Turn Around and Start Anew

Before I could react, they barged in.

Sarah came out with a smirk and faked panic. "What are you doing? Why did you bring these lowlifes here?"

Before I could argue, Jake burst in and shoved me down. He growled, "I stepped out for a bit, and you're causing trouble again."

"I don't even know them," I argued, struggling to stand. "You're so quick to believe her story."

He paused at my words, but a guy with dyed hair sneered, "Johanna, how could you ghost us after hooking up?"

Jake's face twisted. He grabbed my throat. "You're disgusting! Fresh out of surgery and fooling around? That desperate?"

I shook my head, crying, "I'm not."

He wouldn't listen, just dragged me to the storage room and locked me in.

"You stay here and reflect on your mistakes. No more hurting people," he said.

The room was filthy. Mosquitoes bit me, and my belly throbbed worse.

Hours later, the door opened.

Sarah approached me, grinning. "My wedding with Jake is in a few days. Stay out of sight. He says you make him sick."

Then she collapsed, screaming, "I just came to check on you. Why did you push me?"

Jake rushed in, roaring, "You filthy witch! Sarah's already suffering, and you have the heart to bully her?"

Sarah sobbed, "If you hate me, just say it. Why trash me and my children online? They are innocent."

Jake grabbed me. "You've gone too far. Post online that you cheated and that Sarah is innocent. Otherwise, you're not getting your bracelet."

Rage burned inside me, but I held back at the thought of Sarah's disease. Soon enough, they would both pay the price.

I nodded. "Okay. But give me my bracelet first."

Once I had it, I logged in and typed, [Hey everyone, I'm Johanna Burton, Jake Carter's rotten ex-wife. I cheated, got caught, and got divorced. I'm here to clear Sarah Miller's name. She isn't a homewrecker. I lied about her ruining my marriage out of jealousy. It's all my fault.]

The post went live, and I became the subject of everyone's ridicule. Jake despised me even more and kicked me out.

I went back to my parents' house and told them everything. They hugged me, heartbroken.

With their support, I decided to study design abroad and start over.

Soon, I had everything set to leave. The day I flew out was Jake and Sarah's wedding day.

Before boarding, I anonymously sent Jake a copy of Sarah's AIDS diagnosis.