He Chose His Mistress Over Our Wedding Vows

"Have you forgotten? We're over," I reminded him. "And watch out, Sylas, or you'll end up with a crick in your neck."

Sylas Evans stood there, momentarily at a loss. He probably never imagined that I would actually end things with him. After all, I'd been smitten with him for so long. Anyone else in his shoes might find it hard to believe too.

Holland Martinez scoffed, "Sylas, aren't you usually too proud for this kind of drama? Why are you still trying to grab our attention? Are you still dreaming about marrying into money?"

"Too bad, your fantasy is over. Even if you beg, Nellie won't take you back."

Sylas, always so proud, flushed with anger. Autumn Johnson, his so-called friend, chimed in, "Sylas, don't let it get to you. Call a cab for me, and I'll talk to Nellie on your behalf."

Sylas shot Autumn a grateful look, then gave Holland and me a look of disdain before stepping out to hail a taxi. Inside, I felt nothing but melancholy.

A single word from Autumn could earn his gratitude, but no matter how much I sacrificed for him, he took it for granted.

There was a time when I wasn't feeling well and asked him to get a cab for me. He jeered, "You’re so used to being spoiled, aren’t you? Why don’t you call your family chauffeur to pick you up and drop me off while you're at it?"

But if Autumn asked, he'd jump to it. It was absurd. An "eternal friendship" meant more than a fiancée. What a joke.

Autumn looked at me, her eyes filled with hubris. "Nellie Hunt, I know you still have feelings for Sylas. I can step aside and let you have him."

She held out five fingers.

"Five million dollars. Just pay me five million, and I’ll walk away from Sylas and never show up in his life again."

"Five million to spend the rest of your life with the man you love—it’s a steal."

Holland laughed in disbelief, "You've got some nerve, thinking any guy’s worth five million."

Autumn sneered, "Five million's trivial. Trust me, even if I asked for another five million, Nellie would agree."

Did she think I was some kind of fool?

I chuckled, "So, in your mind, Sylas is only worth five million? I thought your friendship was supposed to be invaluable."

"If he found out you were willing to sell him at that price, what would he think?"

Autumn remained unfazed, "Go ahead, tell him, see if he believes you or me."

"Nellie, better pay up, or the price might rise tomorrow."

I answered calmly, "Buying and selling people is against the law. I'm not getting involved. Let’s go, Holland."

Holland, amused, waved to Autumn, "See you later."

Autumn stomped her foot in frustration, "Nellie Hunt, you stop! Without paying me, you'll never have Sylas."

I walked away without turning back, feeling only disillusionment. Sylas was utterly captivated by someone like her.