After My Groom Faked My Arrest, I Chose Freedom

I blocked all of Felix Kennedy's contacts, including those of his friends. Then, a message came from an unknown number: Clover Graham, Felix's fiancée.

[Felix is engaged to me now. You can't imagine how much he cares for me, so you should just back off and maintain your dignity.]

[Felix couldn't stand you. Every time after seeing you, he'd buy me a gift as if to cleanse himself. Whatever you've got, I've got it too, and plenty more that you don't.]

[Stop bothering him, or I'll let everyone know you're trying to lure my fiancé away.]

Clover, Felix's perpetually-erring assistant. Delicate and fragile, her eyes would redden at the slightest harsh word, like a scared kitten. Does Felix realize how audacious she is? She's caused me trouble both openly and behind the scenes—accidentally spilled wine on my designer dress and intentionally broke my diamond necklace. I used to think she was a master manipulator, but Felix was full of sympathy for her.

Whenever I spoke harshly, Felix would jump to her defense. What a waste of all those clothes and jewelry. I complained, but Felix merely shrugged and said, "You have plenty of those things. Clover's new here. Don't be too hard on her."

Even if I have more, if someone else ruins them, they should pay for it. So I hired a lawyer to recover every penny from Clover. Then I tossed my phone card into the trash. Those two deserve each other; may they stay together forever.

My parents came upstairs, concern etched on their faces as they saw me packing.

"Juniper, are you sure about this decision? That Kennedy boy really pushed his luck. We should go demand an explanation from his family!"

Both families accepted my relationship with Felix, given our similar backgrounds and our history as childhood friends. We were as close as anyone could be.

"Mom, Dad, if you want me to retain any self-respect, don't go. Isn't it good that I'm heading abroad to help Marcos with his business? You've always wanted me to gain experience anyway."

My parents were caught off guard. After all, I used to be so infatuated, trailing Felix since high school.

"Are you sure this isn't just a reaction to spite?" Mom asked gently.

I embraced them tightly, resolute as I answered, "I was naive before, but that's in the past."

Just like with my brother, my parents had big hopes for me. I'd been too immature, stubbornly believing Felix was my entire world.

"Alright, alright. Our family's kids are determined and capable. Follow your path, and if things don't pan out, Dad's got your back."

I nodded, my voice thick with emotion. I turned and boarded the plane, ready to begin a new chapter abroad. Everything back home was now a memory.