Left At The Altar For His Ex

The night was heavy. The dim streetlights of the SODO district cast an eerie glow on the folds of my red skirt.

After leaving the gleaming apartment complex, I wandered into a dimly lit industrial area, a collection of old factories slated for demolition.

While waiting for my Uber, I walked along the abandoned railway tracks, trying to will the shaking in my hands to stop.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated. An alert lit up my screen: someone had just entered the apartment.

Two figures appeared on the camera feed. Before I could process it, the app’s live audio feed crackled to life in my Bluetooth earbuds, carrying a woman’s clear, crying voice. "Did Juliet design this? I love this style so much!"

The long-haired woman in a pale yellow dress was holding the arm of the man beside her. Her excitement quickly curdled into unease.

"Caleb, I know I messed things up today, but when I saw your text... I was so scared you didn't want me anymore!"

Damn it.

The world went silent. I stood frozen, unable to move.

So that was it. That was the whole story.

Why Sienna came back on this specific day.

Why Caleb had stalled all morning, only reluctantly leaving for City Hall in the afternoon.

And me? What was I? Just a pawn in their grand, dramatic reunion.

In the video, Caleb was gently comforting the crying woman in his arms, his expression impossibly tender.

"It's not your fault," he murmured. "I was already hesitant about getting married. She and I are from different worlds."

I have my pride. I am not a masochist.

He was the one who pursued me, telling me my designs were as warm as the sun.

When I’d wanted to give up, he was the one who begged me not to leave.

He was the one who said he was always planning to marry me!

And now, my years of devotion were just a line he used to soothe his ex-girlfriend.

A chill snaked down my spine.

I didn't notice the creeping danger until Orion, normally so timid, let out a sharp, anxious cry from inside his carrier.

Only then did I realize a shadow was tailing me, keeping a steady distance.

Looking down the dark, deserted street, my heart pounded in my chest.

I instinctively sent a text for help to Caleb.

Help me. I'm in the SODO industrial district. A man is following me!

My palms grew slick with sweat, my legs trembling as I quickened my pace.

Just as I was about to call the driver, my hair was yanked back with brutal force.

"Help!" I mashed the call button, not even sure who I was dialing.

Please, I begged silently, anyone, just pick up.