After hanging up the phone, Heather didn’t head straight to the manor. Instead, she returned home.
The 1,000-square-foot apartment, meticulously decorated over the years by her and Mitchell, exuded warmth and comfort rather than feeling cavernous.
She had once believed this place would always be their home—a sanctuary for them both. But after discovering Mitchell’s betrayal last night, it was clear it no longer held that meaning.
The diamond rings meant to be exchanged on their wedding day in two weeks had already been delivered into her hands. These matching rings were something Heather had watched Mitchell design, stroke by careful stroke. She remembered how Mitchell had held her close as he eagerly explained the design.
“These rings have hidden grooves,” he had said, his eyes full of hope. “When placed together, they form a heart—symbolizing that we’ll never be apart.”
Heather shook off the memory and, without hesitation, retrieved the rings before dialing a number.
“Hello, I’d like to schedule a delivery…”
Since Bethany would be replacing her as the bride, these rings, with all their symbolic weight, should naturally go to her.
After arranging for the rings to be delivered at 9:00 AM on the wedding day, Heather watched the courier leave with them. A faint sense of relief settled in her chest.
The apartment was filled with countless memories of her love for Mitchell. Before leaving, she resolved to restore everything to the way it was before she had ever been there.
–
When Heather arrived at the manor, the redness around her eyes had yet to fade. Vanessa Bennett, Mitchell’s mother, noticed her red eyes as she walked in. Glancing behind her, Vanessa seemed puzzled when she didn’t see Mitchell.
“Why are you crying? Did Mitchell upset you?”
Heather didn’t know how to share her pain. No matter how kind Vanessa was to her, she would still choose her own son in the end. Forcing a smile, Heather adjusted her expression.
“No, the wind outside was strong, and it irritated my eyes.”
She rubbed her eyes, wiping away stray tears in the process. Once again, Heather appeared as she always did.
Vanessa sighed in relief and chuckled. “If Mitchell mistreats you, you have to let me know. I’ll straighten him out.”
