Dominic didn’t come home that night, and I didn’t call to ask where he was.

I’d already seen Beverly’s social media updates.

After leaving the hospital, they’d rushed to her family’s house to announce the pregnancy. In the photos, Beverly’s grandmother clasped Dominic’s hand warmly while he rested his other palm on Beverly’s belly, smiling like a doting husband.

For five years together, Dominic had only visited my family once—after accepting my proposal. Despite living just 30 minutes away, he’d never bothered before, claiming he “felt awkward around elders.” Even that single visit had been stiffly polite, nothing like the tender ease he showed with Beverly’s family.

I swallowed the bitterness and turned off my phone.

The next day, I met friends to break the news about canceling the wedding.

Dominic had always hated ceremonies, calling them “pointless pomp.” I’d fought to keep ours small—just close family and friends. Now, their shocked reactions stung:

“You’ve loved him for decades! You finally bagged your ‘hard-to-get prince’ and you’re just… letting go?”

Letting go.

The words needled me. Of course it wasn’t easy. Twenty years of chasing him, only to walk away weeks before our vows. But I’d finally accepted the truth: this relationship had always been one-sided.

Dominic never paused his stride for me. I’d deluded myself into thinking time would wear down his walls, that marriage would force his heart open.

Then Beverly arrived six months ago—his “lifesaver”—and everything cracked.

I watched him laugh with her, soften for her, care for her in ways he’d never shown me. Even his coldness toward my family vanished around hers. When she was diagnosed with cancer, he didn’t hesitate: IVF, a child, a twisted happily-ever-after.

I didn’t explain the details to my friends. Just said I’d joined a closed-off research lab and would vanish for years. To soften the blow, I drank with them until midnight.

When I stumbled home, Dominic had just returned. He recoiled at the smell of alcohol, covering his nose like I’d brought in sewage.

“Stay back. I don’t want that stench on me.”

I almost laughed. Of course. Beverly’s pregnant—can’t risk contaminating the sacred heir.

But I said nothing, showered, and headed to bed.

As I passed the living room, Dominic was typing furiously on his phone, grin brighter than our engagement photos. I kept walking—until his voice froze me.

“We need to talk.”

The last time he’d said that, he’d dropped the “I want to make a baby with my ex” bomb. Now, with Beverly already pregnant, what fresh hell awaited?

“I can't take wedding photos with you tomorrow.”

My eyes flicked to the calendar where “PHOTOSHOOT” glared under tomorrow’s date.

I had no idea why Dominic wanted to cancel. Honestly, I didn't want to get married anyway. Even if Dominic hadn't said anything, I would have found an excuse to call it off. His suggestion was a huge relief.

I nodded. "Okay, I'll call the photographer and cancel it."

The words were barely out when Dominic's eyes widened. He hadn't expected such a quick, easy agreement.

He'd probably anticipated questions, a whole interrogation.

After all, I'd meticulously planned every detail of the wedding, spending ages researching.

Even the photographer for the shoot was a pricey last-minute addition, secured only after I'd significantly increased the fee to jump the queue. He'd expected a fight.

Instead, I was calm.

Dominic looked at me, his expression a confusing mix of emotions. "Don't cancel," he said.

"Beverly said she'll probably never get married, and she wants to take wedding photos with me, you know, like she's actually been married. It would mean a lot to her," he explained.

"Let's have Beverly join us tomorrow, and we can reschedule our photos later."

His tone was casual, as if discussing dinner plans, just like the day he’d announced his plans for having a child with Beverly.

It was a discussion in form only; his decision was already made. He was simply informing me.

My lowered gaze hid the sarcasm welling up inside.

Later? Dominic didn't know I only had thirteen days left at Concordia. He didn't know there wouldn't be a later.

I quietly agreed and went to bed. The wedding was off; who Dominic took photos with was none of my business.

Dominic watched me go, a vague unease settling in his gut. My calm acceptance, the lack of any protest, left him speechless.

All his carefully prepared arguments were useless. Then Beverly called, and he immediately forgot his worries, heading to the balcony to take the call.

I woke up just as Dominic was leaving.

"After the photos, Beverly and I are going on a short trip," he said, lacing up his shoes. "She's always wanted to go to Hokkaido.

Let's keep the wedding simple. I won't have time for rehearsals or decorations. You decide everything; no need to check with me."

"Okay," I replied, swallowing a bite of toast.

Simple. No wedding photos, no guests, no officiant. No bride.

Dominic noticed my quiet breakfast, a strange feeling growing inside him. He hesitated, then added, "Let's go to Europe for our honeymoon after the wedding. You always wanted to go."

In the past, the offer of a honeymoon would have sent me into a frenzy of planning. I'd always wanted to travel with him, but he'd always refused, claiming he didn't enjoy it and found it too tiring.

Now, I just concentrated on my breakfast, saying nothing. No wedding, no honeymoon.

Dominic looked at me, surprised. He started to speak, but glanced at the clock, then rushed out, muttering, "I'll talk to you later."

I picked up the calendar and drew a large X over "Wedding Photos." Twelve days left.

After breakfast, I started packing, clearing out unnecessary things. A photo album with fewer than five pictures, a dusty projector, unworn matching pajamas…

Five years together.

Every item in the house was carefully chosen, transforming an empty space into a cozy home.

But on closer inspection, much of it was untouched by Dominic. He'd always maintained his independence, even in our relationship, disliking couple's items, feeling they restricted him.

I pushed the thought aside and continued cleaning. These things would only bother him after I left; better to get rid of them now. I'd erase our memories, too.

For a whole week, Dominic didn't come home.

But I knew exactly what he was up to.

Beverly, bless her heart, posted everything on social media.

It was impossible to miss.

Hot springs trips, ocean views, sunrise selfies…

My social media feed was flooded with a completely different Dominic. He could be a normal, loving boyfriend. Just not with me.

I didn't dwell on their daily adventures; I'd glance, then quickly scroll past.

I wasn't idle, though.

The apartment was overflowing, and it took days to completely clear it out.

I even squeezed in a trip home, telling my parents I was heading to the lab soon and wouldn't have much contact with the outside world for a while.

My dad looked surprised. "You're practically married to Dominic. Won't you be living apart?"

Mom's eyes were filled with worry. She took my hand. "Jane, honey, think this through. You and Dominic have come so far. If you go to the lab, he might not agree, and the wedding…"

I understood their concern.

They'd witnessed my years of devotion to Dominic, and they knew his feelings weren't reciprocated.

Before the proposal, they'd gently advised me, suggesting that I wasn't important enough to him, urging me to reconsider.

But I'd been confident I could change him, make him fully accept me. So they'd agreed.

Now, with the wedding looming, they feared that if I went to the lab, Dominic would object, maybe even call off the wedding and break up with me.

They were worried about me getting hurt, so they wanted me to think carefully.

But the one calling off the wedding was me.

After I told them about the cancellation, they were silent for a long time.

I didn't tell them about Dominic and Beverly's baby, afraid they couldn't handle it.

I simply said I wanted to pursue my research.

They exchanged a look.

Since I'd made my decision, they'd support me.

Finally, Dad sighed, patted my shoulder, and said, "Just make sure you don't regret it."

Back home, I called my best friend, Alexa Reeves, to help me get rid of all the packed boxes. They were piled high in the living room, taking up a ton of space.

It took several trips up and down the stairs before we finally finished, leaving the apartment feeling strangely empty.

Alexa looked thoughtful.

"Remember two months ago," she said, "when you were so excited after Dominic accepted your proposal? We celebrated all night, you were so happy to finally get what you wanted."

She shook her head.

"And just two months later, you're calling off the wedding?" She paused. "Seriously? I thought you were joking that day." She leaned in. "You've been chasing Dominic for years. Tell me what happened."

Maybe it was the impending departure, but I felt the urge to confide. I told Alexa everything that had happened over the past month, including Dominic's baby with Beverly.

Alexa, who'd witnessed everything between Dominic and me, let out a string of curses.

"After everything you did for him, he gets another woman pregnant right before the wedding and expects you to be okay with it? What is wrong with him?!"

I shook my head, swallowing the bitterness. "He said Beverly saved his life and he wants to fulfill all her wishes."

Alexa was furious. "You saved him too! How could he do this to you?!"

I didn't reply. Maybe he just didn't love me. But it didn't matter. Soon, I'd be leaving him behind.