The Wife I Lost on New Year's Eve

"Wow… she really looks exactly like today's bride. Could it actually be the same person?"

"What the hell is going on? One woman marrying two men?"

"So who's Ms. Reymus's real husband?"

As the murmurs spread through the crowd, Lucas's expression darkened instantly. He suddenly snatched my phone and smashed it hard against the ground.

"You sick bastard! You actually Photoshopped pictures of me and my wife to fantasize over? I'll beat you to death!"

Before I could react, his fist slammed into me, knocking me to the ground.

"My wife is with me every single day—we eat together, sleep together, go to work together. The only people in her contacts are me and her coworkers. There's no other man in her life! How dare you spread filthy rumors about her?"

At that moment, one of Lucas's groomsmen stepped forward.

"That's right! Portia and Lucas grew up together—they're childhood sweethearts, inseparable. There's no way she'd have another man!"

"I say this bastard came here today just to cause trouble! Come on, guys, let's teach him a lesson!"

The next second, fists and kicks rained down on me.

But compared to the pain tearing through my chest, the blows to my body barely registered.

So Portia and this Lucas were childhood sweethearts. No wonder I'd always felt something off about their relationship.

And when I questioned her, she had sworn up and down that she didn't even know anyone named Lucas.

How ironic.

Just then, someone suddenly shouted, "The bride is here!"

At the shout, Lucas immediately stopped, straightened his suit, and hurried forward to greet them.

"Portia, baby, you're finally here. I've been waiting forever! You look absolutely stunning today. I love you so much!"

Supported by Lucas, Portia slowly stepped out of the wedding car. She leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

"Honey, I love you too."

Cheers erupted all around them, loud and jubilant.

But against that fiery celebration, I felt nothing but an icy chill seep into my bones.

Three months ago, she had worn the same pure white wedding dress, standing before the priest, swearing that I was the only man in her life.

Three months later, she had become someone else's wife.

Rage drowned out reason.

I shoved away the foot still pressing down on me and staggered to my feet, rushing toward them. My eyes burned red as I demanded hoarsely, "Portia, what the hell is going on?!"

The moment she saw me, her face changed drastically. She cried out in shock:

"Jordan Parker?! You're back already? Why didn't you tell me?!"

I let out a cold laugh.

"If I had told you, would I have gotten to witness this grand show today? Portia, don't you think you owe me a proper explanation right now?"

Our exchange caused Lucas's expression to shift as well. He turned to Portia, his voice lowered.

"Honey… do you two actually know each other? The moment he showed up, he kicked over our wedding photo and kept insisting he's your real husband. Who is he?"

All eyes turned to Portia.

"Judging by Ms. Reymus's expression… there really is something between them, isn't there? Could there be more to this?"

"Well, rich people sure know how to play."

The whispers made Portia's face turn pale, then flushed, her expression increasingly strained.

She took a deep breath, then turned to Lucas and said calmly, "Honey, I've only met him a few times. He's nobody important… so I didn't mention him to you."