I Wished My Fiancée A Lonely End

I've always been a man who prefers a clean shot.

So, when I scrolled through my Special Tactics Unit fiance's private photo album and saw a strange mans sleeping face, I walked straight up to Scarlett Pierce and demanded an explanation.

She sat on the balcony all night, finally confessing, He was the hostage I extracted from my last missionthe son of the Director. I wont lie, Damon. I developed feelings for him. But weve been together for seven years. Were getting married the day after tomorrow. I promise you, I will cut all ties with him.

Looking at the desperate sincerity in her eyes, I swallowed the searing pain and chose to forgive her. The wedding would proceed as planned.

But on the wedding day, a young man burst into the chapel, pressing a pistol to his own temple.

Scarlett! If you marry him, I swear I will end myself right here in front of you.

Scarletts fingers instinctively curled inward.

I grabbed her wrist, my voice a low, dangerous warning. Scarlett, you walk out that door today, and we are permanently finished.

Her hand trembled as she picked up the wedding band.

Then, a chillingly clear sound of a firearm being loaded echoed from the doorway.

Like a flash of lightning, Scarlett bolted, rushing toward the door. She wrapped her arms around the boy and left the wedding ceremony without a single glance back at me.

The wedding reception dissolved into a chaotic mess. The guests murmurs were like a thousand fine needles piercing my eardrums.

Both sets of parents swarmed me, frantic and confused.

I looked over at Cindy, who had been Scarletts partner for eight years. She nervously avoided my gaze.

D-Damon Blake Kincaid is the Directors son. Six months ago, he was kidnapped in Los Angeles. Scarlett was the one who pulled him out. The situation was complicated; they had to pose as a married couple for three months Since they came back, hell only let Scarlett be his personal security detail

Cindys voice faded to a whisper, her face flushed crimson.

I didn't have the energy to dwell on how many secrets shed kept for Scarlett, or what her own connection to this Blake Kincaid might be. A dense, suffocating pain spread through my chest. I felt the betrayal deep in my bones.

My parents held my hands, their worry palpable. Who is that man to Scarlett? Where did they go? Does she not want to marry you anymore?

Mr. and Mrs. Pierce guiltily called Scarlett, muttering promises to me. Damon, dont worry. Ill call her back right now. If she doesnt come back, Ill Ill disown her!

The diamond ring lay forgotten on the red carpet, kicked away by the rushing feet, a perfect metaphor for my shattered heart. I stood frozen. The immaculate hem of my suit was dragging on the ground, stained with mud.

The wedding I had pictured countless times had become a spectacle of wreckage. The groom, abandoned in the center of a packed hall, sacrificed for another man. It was an unbelievable, shameful melodrama, and it was happening to me.

Five solid hours. One hundred and eight calls. Scarlett answered none of them.

I watched the screen of my phone dim, then brighten, then finally go dark.

Sunlight filtered through the cathedral's stained glass, casting fractured patterns on the floor. A cold, piercing light landed squarely on my empty ring finger.

The guests gradually left, leaving behind the confetti and half-eaten catering. A wave of dizziness washed over me. Everything spun. The last sound I heard was my mothers panicked cry.

When I woke again, the sharp scent of antiseptic filled my nose.

A nurse was adjusting my IV drip. She spoke softly. Youre extremely run down. You cant afford any more stress. You need to take care of yourself.

I stared at the ceiling. Tears slipped silently into my hairline.

The seven years flashed through my mind like a sped-up film reel: the farewell kiss before she joined the Special Tactics Group at eighteen; the thick stack of letters from deployment; the emergency contact listed on every single one of her mission willsalways my name.

I forced a bitter smile for my parents and the Pierces. How could I explain that this seven-year marathon had to end now?

At seven in the evening, Scarlett, missing for six hours, finally appeared.

Her face was pale. The look she gave me held a distinct layer of guilt.

Damon, Im so sorry, she said, her voice rough. Blake hes my mission asset. No matter what, his safety has to come first

I swallowed the bitterness. I couldn't help but ask.

Did you take him away only because of your duty? I fought back a sob. You know exactly how he feels about you, yet you chose to protect him over me, over our wedding. Scarlett, Im not an idiot.

She was silent for a long time. Then, she grasped my cold hand. Her voice was strained.

Damon Robert, in seven years, Ive never asked you for anything. Just this once, Im begging you. Dont sensationalize this. Dont let this ruin him. Hes young; he cant be branded as the other man. Please?

I stared at the desperate plea in her eyes. My heart clenched tight, making it impossible to breathe.

She shouldn't be begging me; she should be apologizing.

A persons first reaction never lies. She hadn't thought about my humiliation at the altar. She hadn't worried about why I was in the hospital. Her first, her only, concern was Blake.

It took all my strength to push one word past my throat: Fine.

She visibly relaxed. Blake is very unstable knowing I was about to get married. Our wedding lets postpone it for now.

I need to be his dedicated security detail right now just for a few months. When the mission is fully closed, maybe three months, we can finally have our wedding. Please? Her voice was laced with cautious hope.

I had waited seven years. Three more months truly wasn't a lifetime.

But looking at the genuine concern in her eyesconcern reserved entirely for someone elseI realized I couldnt wait another day.

My voice was flat, like stagnant water. Scarlett.

Im not known for my great memory. But I remember your blush when you stole a kiss the day I dropped you off at the base.

I remember the first letter you wrote, saying you wanted to grow old with me and see the world.

I remember you surviving a near-fatal deployment, but still managing to bring back my favorite salted caramel tart.

These years, you never wronged me. You always put my needs first, you remembered every tiny habit I always believed you would love me forever.

I looked up at her, and the dam broke. Tears streamed down my face. But today, I just cant feel your love anymore

Seven years of memories surged. Scarletts own eyes turned red, and a single tear slipped down her cheek.

But Damon, she whispered, Blake cant be without me right now.

That single phrase, cant be without me, obliterated the last of my hope.

I looked at her, and a strange laugh bubbled up, mixed with my tears. Then go.

She froze, clearly not expecting me to give in so easily. But she didn't say another word, turning and leaving the room.

The next morning, I was packing my few things, ready to check out, when I rounded the corner of the corridor and ran right into Scarlett.

Her eyes werent even on me. Her entire attention was focused on the man beside her. Blake was handsome, charming, and looking at her with a raw, bright admiration.

So this was the man for whom shed abandoned me at the altar.

My stare must have been intense because Blake noticed me first. He didnt flinch, instead raising his chin with a casual, almost smug airthe relaxed confidence of a spoiled man of power.

Only then did Scarlett turn. Her brow furrowed instantly, her tone edged with impatience.

Damon. Blakes emotions are fragile right now. We need to go home. Say whatever you need to say there, but don't cause a scene here. Youll affect him.

Blake smiled and extended his hand grandly. You must be Damon Robert. Scarlett talks about you all the time. He added, without a trace of sincerity, I apologize for interrupting your wedding the other day.

I gripped my discharge papers until my knuckles were white, then managed a faint smile.

You dont have to worry about me. Im just here to check out.

I walked past them to the cashier. Scarlett looked at me strangely, surprised by my sudden composure. A flicker of somethingdisappointment? loss?crossed her face.

She reached out to stop me, but I turned my head, catching sight of a faint smudge on the sleeve of her trench coat.

Her eyes followed mine. She saw me take the coat off, and she reached out to take it.

Give it to me, I know how much you like this coat. Ill have it professionally cleaned.

I shook my head and tossed the coat directly into a nearby garbage bin. My tone was distant.

Throw it out. I don't like things that are stained. You know Im a clean freak.

The smile froze on Scarletts face. She knew I wasn't talking about the coat. I was talking about the seven years of our life.

Before she could speak again, I had settled the bill and walked away.

Not far from the hospital, my phone vibrated. It was a text from Scarlett:

Dont be mad. I got you a salted caramel tart from that place you love. Remember to pick it up.

When the delivery arrived, I stared at the familiar pink box and laughed without humor. This was her standard apology ritual.

I mechanically took a bite. It used to be the sweetest thing Id ever tasted. Now, it was just bitter and indigestible.

Scarlett didnt come home that night.

Stripping away a seven-year relationship hurt more than I could have imagined. I stayed awake until dawn, then finally climbed out of bed to pack.

The matching hoodies in the closet, the framed photos on the shelf, the sticky notes on the refrigeratorevery object held a sharp, thorny memory.

I thought of the day she got her deployment papers for the elite unit. She was heartbroken.

This is great news, why are you so upset?

She just hugged me, sighing. Ill see you even less. Husband, Im going to miss you too much.

Then buy me a huge house, I teased, so I can wait for you there, safe and sound.

She took my joke seriously. She took the most dangerous, highest-paying missions, including a terrifying extraction mission in South Asia. I was so scared I spent the night at a temple, praying for every deity to bring her back.

She came back, scarred and exhausted, but smiling foolishly as she pressed the deed to a new condo into my hand. Damon, you have your big house now. You cant run away.

Now, the house was here, but the person I was waiting for refused to return.

I closed the last storage box just as the sky turned a pale pink.

When the moving truck arrived, both sets of parents showed up. I hadnt told them the full truth, so they couldn't understand why the couple who were supposed to be getting married two days ago were suddenly splitting up.

My parents sighed, not arguing, just telling me, Come home whenever you want.

Mrs. Pierce grabbed my hand, pleading. Damon, please give Scarlett another chance! The wedding she was just confused. It was a mistake

I stayed silent, instructing the movers to keep going.

Just as Mrs. Pierce was about to lose her voice, the front door opened.

Scarlett was back. And she brought Blake with her.

He looked around the room, curious and excited, as if he were the new master of the house.

A terrifying silence fell over the room. Everyones eyes were fixed on them.

Mrs. Pierces voice trembled. Scarlett, did did you do something unforgivable to Damon?

Mr. Pierce was shaking with fury. Who is that man?!

Scarlett didn't answer. She only scanned the empty living room, her eyes settling on me. Youre moving out?

Yes, I answered calmly. Back to my parents place.

She seemed to relax slightly. Good. Ill come pick you up before the next wedding.

She said it dismissively, then pulled Blake forward.

This is Blake Kincaid. He was the hostage from my last mission, and hes the Directors son. For the next while, I need to be his close-protection officer.

Her open, indifferent manner made all our previous suspicions seem petty.

Blake smiled sweetly and reached out to link arms with Mrs. Pierce.

Auntie, hello. Scarlett takes such good care of me. She even brought me home for dinner today. Since everyones here, why dont I cook? You can all try my famous pasta.

Mrs. Pierce looked awkwardly at me. Damon, maybe maybe we can just sit down and talk this out?

I was about to refuse when Blake jumped in, his eyes sparking with provocation.

Damon, you should stay too! The more the merrier, right?

SLAP

A sharp crack echoed through the house.

I stared, stunned, as my mother stood there, having just slapped Blake across the face.

Mom!

She glared at me, her eyes red, her voice shaking violently.

I gave birth to you. You think I dont know you?

Youve been with her since you were eighteenseven years! For her, you, a young man, lived like a monk, praying to every saint to keep her safe. She was gone? You couldnt sleep. You care about her that much. You wouldnt walk away unless your heart was utterly broken!

I dont care who you marry, but today, she brings another man here to humiliate youI will not stand for it as your mother!

If you wont stand up for yourself, I will!

My mothers words struck me like lightning, and my eyes burned with unshed tears.

Blake covered his stinging cheek, tears welling up.

Scarlett immediately shielded him, her face darkening with fury.

Damon Robert! How old are you? Are you still running to your parents to fight your battles

I didnt let her finish. I rushed forward and slapped her.

Scarlett Pierce, you are the one who deserves it! I thought of the times I was abandoned, the sleepless nights, the precious sincerity that was crushed.

How could I pretend none of it happened?

My eyes were wild. We are over! Break up!

Before Scarlett could respond, Mrs. Pierce frantically interjected, No! Youve been together for seven years. You cant just throw it away!

The usually stoic Scarletts face changed drastically. Damon, listen to me. Dont be dramatic.

Im not being dramatic. I looked straight at her. The moment you left me at that altar, we were finished.

Scarlett moved to explain, but Blake suddenly burst into loud sobs.

Damon, its all my fault! Please dont blame Scarlett! I was confused, I fell for someone I shouldnt have I should die!

As soon as the words left his mouth, Blake ran out of the house, still weeping.

Scarletts attention immediately snapped to the door. She looked at me gravely.

Damon, Blake is in a terrible state. Im afraid hell do something reckless. Wait here, well talk about us later.

She started to rush after him, but Mrs. Pierce grabbed her arm.

Scarlett, are you trying to kill your father and me? Who is your partner? Who matters more? Cant you tell the difference?

But theres no waking someone who is pretending to sleep.

Scarlett wrenched her arm free. Frowning, she said, Mom, if he leaves my sight, hes at risk of reprisal. Hes a life, Mom! A life is at stake!

Silence settled over the room.

Scarlett glanced at me, a flicker of guilt, and then turned to chase Blake.

A sudden, torrential downpour began outside the window.

Mrs. Pierce held my hand, closing her eyes. Damon, with this rain why dont you wait until tomorrow to leave?

I looked at the sheet of water outside and shook my head. No.

Let this winter storm be my final farewell to Scarlett Pierce.

I went home with my parents that evening. Scarlett, meanwhile, spent the night kneeling in the same pouring rain outside my parents front door.

The next morning, when I opened the door, her eyes immediately lit up. Struggling to stand, she looked at me.

Damon Robert. Youre awake.

She was soaking wet, shivering, and looked wretched. The all-night vigil had left dark circles under her usually bright eyes. I was utterly sick of her post-betrayal performance. If she cared so much, why did she abandon me every single time?

Scarletts eyes were desperate. She held up her hand and swore.

Damon, Ive explained everything to Blake. Someone else will be assigned to his protection now. From this moment, I will have no contact with him. Its an official unit noticelook.

She held out her phone, her eyes full of stubborn pleading.

I took the phone and slammed it onto the concrete. Scarlett. There is no going back.

She stared at me, tormented. Why? Damon, I told you I will give you a future. Cant you wait just a little longer? Why wont you believe me?

Even now, she didn't get it.

This was never about belief or commitment. This was about a third party staining the purity of our love.

I said nothing, moving to call security.

She let out a strangled cry. Damon Robert!

Scarlett dropped to her knees in front of me, her palm open, holding the ring she had tossed aside at the wedding.

Forgive me. Lets go to the courthouse right now. Please?

The truth was, Scarlett was exceptional. She was beautiful, capable, well-bred, and both our families loved us together. We had genuine love. Perhaps I could pretend the man in the middle never happened, and go on with her.

But I couldnt. The love I needed had to be flawless.

The moment I reached for the diamond ring, her phone rang on the ground.

I vaguely heard Cindys frantic voice yelling: Its Blake! He tried to overdose again!

The same performance, replayed countless times.

Scarletts eyes flickered, but she clenched her jaw. From now on, I dont want reports on his situation. She hung up, looking at me with frantic hope. Damon, forgive me. I promise Ill be a better man to you. I promise.

I couldn't help but laugh. As I laughed, tears began to fall.

I tossed the ring onto the ground. She picked it up. I tossed it again. Her face grew paler and paler.

I spoke softly. Some things dont get a second chance.

You corrupted seven years of our life. Scarlett Pierce, I wish you nothing but loneliness.

Im the one who is walking away.