This Is What She Chose

News of a wedding in Nordica's top power family lit up the world.

But at the rehearsal, I caught my fiancée, Ivette Bianchi, making out with her childhood sweetheart, Jerick Weiner.

"Babe, we've been in love forever. Let me use your first-time blood as pigment for my art?"

Ivette blushed, hesitated—

Jerick didn't wait. He pinned her to the wall and kissed her.

"My best piece needs that color," he whispered. "I want this painting to end our youth."

I watched them twisted together, ice-cold. Dropped the ring. It clattered across the floor.

"Go through with the ceremony," I said. "Or your family goes broke."

She stiffened, shoved Jerick off, and spat, "Fine."

Then she turned right back, grabbed his hand, and dragged him inside. "It's just a bachelorette party. I won't miss the rehearsal."

The door slammed.

I didn't react. I was done.

I made the call.

"Change the bride. And yeah—the Bianchis crossed the line first. I want them erased."

The door creaked open—Ivette stumbled out, clothes a mess.

"My life's already yours," she slurred. "I just gave Jerick a little pigment, that's all. Don't catch an attitude. And make sure my wedding gift money hits early—I've got an art show to fund."

I laughed, sharp and cold.

"An art show? Or are you just using my name to prop up Jerick?"

Her face tightened.

"Noah Northam! That painting happened because of me. Can't I show off too?"

I pointed at the door.

"Wedding's canceled. Get out."

She snapped her head up, fingers shaking, eyes red and glassy.

Before she could say a word, Jerick strolled in, canvas in hand.

The rose-red pigment hit my eyes too hard.

He set it down in front of me, all sad eyes.

"Noah, I only asked her 'cause I couldn't afford paint. We just needed pigment, that's it. If you're mad, be mad at me. Ivette loves you—don't scare her like this..."

Ivette scoffed, cold as ice. "You hear that? Nothing happened! Do I look that filthy to you? If it's the hymen you're stuck on, I'll go get a brand-new one from the hospital, cool?"

Jerick cocked a brow and handed her a box of birth control.

"So, Ivette... what you said in there still stands? About getting me more pigment?"

Watching them play house after sneaking around made my stomach turn.

Three years ago, she had nothing—literally dropped to her knees, begging, "Noah, I'll do anything if you just help me!"

My family was pushing me to marry, so I made her my girlfriend to shut them up.

Somehow, feelings grew from there.

To keep her from feeling small, I did everything to level her up.

Broke off my original engagement—for her.

My family said she wasn't worth it. I laughed.

I pulled her into Nordica City's elite like it was nothing. Never once held back.

But she's the one who let go first. So why the hell should I keep holding on?

They wouldn't leave, so I did.