Sing Through the Pain

The moment I saw the photo, all hope I had left was shattered completely.

Even a stray dog would develop some feelings for a human who was with them for years.

But to her, it seemed I was worth less than a stray dog.

If that was how she felt, then she couldn't blame me for cutting her loose without mercy.

I forced myself to pull it together and went to the hospital alone.

While I was hooked up for an IV, Nancy called.

"I won't be home tonight because I'm working late at the office. Just buy some medicine yourself," she said.

Before I could say a word, the line went dead.

Not a single word of concern.

For years, whenever she was sick—even with a headache or a cold—I never left her side.

I wasn't saying I was keeping score or expecting anything in return.

Because I never once asked for her to repay me for treating her well.

But at the very least, I was the man she was about to marry.

And yet, here she was, going on dates with another man while her own fiancé was sick.

Did she not feel even a shred of guilt?

Gripping my phone tightly, I reached out to the fiercest rival of her company, Reid Corporation.

"Mr. Lloyd, I know you've always wanted the shares I hold. I'm willing to sell them at a low price."

I would repay her heartlessness with cruelty.

Back home, I got a call from the bridal shop.

"Mr. Poole, when will you and your fiancée be available for the photoshoot? Your wedding is less than a week away, and if you don't do it soon, we might not get the photos printed by then."

After hanging up, I sent Nancy a message.

But there was no reply. Calls went unanswered, too.

I went straight to the office, but the secretary told me, "Ms. Reid is holding an induction ceremony for Mr. Ballard today."

An induction ceremony?

I frowned.

In all the years since the company was founded, no employee had ever gotten a ceremony like this just for joining.

Keith's place in Nancy's heart was truly something else.

I asked for the location and rushed over, but the sight only deepened my bitterness.

This induction party was more lavish than our engagement celebration.

Inside the banquet hall, glasses clinked and laughter floated through the air.

Just as I was about to step in, Nancy appeared behind me and grabbed my arm, pulling me away without a word.

"This is Keith's induction ceremony. You being here would just ruin his mood. By the way, he's my executive assistant now."

I took a deep breath, but when I finally spoke, my voice trembled.

"What about me?"

I never expected that just getting sick would cost me my job.

How far did Nancy want to push me before she was satisfied?

She brushed me off. "I think you've been exhausted all these years. You should take some time off.

"Besides, you graduated from a regular college, while Keith graduated from a prestigious university overseas. He's way more capable. You can just stay home and enjoy life."

I couldn't help but sneer.

Now she looked down on my education?

When I drank myself into the hospital while working alongside her, did she ever complain about my degree?

Seeing me silent, Nancy grew impatient.

"You'd better not make trouble, or else—"

"I know. I'll go to HR to resign," I cut her off calmly.

Seeing I wasn't making a fuss, Nancy softened her tone. "Good. That's better. Now go ahead and leave."

Keith was the star of this party.

And Nancy, playing the supporting role, naturally had to be by his side.

"The bridal shop is pushing us to go for the shoot. When—"

"Maybe in a few days. I'm busy these days."

"Okay."

Without looking back, I walked away and called the wedding planner.

"Change the photos and videos for the wedding day."

Since they had no shame, I wouldn't bother keeping their favors.

Nancy claimed she was working late, yet Keith sent me photos.

There they were, kissing on a big hotel bed, inseparable.

I saved the pictures quietly, keeping my composure.

Two days later, I called Nancy.

"It's time to try on wedding dresses and suits."

She snapped back impatiently, "I already told you, I'm working late. I had Keith try on the suits instead. He's about your size and has better taste. You can just wear what he picks on the wedding day."

She didn't even think about how that made me feel. She had decided for me without a second thought.

I was completely frozen with heartbreak and just muttered, "Okay."

Keith's shamelessness went beyond anything I'd imagined.

Not only did he try on the suits, but he also took wedding photos with Nancy and sent them to me.

[It's standard for newlyweds to take wedding photos. I'm helping you out. Just use AI to swap faces later. No need to thank me. We're family.]

I flipped through the photos one by one.

Nancy, who always claimed she hated being too close to any man, wore a blissful smile while kissing Keith.

I shut off my phone and told the movers, "Just pack the men's things. Leave everything else."

I packed my bags and left our home.

Then I met with the rival company's CEO and sold all my shares, as promised.

The day before the wedding, Nancy finally came back.

Keith was by her side, wearing a smug grin.

They brought a suit for me, and Keith even volunteered to be my best man.

I put on the cheap, discounted suit—wrinkled and uncomfortable, clinging awkwardly to me.

Keith, on the other hand, wore a custom-tailored tuxedo with an expensive diamond brooch pinned to his chest.

Standing side by side, he looked more like the groom.

"Honey, you look so handsome," Nancy said with a smile, but her eyes never left Keith.

After the fitting, she hurried away with Keith.

Before leaving, she reminded me, "Remember to pick me up tomorrow. And show some sincerity so your poor relatives know their place."

I nodded silently.

She didn't need to worry because I'd already told all my relatives the wedding was off.