Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Albert was gone for a full week.
I knew exactly what he was doing in Las Vegas.
Krista’s Instagram feed was a parade of an Albert I didn’t recognize.
It was impossible to miss.
Pool parties, luxury suites, selfies showing off a new ring…
My social media was flooded with a version of Albert I didn’t recognize. It turned out he could be thoughtful and romantic. Just not with me.
I’d glance at the photos and keep scrolling.
I was busy, too.
It took me days to clear out the apartment. There was so much stuff.
I also drove back to my parents’ house in Oregon. I told them I was moving to Seattle for work and wouldn’t be back for a while.
My dad was surprised. “But you’re about to get married. Are you and Albert going to live apart?”
My mom took my hand, her face etched with worry. “Sherry, honey, are you sure about this? You and Albert have been through so much. Will he be okay with you in Seattle? What about the wedding…?”
I understood their concern.
They’d watched me chase Albert for years and knew he was never as invested as I was.
When I told them he’d accepted my proposal, they’d gently warned me that I didn’t weigh enough on the scales of his heart.
But I was so confident back then, so sure I could change him.
Now, with the wedding so close, they were afraid my move would cause Albert to call it off and break up with me.
They were afraid I’d get hurt.
But I was the one calling it off.
When I told them, they were silent for a long time.
I didn’t mention Krista or the baby. I was afraid they couldn’t handle it.
I just said I wanted to focus on my career.
They exchanged a look.
Since I’d made up my mind, they would support me.
Finally, my dad sighed and patted my shoulder. “As long as you don’t regret it.”
Back at my apartment, I called Emma to help me move the mountain of boxes I’d packed.
It took us several trips to clear everything out, leaving the apartment feeling vast and empty.
Emma watched me with a thoughtful expression.
“Two months ago,” she said, “when Albert accepted your proposal, you were so happy you were practically bouncing off the walls. We drank all night to celebrate you finally getting your man.”
She shook her head.
“And now, just two months later, you’re canceling the wedding?” She leaned in closer. “Seriously. What is going on?”
Maybe it was because I was about to leave, but I suddenly needed to tell someone. I told Emma everything that had happened over the past month, including Albert’s plan to have a sham marriage and a baby with Krista.
Emma, who had witnessed our entire relationship, erupted in a string of curses.
“You gave him everything, and he pulls this stunt? He knocks up another woman right before your wedding and has the audacity to expect you to understand? What is wrong with him?! Is his brain just a hamster on a wheel at this point?”
I shook my head, swallowing the lump in my throat. “He said Krista saved his mom’s life. He has to repay the favor.”
Emma looked like she was about to explode. “But you’re the one who saved his mom’s life! How can he treat you like this?!”
I didn’t say anything. Or maybe, he just never loved me. But none of that mattered now. Soon, I’d be gone, and he’d just be a bad memory.
