Chapter 3
OLIVIA
"Good morning, Olivia," she said with a warm smile. "How are you doing today?"
I forced a smile and replied, "I'm fine, thanks for asking."
Mrs. Jerkins looked at me for a moment before saying, "If you need anything don't hesitate to reach out" I recently moved in the apartment. Mrs. Jerkins seems like a nice person. We bump into each other at times.
I nodded, grateful for her concern. I thanked her and watched as she made her way back to her own apartment.
As I stood there alone in my apartment, I couldn't help but wonder what my future held. With Alex getting married, it felt like my world was falling apart. But then again, maybe it was time for me to move on too. I just didn't know where to begin.
I continued sobbing uncontrollably, my face buried in my hands. I heard a loud banging on the door and then Jamie's voice calling out my name.
"Olivia, it's me, Jamie. Open up!"
I stumbled to my feet and made my way to the door. As soon as I opened it, Jamie rushed in and wrapped her arms around me. I felt her warmth and comfort as she held me tightly.
"What's wrong, Liv?" she asked gently.
I handed her my phone and watched as her face turned to shock and anger.
"That bastard!" she exclaimed. "How could he do this to you?"
I could feel the tears streaming down my face again as Jamie pulled me into a tight embrace.
"It's not fair," I sobbed. "Why did he have to hurt me like this?"
"I don't know, Liv," Jamie replied. "But I'm here for you. Whatever you need, I'm here for you."
"What are you going to do?" she asked me.
"I can't go to the wedding, Jamie," I said, my voice shaking. "I can't bear to see him marry someone else."
Jamie nodded, understanding written on her face. "Then what's your plan?"
"I don't know," I said, shrugging. "I just want to focus on my life, get back to work at the animal clinic. Maybe start over."
Jamie smiled at me, proud of my decision. "That's the spirit," she said. "You'll get through this, Liv. I know it."
I wiped my tears and smiled weakly. "Thanks, Jamie. You always know what to say."
I sat on my bed, my mind racing with anger and confusion. How could Alex lie to me about his cousin? I once saw them together and he told me she's his cousin. How stupid I was to believe that. And what else had he lied to me about? I knew I shouldn't check his social media, but my curiosity got the best of me.
As soon as I saw the picture of them, my anger boiled over. How could he cheat on me and lie to me at the same time? I felt like a fool for believing him and for trusting him with my heart.
But then, a new thought entered my mind. If Alex thought he could just walk away from me and marry someone else without any consequences, he had another thing coming. I would show him that he had lost a great woman, and I wouldn't let him get away with his lies and betrayal.
With that decision made, I quickly texted Jamie to let her know that I would be attending the wedding after all, even if I had to hire someone to accompany me. It was time to take control of my life and show Alex what he was missing.
I woke up to the sound of knocking on my door, and as I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, I saw Jamie's face peering through the doorway. She looked worried.
"Do you think it's a good idea to go like this?" Jamie asked me. "I mean, what if you break down there?"
I sat up and gave her a determined look. "I'm not that weak, you know. If he thinks he can throw away our relationship just like that, I will show him he lost a great woman. Help me with whatever you can. The wedding is in a few hours from now."
"Who is going to accompany you then?" She asked. "I mean are you going to go empty handed?"
I stared in thinking. "That should not be a problem. With me alone, I have the strength. You're in or not?" I asked getting impatient
Jamie gave me a hesitant look. "Of course I'm in, Liv. I'm just worried about you," she said softly.
I appreciated her concern, but I couldn't let her worry about me. I had to be strong and show Alex what he had lost. "I'll be fine, Jamie. Thank you for being here for me," I said, grateful for her support.
Together, we got ready for the wedding, picking out a beautiful dress for me to wear and fixing my hair and makeup. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I felt a sense of determination wash over me. I was ready to face Alex and show him that he couldn't break me.
Once we arrived at the wedding venue, I could feel my nerves starting to get the best of me. Jamie grabbed my hand reassuringly and gave me a small smile.
"Ready?" she asked.
I took a deep breath and nodded. "Let's do this."
Jamie and I will made our way inside the hall that was filled up with people and soft music playing. I couldn't help but feel nervous inside. "Remember you're not here to break down. Keep your head high" Jamie whispered beside me. I flashed her a smile. Even though I have no idea whether that is going to happen. We sauntered to the bar counter where delicacies of different type where arranged on the table.
I picked up a glass of wine and took a sip, trying to steady my nerves. Jamie opted for a glass of water.
As we were chatting, I noticed someone walking towards us. It was Alex, looking dapper in his suit.