Chapter 1

• “How are the wedding preparations going?” Rosa asked as she sat at the bus stop with me. We usually entered the same bus when heading to our different destinations.
• “Splendid. We went for cake tasting last week.” I replied as I looked at her with a smile. She looked good in her casual jeans and tank top, her blonde hair was braided downwards and she hung her bag on her shoulder.
• “Taking things one at a time. I like that.” She said with a grin.
• “Yeah. Joshua has been really busy lately, trying to complete his projects so we can actually enjoy our honeymoon.” I stated as she nodded in understanding.
• “And you?” She asked me.
• “I’m excited and a bit nervous, I won’t lie.” I admitted. The wedding preparations were exciting but it usually felt anxious doing most of the activities alone. Joshua was usually occupied with work.
• “Wedding jitters?” She asked me with a concerned look.
• “I’m going for my gown testing tomorrow…what if I don’t like it?” I asked her anxiously as she smiled and held my hand.
• “You will…and if you don’t, find one you actually like.” She assured before I let out a chuckle and said, “You make it sound easy.”
• “It’s your wedding day. A girl can only experience her dream wedding once, you have to make it work out.” She reminded me.
• “You’re right.” I concurred as the bus stopped and we entered.
• “I’m just glad Joshua’s mom is out of town. She makes things harder than they seem.” I continued.
• “Is she still bullying you?” Rosa asked me with a frown as she applied her lip gloss.
• “I wouldn’t call it bullying… more like–“ I began as she interrupted and cocked a brow, “Hate.”
• “That’s harsh.” I muttered.
• “With all you’ve told me, she’s the harsh one. You’ll soon be her daughter in law, why does she keep on being mean to you?” She asked me as she powdered her face.
• “I am not as rich as they are.” I stated as she rolled her eyes at my response.
• “You’re a nurse, Candice. You work hard and you get paid well. They should stop making it seem like you’re a useless nobody.” She rushed as she rummaged through her bag for her mascara.
• “Maybe with time things will get better.” I said with a sad smile. I really hoped to be loved by a family since I lost mine in an accident when I was little. I was used to being alone, but deep down I longed for a home.
• “Hopefully, because I am sick of my landlord increasing the rent every month.” She stated, changing the topic as she noticed my mood.
• “Why do they do that?” I asked her
• “Wish I knew.” She answered with a chuckle as she applied her mascara.
• “That’s what made me move in with Joshua. It just got harder, plus my tuition debts…I am glad he came into my life.” I said as she smiled.
• “Can’t wait for my savior in shining armor…a girl needs to rest.” She said with a deep sigh.
• “I’ll see you next week, Rosa.” I said after laughing at her statement. We would soon reach my destination.
• “You’re actually getting married next weekend. I am so happy for you.” She said as she hugged me tightly.
• “Thank you.” I said softly.
• “Call me if you need anything, I’ll gladly come over.” She told me.
• “I will.” I whispered as I waved at her.
• I smiled quietly to myself, as I paid and trekked the remaining distance on foot.
• Joshua normally picked me up, but he had a lot of work to do today, so he told me he’ll be coming home late too.
• I would have been occupied too, but my boss generously gave me the remaining day off, because of the wedding preparations.
• I usually got home after Joshua by 5am, due to my night shifts, but today I could rest a bit and maybe plan a surprise dinner for him.
• I unlocked the door and keyed in the password, before dropping my overnight bag at the passage, that’s when my eyes caught the sight of an unfamiliar shoe.
• It was a cut out heeled pair of shoes. I usually wore wedges because they were more comfortable.
• I frowned to myself as the thought of a stranger breaking in made me panic.
• I quickly dialed Joshua’s number but his phone rang from the sofa.
• Why was his phone at home?
• Did he forget it, before going to the office?
• Was he safe?
• My thoughts scrambled in my brain as I picked up the umbrella near the doorway and headed to the other rooms.
• The kitchen was empty and looked clean, so was the bathroom.
• I climbed the stairs in fright as I heard a loud noise.
• I took a deep breath in before I quietly opened the bedroom.
• It was Joshua.
• But he was not alone.
• I stood there in shock as my mouth fell open and my confusion increased.
• The sight of Joshua having rough sex with his ex, Samantha against the wall, scarred me for life.
• Why would he do this to me?
• We are supposed to get married and start a family, why would he do this?
• I couldn’t believe it.
• “Joshua?”I called out as he abruptly turned and placed his ex down on the floor.
• “Fuck!” He cursed out while struggling with his belt buckle.
• “Candice…hey…fuck.” He said as he approached me as his ex,Samantha scrambled around looking for her clothings.
• “How could you…” I began as my head rang. I stood there in shock with my hands gripping the umbrella tightly.
• “Candi…it’s not what it looks like.” Joshua said to me as he wrapped his arm around my body.
• “We’re engaged Joshua. Our wedding is next weekend!” I exclaimed angrily as I shoved him away.
• “I know that…I’m so sorry. I promise…I never meant to do this.” He pleaded as he grabbed my hand.
• “You told me you were over her. You told me you hated your ex. You lied to me!” I snapped angrily at him as Samantha rushed out of the room. I couldn’t care less about her, she was a nasty person, but Joshua owed me loyalty and he broke my trust.
• “No…hey…I promise it won’t happen again. I don’t know what came over me.” He rushed out the useless excuses as my anger brewed.
• “Why would you do this to me?” I asked him.
• “Candice…she seduced me…it wasn’t my fault.” He said as my brows scrunched up in confusion.
• “I thought you loved me…loved what we had.” I said my voice trembling, because I knew all he said were lies.
• “I do. I still do.” He stated as he cupped my cheek.
• “ Then why would you betray me?” I asked as the tears pooled in my eyes. The face I once admired now repulsed me.
• “Candice…let’s just forget this happened and move –“ He started as I frowned and flung his hand away from my face.
• “Get the fuck away from me!” I exclaimed in anger.
• Move on?
• Move on?
• What manipulative rubbish.
• “How dare you cheat on me and tell me to forget then move on with you.” I stated as I backed away from him in shock and disgust. This wasn’t the man I fell in love with.
• He stared at me for a while, his face twisting in disdain.
• “It’s all your fault!” He exclaimed as he pointed at me.
• “What?”
• “You’re so uptight and frigid. You refuse to have sex with me, despite all my efforts.” He said.
• “You knew I was a virgin when you proposed!” I yelled angrily.
• How dare he blame me for his actions.
• “I didn’t know you chose to remain one till the actual wedding night!. Why couldn’t you just let me…” He began as he punched the wall angrily.
• “You did all this…just to have sex with me?” I asked in surprise as my grip tightened once more on the umbrella in my hand. I felt my heart shatter as I realized the depth of his betrayal.
• “My friends laugh at me. They call me crazy for staying so long without it. It took a while for me to see, but they were right.” He blurted out as he let out a chuckle.
• “You told me you had no problem waiting.” I said softly, as the lump in my throat tightened.
• “Well, I lied, Candice. Get over it. I’m a man and I need my satisfaction.” He stated as he rolled his eyes.
• “Then you could have told me, I wouldn’t have stopped the break up.” I told him, as he smirked at me dubiously.
• “And miss this look on your face when you realize what an uptight bitch you’ve been?” He rhetorically asked.
• I swung the umbrella at him angrily as he held it in one hand.
• “You’re weak.” He stated as the tears rolled down my cheeks.
• “Fine, then I’ll leave.” I said as I let go of the umbrella and packed my bags.
• “To where?” He asked as he smiled creepily at me and added,” You have nobody, you’re all alone.”
• “Fuck you, Joshua.” I snarked angrily while I carried the overnight bag with me.
• “You’ll come back begging.” I heard him say as I ran out of the house with tears streaming down my face.