Chapter 15%
Finland looked like a dream. The snowy peaks, the warm lodges, the perfectly crafted cafés. Audrey had everything she ever wanted- beautiful coats, luxurious hot chocolate in her hands, and two men following her every step like she was royalty.
She clung to both Jared and Jackson like they were trophies. They went skiing. Took photos by the northern lights. She dressed herself in designer brands–some borrowed, most bought with Jared’s guilt–and uploaded every curated moment online.
Her Instagram was filled with captions like:
“Forever grateful for the people who stayed.”}
“Some losses are actually wins in disguise.”}
“Finland’s beautiful… but not as beautiful as knowing who truly loves you.”>
She wasn’t subtle.
In fact, she didn’t want to be. Each post was meant to sting Maureen. To show her what she missed. To remind her she was replaced. And when that wasn’t enough, she went further.
She sent the photos directly to Maureen’s inbox. Carefully picked selfies of her and Jared cuddling on a gondola ride, or Jackson wrapping her in a blanket in front of the fireplace.}
No replies.
No “seen” mark.
Nothing.
“Still ghosting us,” Audrey muttered one evening as she sat beside Jared in the hotel lounge. “She’s so dramatic. Probably still sulking. But hey…. her loss, right?“}
Jared didn’t answer. Neither did Jackson. They were both scrolling through their phones, quietly. Distant. Not quite enjoying the moment the way she was.
“I bet she’ll regret this,” Jackson said, as if reassuring himself. “Running off. Acting like she’s better than us.“>> “She’s bluffing,” Jared added. “She always has. She’s just waiting for attention. She’ll crawl back soon.”
Audrey leaned into Jared with a smug smile. “And when she does, I’ll be here in your arms.“>
He forced a laugh and kissed her temple, but his thumb still hovered over Maureen’s contact. Still hoping.”
Still checking.”
That afternoon, they went out for dinner in a quiet café surrounded by pine trees and soft snow. Audrey was buzzing with energy, filming a story on her phone as the waiter served their wine.
Then she went quiet.
Frozen. Jared noticed her wide eyes and snatched the phone from her hand.
“What is it?“}
His words stopped cold.
On the screen was Maureen. In a white wedding gown. Radiant. The photo was official, uploaded by a verified wedding planner’s account. She wasn’t just smiling–she was glowing. But still no groom. Is she bluffing?”
Jackson leaned over the table. “No. No way.”!
He grabbed the phone next, eyes darting across the screen. “She actually-? That’s yeal?“}]
“She rented it,” Jared scoffed, his voice sharp. “This is a setup. She’s bluffing again. Trying to mess with us.”
Audrey tried to steady her breath. “What kind of groom would even agree? Come on! No one would love her!“”
But the more they scrolled, the harder it was to deny.”
There were videos–Maureen smiling, being twirled on a ballroom floor. There was her father, proud, beaming in a toast. There was Maureen, wearing diamonds they’d never seen before. With a man not yet identified.§
Jared typed frantically. Messages. Comments. Even voice memos.
All left on read–or not delivered at all.
Blocked.
Again.
Jackson dropped the phone on the table and sat back in disbelief.”
“She did it, he muttered. “She really f*cking did it.”
Jared stood abruptly, pacing.
“She’s making a show of it. That’s all. Just to get under our skin.“%
Audrey tried to calm him. “Jared. hey, it’s okay. You don’t need her. You have me now.”
She stood and wrapped her arms around his neck. Kissed him gently.”
“You have me,” she whispered. “And I’ve always been here.“W
Jared didn’t stop her this time.
They went upstairs B
D
2:14 PM…
They
He let her take the lead, let her kiss him again and again–let himself be swallowed by the heat of the moment, by the warmth of skin that wasn’t hers, by the desperation to forget the ache in his chest.
But somewhere between the passion and the lies, he closed his eyes.
And he saw her.
Maureen.”
Her laugh. Her fire. Her strength.
Her absence.
And when he moaned, it wasn’t Audrey’s name that left his lips.}
It was hers.}
Maureen.”
Audrey froze.}
Everything stopped.“]
She pulled away, stunned. “What… what did you say?“}
Jared’s eyes flew open. “I–nothing. I didn’t-“}
“Say it again,” she demanded, her voice trembling now. “Whose name did you just say?“}
“It’s not–Audrey, wait-”
“Do you love her?” she snapped, tears brimming now, a mix of rage and heartbreak.
He hesitated.}
Too long.”
His mouth opened.}
But nothing came out.
Because even in silence, the truth was deafening.
He did.
He loved Maureen. Always.
And now… it was too late.
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