The Truth About My Cousin’s Body

Soren would stand by me. He had to. He wasn’t the kind of man to fall for Aunt Hannah’s manipulation. I ran out of the house, my heart pounding as I tried to call him. But the line was busy. I tried again. And again. Nothing but that damn busy tone.

Two hours later, my phone finally rang.

“Soren Armitage,” the screen read.

I snatched it up, hopeful. “Hello?”

“Fran, I have something to tell you,” he said, voice flat. “I don’t think we’re a good match. Let’s break up.”

Just like that. A single sentence hit me like a gut punch. It echoed in my ears like thunder.

Yesterday, when we parted, he held me so tight, whispered that he couldn’t wait to marry me.

And now this?

“Why?” I choked out, biting my lip so hard I tasted blood.

There was a long pause.

Then—before Soren could say anything—I heard another voice.

“Do you really need someone to spell it out for you?”

It was Aunt Hannah. “Soren met your cousin and realized she’s a better fit,” she said, her voice smug and cruel. “She’s prettier, more talented. She can play the piano, dance. What do you have? You're a doctor crawling around in scrubs, covered in sweat and other people’s fluids. Soren’s just being kind not to mention the risk of catching something from someone like you.”

Every word was a slap to the face.

I had never been ashamed of my job. I saved lives. I worked hard. Soren wasn’t this shallow. He couldn’t be.

“Shut up!” I snapped, voice trembling. “I want to hear it from him.”

“She’s right, Fran. I’m the only son of the Armitage family. My future wife has to carry herself with grace, know how to handle herself in public. Your cousin’s more polished, more charming and if I had to choose between you two, of course I have to choose the best.”

He paused.

“But hey, at least we haven’ done it. Don’t hate me, okay, Fran? Who knows, we might still be family someday.”

Screw that! Soren and his entire family can burn in hell for all I care. I hung up, floored the gas pedal and let the road blur beneath my tears.

I made up my mind right there: I was going to move out, find a place near the hospital and never owe Aunt Hannah anything again. Whatever debt she claimed I had, consider it paid in full.

When I parked at the hospital, I took a moment to breathe, then opened my photo album. One by one, I deleted everything related to Soren. Every picture. 

Every message. Then I looked up—and saw something that stunned me into silence.

All my heartbreak, all my bitterness—it vanished in an instant. Because right in front of me, I saw an opportunity. If they all wanted to play dirty, fine. I’d play right back.