CHAPTER 2: BITTER PILL

I picked up the card and tucked it into my purse.

The cold night air bit at my skin as I walked home from the railway station. My heels clicked against the pavement, each step heavier than the last. My head pounded, my body ached, and my heart was in shambles.

By the time I reached my apartment, exhaustion weighed me down like a lead blanket. I collapsed onto the couch, staring at the ceiling. I wanted to forget the humiliation, the betrayal, the jeering laughter still ringing in my ears. But my mind was a battleground, replaying every single moment.

I pulled out my phone and typed a message to my best friend, Silver.

"I lost everything. I don’t know what to do."

The message sent, but there was no immediate reply. Not that I expected one—it was late.

Curling up on the couch, I hugged a pillow to my chest.

Kenneth’s betrayal wasn’t just about the engagement.

It was about all the years I had wasted.

All the sacrifices.

All the love I thought was real.

Tears slipped down my face, but this time, I didn’t sob. I just lay there—broken.

Out of habit, I scrolled through my phone. But the moment I opened social media, I wished I hadn’t.

Kenneth’s engagement photos were everywhere.

Every angle. Every detail.

Kenneth, smiling.

Sophia, flashing her diamond ring.

Guests, celebrating their "love."

I felt the sting behind my eyes, but I refused to cry. Instead, I tossed my phone across the bed and curled up, swallowing the pain like a bitter pill.

Somewhere in this city, Kenneth was moving on.

Without regret.

Without me.

Across town, Kenneth stood in front of a mirror as his mother straightened his tie.

She smiled at him, pride gleaming in her eyes.

"It’s best you broke up with that illiterate girl," she chuckled.

Kenneth smirked. "Yeah, Mom. Ivana was nothing but a fool."

His mother giggled, clearly pleased. "Look at how pretty and smart your new fiancée is," she cooed.

Kenneth didn’t disagree. Sophia was his equal. Wealthy. Educated. Powerful.

His mother patted his shoulder. "I have a dinner date with your father. See you soon, darling."

Kenneth just smirked as she left.

A loud bang at my door jolted me awake the next morning.

I groaned, rubbing my temples as the knocking continued, insistent and relentless. Dragging myself up, I swung the door open.

Silver stood there, arms crossed, eyes blazing.

Beside her—my mother.

The moment I saw her, I lost all resolve.

I collapsed into her embrace, my body shaking.

She had warned me. Over and over.

And I had ignored her.

I was the prodigal daughter. The girl who threw away her future for love.

She stroked my hair, her warmth seeping into my cold, empty heart. "My baby," she whispered.

We stepped inside, and Silver shut the door behind us.

The room was silent, thick with unspoken words.

Silver finally broke it. "So, what’s your plan?"

I let out a hollow laugh. "Plan?" I whispered, blinking back fresh tears. "I have no plan."

Silver sighed, shaking her head.

My mother sat beside me, patting my back. "Oh, my baby," she murmured.

Her voice was gentle, but laced with sadness.

"You’re still my precious jewel," she said, cupping my face. "This pain will pass."

I closed my eyes.

I wanted to believe her.

"I’ll take a loan," she continued. "Send you back to school. You have so much potential, Ivana. I’ve seen your designs, your passion. You could be one of the greatest in the fashion industry."

Her words touched something deep inside me.

She believed in me—even when I didn’t believe in myself.

But I shook my head. "No, Mom. No loans. I don’t want you carrying my burden."

She frowned. "You’re not a burden."

I looked down at my hands. "I just... need time."

She sighed but didn’t push. She just held me.

They stayed until late afternoon. My mother suggested I move back home, but shame burned deep inside me.

How could I return?

I had abandoned her for Kenneth.

I had chosen him over her.

"I can’t," I whispered.

She held my hands, eyes filled with understanding. "Baby, I never drove you away. My arms will always be open for you."

I nodded, swallowing hard.

She kissed my forehead, and with one final look, she and Silver left.

I exhaled sharply and flopped onto the bed.

Monday. A new week. A fresh start.

I had to move on.

I had to go to work.

Kenneth’s phone buzzed as he stepped into his living room.

Ring, ring.

He answered. "Yes?"

"This is the house agent speaking. We’ve found a buyer for the house. Should we proceed?"

Kenneth barely hesitated.

"Yes. Go ahead."

And just like that, the house I had bought for him, the house I worked heavily for was gone.

Just like me.

I arrived at the boutique for my shift, pushing through my exhaustion.

Mondays were always the busiest in the week.

As shoppers roamed the aisles, eager to spend their money on luxury brands.

Once, I had dreamed of owning my own fashion store.

Now, I was just surviving.

I was adjusting a mannequin’s dress when a voice sliced through the air.

"Look who we have here."

My breath caught.

Slowly, I turned.

Kenneth stood in front of me, smirking.

And beside him was Sophia.

My stomach twisted.

They were here, in my boss store, shopping for their wedding.

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to remain calm.

Sophia looked me up and down, then turned to Kenneth with a smirk.

"Dear," she said sweetly, voice dripping with mockery, "how did you ever end up dating her?"

Her words struck like a slap.

And just like that, the wounds tore open again.

I forced a smile, but inside, something dark and dangerous stirred.

Maybe it was time to call Josh.