Goodbye, My Lost Love

She wore my wedding dress. Kissed my fiancé. And I just smiled. In seven days, I'd be gone forever. Step one: I gave away every lavish gift William Clark ever bought me, Rolex, diamonds, designer bags. Let the world feast on his so-called love. Step two: I sold our dream apartment for pennies. Let a stranger sleep in the bed where he once swore forever. Step three: I shredded the million-dollar gown he was supposed to see me in.

...

While William meticulously planned his dream proposal, I was already gone. While he played "soulmates" with his childhood sweetheart, I was preparing my escape.

He had molded me into the perfect, obedient fiancée, only to shatter me beyond repair.

One night, he finally noticed something was off.

"Why don't you get mad anymore?" he asked, frustration creeping into his voice. "Don't you love me?"

I didn't answer. My silence was louder than any argument. And when a flirty voice note from Ava Johnson, his so-called childhood best friend, played from his phone, I made the call that would change everything.

"Victoria Amelia, are you absolutely sure?" my professor asked, his tone grave.

"This program is top-secret. It's a ten-year commitment. Once you're in, there's no way out. No contact with the outside world."

He hesitated, then added, "You're my best student. Think this through."

I stood outside a bridal boutique, watching Ava twirl in the wedding dress I had designed and commissioned, my dress. She beamed up at William, their faces close as they posed for photos. Then, just to twist the knife deeper, he slid the ring meant for me onto her finger.

A sharp pain stabbed through my chest, but it dulled almost immediately, leaving behind nothing but emptiness.

"I'm sure, Professor," I said, my voice steady. "I have no family, no attachments. This is an honor, a chance to give back to my country. What more could I ask for?"

A year ago, when my professor first invited me to join the program, I had turned him down. Back then, I was in love. I had just accepted William's proposal. Leaving him had been unthinkable.

Now? There was nothing left to stay for.

He sighed. "I'll handle everything on my end. They'll pick you up in a week. Use this time to settle your affairs. Don't leave anything unfinished."

As I ended the call, Ava's voice carried over to me.

"William, you're the best! I love this dress so much!"

The dress she wore was a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, custom-made by a top designer. A ten-million-dollar gown I had never even tried on myself.

William ran his fingers through her hair, smiling. "As long as you're happy."

"But what if your fiancée sees? Won't she be upset?"

He finally noticed me standing at the entrance. His face flickered with panic, for just a second, before he quickly recovered. Letting go of Ava's arm, he spoke in a low voice.

"Be a good girl. Go change and let her try it on."

Ava pouted, clearly unwilling to part with the dress. "Just a little longer, please? She can wear it anytime. I'll never get another chance."

"Don't be silly," William chuckled, pinching her cheek. "One day, you'll have a boyfriend and your own wedding dress."

She sighed dramatically. "But who could ever compare to you, William?"