The One Who Got Away

East of Marina City, which also happened to be the heart of the city, stood two uniquely designed skyscrapers on some of the most expensive land in the country. From above, they looked like lovers embracing—hence the name, Gemini Towers.

This land was where our family estates once stood before the earthquake reduced them to rubble. It was also where I was buried for 48 hours—my worst nightmare.

To help me heal from the trauma, Dominic sketched design after design, even with his hands still wrapped in bandages. Then, he poured his entire fortune into buying this piece of land.

Gemini Towers stood as a symbol of Dominic's devotion to me and the bond we had shared since childhood. We were the classic story—a couple who grew up together and got married to each other.

Back then, he proposed, and I said yes. But he didn't have any money left to hold a wedding. So he said that every year on our anniversary, he would host a grand wedding at Gemini Towers—making up for the one we never had—to let us receive everyone's blessings.

"We'll walk through this life together, and the next, and the one after that. One day, we'll sit side by side and witness Gemini Towers become a historic landmark and a heritage building."

I felt a sudden tightness in my chest. "Dominic, I want to go up to the rooftop."

"I'll come with you."

"No, it's okay. You're afraid of heights."

As the elevator ascended, I glanced down and saw Dominic pull out his phone. Mine buzzed at the same time, and a screenshot of a chat appeared.

Rosa texted, "Hey honey, I'm so hungry for your carrot right now."

Dominic replied, "Wait for me."

The attached photo showed Rosa in black fishnet bunny lingerie, sitting suggestively on the floor, with a fluffy white tail peeking behind her. Her gaze was seductive as she stared into the camera.

Seconds later, my phone rang.

Dominic's voice was breathless. "Sorry, Yvonne. A big client just came—"

I cut him off, giving him one last chance. "Dominic, do you remember what I said to you the day you proposed to me? If you ever fall for someone else, just tell me. I won't cling to you. But if you lie to me, I'll leave you forever."

Dominic suddenly felt uneasy. Gripping the phone, he hurriedly replied, "Yvonne, I only love you, and I'll never fall for someone else."

In that moment, the last remnants of my love for him vanished. I descended from the rooftop, leaving a signed divorce agreement on the VIP lounge chair.

Dominic Cruz, my first gift to you was freedom.

…

Late into the night, Rosa sent me a new photo every hour. She didn't stop until dawn.

"He took me all night, trying every position. I could barely get out of bed after that. Has he ever done that to you?"

Before I could finish reading, Dominic opened the front door. He saw me packing up my clothes.

Panicked, he asked, "Yvonne, why are you packing? Where are you going?"

"Just reorganizing for the season," I said casually.

Dominic immediately stepped forward and crouched down beside me with a smile. "Yvonne, it was wrong of me to let you go home alone because of the client. Let's go try on the wedding dress today, okay?"

I smiled back at him but hid my hand behind my back. I was clenching it so hard that my nails nearly broke my skin.

The bridal shop staff were already waiting at the entrance when we arrived. Seeing Dominic help me out of the car, they quickly approached, their voices laced with admiration.

"The gown was personally designed by Mr. Cruz. It's the most exquisite and luxurious piece in our collection. Embellished with 150 diamonds and 1,000 pearls, it symbolizes your everlasting love for each other."

But their happy chirps lasted barely three minutes. I saw that the place where my wedding dress was supposed to be displayed was empty. And there, Rosa was wearing my wedding dress.

"Ms. Kerr, you can't wear this." The shop manager carefully held up the hem of the gown. "This dress was custom-designed by Mr. Cruz for his wife."