Prologue

Chanel

The intimate dinner setting was perfectly orchestrated, with a delicate balance of ambiance and anticipation.

Candles flickered softly, casting a warm, romantic glow over the table adorned with crisp, freshly pressed linens.

A carafe of cool, clear water sat ready to quench thirst, while a bottle of rich, full-bodied wine awaited the arrival of Damon.

The centerpiece of the tableau was the glistening Chicken Alfredo, its creamy sauce and tender chicken creating an enticing aroma that wafted through the air.

With great care, the table had been meticulously prepared, every detail attended to to create the perfect setting for an intimate, candlelit meal.

Pausing to admire my handiwork, the hostess turned her attention to her appearance, stepping over to the small mirror hanging on the kitchen wall.

I surveyed my reflection, ensuring my makeup was flawless - the subtle shimmer of eyeshadow, the perfectly applied eyeliner, the just-glossy-enough lips.

Satisfied with my look, I ran my fingers through my hair, flipping the soft, voluminous waves over my shoulders.

The strapless peach bodycon dress I had chosen clung elegantly to my figure, complemented by the towering, sophisticated heels that elongated my legs.

Around my neck, the diamond necklace from Tiffany & Co. glinted in the low lighting, a tangible reminder of the love and commitment shared between Damon and me.

Glancing at the clock, I quickly composed a text, letting him know that everything was ready and waiting for his arrival.

With one last deep breath, I made my way to the dining room, eager to share this special evening with the man I loved.

[Sent]
Can't wait til you get home. I have a surprise for you!

4 hours later

[Sent]
Is everything okay? Where are you?

[Sent]
Really? Hello!

[Sent]
Damon...

As I sit alone in the dimly lit room, I watch with a heavy heart as the once-vibrant candle flames begin to flicker and fade for the seventh time tonight.

The soft, golden light gradually diminishes, casting an eerie, melancholic glow over the space.

I let my gaze drift down to the empty plate in front of me, the remnants of an entire pot of creamy, indulgent Alfredo sauce smeared across the ceramic surface.

I can't even recall the last time I took a proper bite of food, having mindlessly devoured the entire rich, decadent dish in a daze.

Sighing deeply, I turn my attention to the glowing screen of my phone, my eyes scanning the series of unanswered text messages that have been piling up.

The words blur together as a shaky breath escapes my lips - each message a subtle plea for connection, for reassurance, for any sign of life from the people I once called friends.

But the screen remains dark, the silence deafening. I'm alone in this moment, surrounded by the dying embers of the candles, the remnants of my solitary indulgence, and the cold isolation of my unresponsive device.

It's a scene that has played out far too many times, a pattern of loneliness and disconnection that I can't seem to break.

As the last flicker of the candles fades to black, I'm left to confront the heaviness in my heart and the growing sense that something needs to change.

[Received] Damon
He's mine now bitch back off.

[Received] Damon
We're celebrating tonight.
*picture attachment*

This bitch sent me a photo of her cuddled up with him. He's smiling at the camera and all. He was half naked and she had her hand in his pants.

[Sent]
Good for you. Keep him and tell him he can find somewhere else to live with his broke ass.

As I blew out the candles, signaling the end of yet another year gone by, a heavy sense of disappointment and betrayal washed over me.

I angrily snatched up the dishes, slamming them into the sink with a resounding clatter that echoed through the silent house.

The nerve of him, I fumed, to cheat on me on our very anniversary - the day that was supposed to be a celebration of our love and commitment.

Instead, it had become the worst day of my life, a day that would forever be tainted by his selfish, hurtful actions.

I trudged up the stairs, each step feeling like I was carrying the weight of the world until I reached the bedroom that now felt more like a prison than a sanctuary.

Collapsing onto the bed, I let the tears flow freely, my hand instinctively moving to cover my still-flat stomach.

This was supposed to be a joyous time, the start of a new chapter in our lives together.

But now, I found myself asking, what are we going to do? The future that had once seemed so bright was now shrouded in uncertainty, and I had no idea how I was going to move forward from this devastating betrayal.

All I knew was that I had a life growing inside me, a life that deserved so much more than the heartbreak and pain that had become our reality.