Abandoned by Her Fiancé

I didn't want to dwell on the past, but the memories of the last five years had completely seeped into my life. All those days and nights, I had devoted to loving him. I never imagined living in a world without him. He used to be the man who put me first, making endless promises of forever. But now, he's someone who no longer needs me. Tears fell onto my pillow, jolting me out of my reverie. My heart ached with an unrelenting pain.

Before I could process my emotions, a loud noise came from the door, startling me. My first thought was that it was him, and my body moved before my mind caught up. Opening the door barefoot, I realized just how foolish I had been.

"Maddie, is that really you? You're back?" Violette Baker from the neighborhood committee greeted me enthusiastically, patting me on the shoulder.

"Yes, Violette, I'm back. Did you need something?"

"Oh, right, I got a bit carried away," she said, transitioning to a more serious tone. "Maddie, you should come downstairs. There are several cars blocking the road at the entrance, and they're here for you. Our community streets are already narrow, and the neighbors can't move in or out."

With a frown, I followed Violette downstairs, immediately spotting Saul Moore's black car parked at the entrance. As soon as he saw me, his bodyguard opened the car door, and Saul stepped out.

I turned to leave, but his cold voice halted me, "Maddie, stay right there!"

Ignoring him, I quickened my pace, but within moments, his bodyguard blocked my path.

"Maddie, what is the meaning of this?" Saul caught up to me and, with no warning, slapped me across the face. "You've gone too far!"

I turned my face to look at him, all the love gone from my eyes. For a moment, he hesitated, then spoke coldly, "Do you have any idea I left a room full of guests just to come and get you at the country club? Let's go."

I didn't want to respond but saw the alley filling with curious onlookers. I didn't want to become the latest piece of gossip any more than I wanted to be near Saul Moore. Considering my options, I walked toward Saul's car, still in my pajamas.

The back window rolled down, and Jane Bradley, in a Victorian-style dress, looked at me apologetically. "Maddie, I'm sorry. I'm feeling a bit unwell, so Saul asked me to sit in the back with him. You'll have to sit up front."

Saul joined us, noticing my gaze lingering on Jane, looking a bit embarrassed. He opened the back door, trying to smooth things over. "Jane's not feeling well, so I thought a drive might help. You don't mind, do you, Maddie? There's plenty of room in the back for all three of us..."

I quickly looked away and climbed into the front seat. "I don't mind."

Saul was visibly annoyed by my attitude but said nothing. He slammed the back door and commanded coldly, "Drive."

As the car started moving, curious neighbors watched us. Saul's expression darkened, and he muttered, "I can't believe anyone can actually live in a dump like this! Wearing a designer suit here is just absurd!"

Hearing his words, I shot him a glare through the rearview mirror and replied, "Since you're so particular, you really shouldn't have come today."

"You—"

Jane spoke up softly, "Saul, did I upset Maddie again by coming along? Maybe I should switch places with her."

Saul glared at me through the rearview mirror and said sharply, "You stay put! Let's see what she can do!"

I pretended not to hear, closed my eyes, and let my mind drift. I needed to gather my strength for the confrontation I knew was coming. Saul Moore, if you’re not planning to let me go easily, don’t blame me for playing every card I have.