Twice Betrayed

I had no strength left to answer. All I felt was exhaustion—bone-deep and absolute.

But my reaction wounded Emily. She grabbed my collar with both hands, fury twisting into laughter.

"Anthony, you forced me into this. I originally planned to let things end after tonight, but now, I'm going to make sure you suffer every bit of pain I went through."

She abruptly released me and waved toward Dylan.

"At my wedding with Anthony, you'll be the groom."

Dylan's eyes widened in delight. Right in front of me, he pulled Emily into a deep French kiss.

"Really? Then I want Anthony to be my best man. Five years ago, I was his best man once. Now, it's his turn to be mine. That's only fair."

"Sure. Then he can stand beside you and hand us the rings."

Emily stared directly at me.

Each word fell slowly, carving into my heart like a dull blade.

I looked up at her in disbelief.

I wanted to refuse, but my throat hurt too much to force out a single sound. All I could do was shake my head in despair.

At that, Emily smiled viciously.

"It hurts, doesn't it? Feels unbearable, right? Good. Because five years ago, when you married Jessica, that's exactly how I felt."

I stared at the hatred twisting her face beyond recognition.

And suddenly, I understood. She had never wanted fairness. She only wanted me to suffer the same agony she once had. The more pain I felt, the more satisfied she became.

So I pressed a hand against my heart, already numb from hurting too long, and slowly curled my lips into a smile.

"No. Emily, I'm not hurting. I'm disgusted."

Those words ignited her rage. She shoved Dylan aside and grabbed me, dragging me upstairs.

I struggled with everything I had, but years of depression had left my body weak and frail. In the end, she dragged me all the way up without much difficulty.

When we passed the master bedroom, she paused briefly.

Then she kicked open the room next door and shoved me inside.

Seeing the door about to close, I lunged forward to stop it.

"Let me out—"

But I was too late.

From outside the door came Emily's icy voice.

"Disgusted, huh? There's something even more disgusting waiting for you tonight."

"Dylan, come upstairs."

Hearing that, I froze where I stood, cold spreading from head to toe.