Love Story5–Chapter 1
I was in the middle of a Zoom conference with several Investors when my high school alumni WhatsApp group, dormant for nearly a decade, suddenly erupted with notifications.[]
[Ashley, have you seen Victoria’s announcement? She’s getting married today! Are you really not coming?||
As messages flooded my screen. I learned that Victoria Pierce, our high school’s former homecoming queen, was about to walk down the aisle.
Everyone from our graduating class would be there.[]
I kept my response professional: (Sorry, caught up in meetings right now.
The backlash was immediate and harsh.
[What could you possibly be doing? Someone who’s been MIA from social media forever must be living under a rock!
[Just admit you’re embarrassed about your life instead of playing the busy card.]
Victoria herself jumped in: [Remember our senior year bet? I always said I’d marry someone way more successful than you!]]]
I fired back: [Must have slipped my mind.]
The group chat exploded
[Victoria’s fiancé is the CEO of a NASDAQ–listed company! They’ve got a fleet of Rolls–Royces for the wedding procession!]]
[Sounds like someone’s jealous of Victoria’s success and conveniently forgor about the bet!]]
[Maybe you can’t even afford a decent wedding gift? Want us to start a GoFundMe for you?]]
Amid the bombardment of messages, Victoria tagged me again, feigning magnanimity.
[I really want you to be there for my special day! Since we’re old classmates, I’m sure my husband could arrange an entry–level position for you at his company.
She followed up with a stunning pre–wedding photoshoot featuring her and her soon–to–be husband.
My blood ran cold when I saw his face.
It was Nathan Bradley – my husband, who had married into my family.
[Of course, I wouldn’t miss witnessing your happiness!] I typed, my fingers trembling slightly.
Just then, a message from Nathan popped up: [Hey honey, heading to visit my parents upstate today. Left you some pasta in the fridge – just needs reheating.
[Love you.]
Nathan had moved in with me three years ago, always taking care of the little things in our life.]
Love Story
Even when he was away, he never failed to think about my needs.||
What used to warm my heart now filled me with bitter Irony
I ended the video call abruptly and drove to the wedding venue Victoria had shared.
As I pulled up to the Manhattan hotel, I saw an enormous digital display: [Celebrating the union of Victoria Pierce and Nathan Bradley, CEO of Global Prime Industries!]]
Below stood Victoria in a custom Vera Wang gown, waiting expectantly for her groom.]
Our former classmates swarmed around her like paparazzi |
“Victoria, you kept this totally under wraps! The CEO of Global Prime Industries- are you kidding?”
“He’s literally on Forbes 40 Under 40 list! You’ve struck gold!”
“Vic, you’re about to be New York’s next it–girl! Don’t forget us when you’re hosting charity galas!”
Even our old AP Literature teacher, Mrs. Reynolds, was there gushing over Victoria.
“I always knew you were destined for greatness, Victoria. That’s why I never minded your creative interpretations of Shakespeare – I knew you were meant for bigger things than academics!”
As praise rained down, Victoria basked in the attention, her expression radiating smug satisfaction.
Nathan had been living with me for years, seemingly without direction. To help him gain business experience, I’d put him In charge of my smallest venture, Global Prime Industries.
I never imagined it would become Victoria’s ticket to social climbing.
When I walked in, the crowd of former classmates who’d been fawning over Victoria moments ago turned to me with barely concealed contempt.
One of Victoria’s followers spotted my car and rushed over sneering
“Ashley, you’re something else. Did you actually rent a Bentley just to save face at Victoria’s wedding?”
Others quickly piled on.
“No wonder you showed up – trying to play pretend socialite? That rental must cost your entire quarterly salary!”
“Some people just can’t handle others‘ success. As if a rented luxury car could compare to Victoria’s husband!“]
“Is it really that hard to accept that Victoria’s done better than you? Why go through all this trouble just to fake it?”
I maintained my composure despite their jabs.]
“Actually, it’s my car,” I stated calmly.
Before I could elaborate, Victoria stormed over to me, fury etched across her face.
She slapped me hard across the cheek.
“Your car? That’s my fiancé’s eart
“I’ve had suspicions he was seeing someone behind my back, and it turns out to be you, you homewreckers||
“You
gold digging witch! How dare you crash my wedding, flaunting my flancé’s car just to mock me, his real future wife!”
