Roble

ed in a bridesmaid's gown, a pale pink monstrosity that felt like a shroud. My body ached, a constant reminder of the

room. "Ella, darling, fetch me some water. My nerves are shot."

I barely knew, regarded me with a mixture of pity and contempt. They had heard the rumors,

with concern, watched me with heartbroken eyes. Barbara, oblivious to their pain, raised her glass. "To

the penthouse. But I had to drink. Every sip was a bitter taste of

so thin." "Did you see her bruises? They say Dexter's family pai

he murmured, his voice low. "Painkillers. For your... di

I hated him for it. I hated him for everything.

. He dropped the pill on the table and walk

h stage. The lights dimmed, spotlights illuminating the happy

fore her vows, beamed at the crowd. "Before I say 'I do,' I want to

ng rawer. Envy. Dexter had told her once, during a fight, that I was "the only real thing in his lif

usive home, through deep depression, to finding

o her narrative of benevolence. My body felt numb, frozen. I was naked, vuln

my greatest wish for Ella. I wish for her to find love, just as I have." She turned to me, her eyes glittering with malice. "So, I have

nt spreading through the ballroom. Marry me? To a strange

planted by Dexter, grabbed my arms. They pushed me to the

of a greasy, middle-aged man in the front row. He grinned, his eyes rakin

l. He squeezed my waist, his fingers digging into my bruises. My

ker of hesitation crossed his face, a momentary battle. But Barbara, beside him, whisp

er voice loud and clear. "It's all i

ommand. My heart shattere

to continue. The man held my hand, a perverse parody of

pocket. My phone. A te

attack. She saw the livestream. D

f me. The last thread holding me to this life snapped. A searing pain, worse th

alistic roar tearing from my throat. "

held me tightly, my struggles futile. "Cont

an. "Take her," he commanded, his

, at Barbara, their faces blurred by my tears. They had taken ever

ing left. Abso

a frantic, desperate sprint towards the nearest window. The 20th floor. The world below looked like a di