consumed by Simon’s words.
“Nathan, Tia Clark is dead. She jumped into the river.”
