“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.

Countdown, day five. I submitted my resignation to the university.

Initially, to be with Dominic, I'd turned down my advisor's offer to continue research, choosing instead to follow Dominic to Concordia University and become a teacher.

My colleagues were surprised by my resignation.

"Why are you leaving, Jane?"

"I heard you were getting married. Going to be a stay-at-home wife? Dominic's a lucky guy!" one colleague joked.

I smiled, holding my boxes. "No, the wedding's off."

When I got home, I found Dominic and Beverly sitting on the couch—my first sight of Dominic in a week. He saw my boxes.

"What are you doing with all those things?"

I improvised. "Just stuff I don't need anymore."

Dominic nodded, surveying the apartment. "I've only been gone a week. It seems like a lot less stuff is here."

I took the boxes to the bedroom, calmly replying, "I just cleaned out some unnecessary junk."

Dominic started to speak, but Beverly interrupted.

"Jane, Dominic worked hard taking me on that trip. Thank you for letting him take wedding photos with me. My dream did come true. Let me treat you to dinner, to thank you both. I'll probably need your help for a while, so I hope you won't mind."

Beverly's smug look told me she knew I was unsettled.

Since I'd received the pregnancy test results, I hadn't reacted, hadn't even questioned Dominic. So I didn't want any more pointless arguments.

In five days, I'd be gone, out of Dominic's life. I just wanted to wrap things up here and leave.

Seeing my silence, Beverly's eyes welled up.

"Dominic, is Jane upset? You're getting married, but…"

Dominic's brow furrowed. He reprimanded me. "Beverly wants to thank us, and you're giving her a hard time? It's just dinner. She's not poisoning you. You're going!"

Before I could speak, he'd already labeled me the villain.

Dominic dragged me to the restaurant. As the waiter approached, Dominic ordered, "No heavy oil or salt. And no cilantro in any of the dishes."

When the food arrived, Dominic served Beverly attentively. Then he pushed a plate of shrimp towards me. "Beverly can't eat seafood. This is for you."

My appetite vanished. I put down my fork. "I'm allergic to shellfish."

How ridiculous. After five years, Dominic didn't know his girlfriend's shellfish allergy, but he knew Beverly's dietary restrictions perfectly, even down to the cilantro.

Dominic looked momentarily bewildered. When he looked at me again, there was a rare flicker of guilt in his eyes. He ordered more dishes.

I didn't touch my food, just sipped my water.

After dinner, Emily called. "Jane, the professor wants to confirm: you're sticking to the normal experimental schedule, right? The lab's first experiment involves a classified project. You might not be able to contact the outside world for a year or two."

My gaze fell on Dominic and Beverly. They walked side-by-side; Dominic carefully held Beverly's waist as they descended the steps.

My voice was calm. "Confirmed."

Emily sighed in relief. "Good. The professor was worried you'd miss your husband."

I turned away. "The wedding's off. I'm leaving."

A questioning voice came from behind. "Who's leaving?"