No Longer Yours, Dear Husband

“Let me be honest with you,” Finn’s mother said, her tone devoid of any remorse. “Finn has always loved your sister. Taking your acceptance letter and letting Sage take your place—that was his idea.”

“Sage is different from you. She’s been frail since childhood. Just let her have this. You can always take the entrance exam again next year.”

That was my achievement. My hard work. How could they expect me to just hand it over so easily?

And on top of that, Sage had already stolen my fiancé!

I tried to fight back, but the Calloways weren’t going to let me ruin their perfect little arrangement. They tied me up and threw me into the woodshed, locking the door behind me.

Afraid I’d cause trouble, they even cut off my food supply.

I was left there for seven days. Seven days of starvation, of sheer agony. My body grew weak, feverish. Rats swarmed the tiny room, biting at my skin. Before long, I caught an infection, my body burning up as I hovered on the brink of death.

Just when I thought I would die alone in that wretched place, the door creaked open. A shadow loomed over me and then a warm hand lifted my head. It was Ryder Calloway—Finn’s older brother—holding a bowl of porridge.

“Hang in there, Amber. You can’t give up now. You have dreams to chase,” he said, his voice urgent.

Determined to save me, Ryder defied his family, carrying me on his back all the way to the town clinic. When I was too weak to swallow my medicine, he pressed it to his lips and fed it to me himself, mouthful by mouthful.

Thanks to his care, I survive.

One night, as I lay weakly on the cot, Ryder get down on his knees. 

“Amber, I’ve always loved you,” he confessed. “I never said anything because of Finn, but I can’t hide it anymore.”

Then he took my hand in his, his eyes pleading.

“Will you marry me? I’ll make up for everything Finn did to you.”

His words brought tears to my eyes.

I had lost a fiancé and a sister, shattered by their betrayal. But in the wreckage of what they destroyed, I still had Ryder—steady, unwavering and willing to give me everything.

And so, I said yes.

And we got married.

For three years, Ryder kept his word. He never let me work, insisting I focus on preparing for the entrance exam. And I, grateful for his devotion, helped out at his school, supporting his efforts.

Everyone said I was lucky to have such a devoted husband—one with a stable career, a good heart. And for a while, I believed it too.

Until today.

Everyone said I was lucky to have such a devoted husband—a man with a stable career, a good heart. And for a while, I believed it too.

Until today.

It hit me all at once—the source of my suffering had always been Ryder.

The sharp crash of ceramic against the floor jolted me from my thoughts. Ryder’s hand froze midair, the letter he had been holding slipping from his grasp. I watched as he quickly turned toward the door, his hurried steps echoing in the silence.

And then, as the door swung open and our eyes met, he didn’t look surprised. No. Instead, his gaze turned cold, piercing.

“What are you doing here?” His voice was sharp, accusatory, as though I were the one who had done something wrong. “And how long have you been there?”

Two short questions, but each one cut deep.

I held his gaze, my chest tightening with the weight of unspoken words. After all the times he had destroyed my acceptance letters, crushed every dream I dared to hold—had he ever felt guilty?

But I already knew the answer.

He felt nothing.

Just like Finn, his heart had always belonged to Sage.

I swallowed back the words I longed to say and forced a smile, pretending as if nothing had happened.

“I just got here,” I said lightly. I heard your parents were coming over, so I made some chicken soup for them. But…I spilled it.”

Ryder’s eyes flickered down to my reddened hand and for a brief moment, concern crossed his face. He took my hand gently and pulled me inside.

“You,” he sighed, shaking his head. “Didn’t I tell you to leave these things to me? You’re always so careless,” he scolded lightly, leading me to the kitchen. “Let me put some oil on the burn and later, I’ll take you to the city to have it checked.”

His touch was gentle as he rubbed the ointment over my skin. My gaze flickered past him to the Calloways, standing in the corner with their usual saccharine smiles—only today, there was something different. A hint of guilt, barely concealed.

The acceptance letter was no longer on the table. They must’ve hidden it. But I still couldn’t help but test Ryder.

“Ryder,” I began cautiously, “I heard everyone’s acceptance letters have arrived. Did mine–”

“I already checked,” he cut off, “yours wasn’t there.”

“Don’t be too upset,” he looked at me in the eyes. “Besides, it’s not like you have to worry about the future. I will take care of you for the rest of your life.”