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I accepted,curious,and checked her social media.Her latest post was a photo with Ethan.
"Off to see the aurora!!!"
My body began to tremble unconsciously.
My phone slipped from my hand,smashing on the floor,their smiling faces shattered with it.
At seventeen,under a starry sky,with fireflies among the grass,I leaned on Ethan's shoulder,dreaming of the future.
He asked,"Where do you want to go the most?"
"Iceland,to see the aurora—the most romantic thing in the world."
He grinned."When we're rich,I'll take you.We'll kiss under the aurora."
I closed my eyes,imagining painting it,even if my art was rough with my useless hands—it'd be perfect.
I'd dreamed of it countless times,but Ethan never mentioned it again.
Before my birthday,discussing plans of our honeymoon,I brought up the aurora.
Ethan refused it at once."Emily,I'm swamped with work.Even the wedding's squeezed into my schedule.Let's go somewhere closer to home.We'll do it next time."
Devastated,I forced a smile and nodded.
Now I knew his promises he “didb’t want to break” were lies.
The romantic destination was for someone he truly cared about.
Tears streamed down my cheeks,but I booked a flight to Iceland.
On the plane,I saw Rachel's new post.
"Beautiful scenery,wine,and you—and that’s the perfect life for me!"
In a hotel room,Rachel,in a low-cut silk nightgown,toasted with Ethan,who was wearing a bathrobe,hair still wet,eager to celebrate.
I took a deep breath and exited,my hands shaking.
I checked into their hote tool.
That night,they left with locals to chase the aurora.
I followed.
Vivid light bands sliced the sky,like a painting unfolding slowly.
Under the dreamlike aurora,the"loving"pair kissed passionately.
I clenched my fists tight.Chasing my love for Ethan to the ends of the Earth,I finally woke up.
I laughed,releasing my grip.My love for Ethan vanished.
I didn't interrupt them,instead I took a photo of their"romantic"moment calmly.
It was time to prepare my gift for Ethan.
I turned and left,booking the earliest flight home,leaving without a trace.
Back home,I shredded the ill-fitting wedding dress.
Every gift he gave me,once most precious to me,I destroyed them all.
The wreckage felt liberating.
After preparing the gift,I packed and moved to Coastal City,leaving nothing behind,not even a strand of hair.
I blocked Ethan on all social platforms.
