Violet unlocked the screen. It was a photo.
In the image, Grayson stood shirtless, his back facing the camera. Ruby, in a strapless mermaid wedding gown, had the long hem of her dress hitched up to her waist. Her pale legs wrapped tightly around his strong torso. The pose left nothing to the imagination.
Another notification followed. A video.
On the screen, Ruby clung to Grayson’s neck, her voice breathless, tinged with laughter.
“Grayson, how could you tear my wedding dress… I just got it today.”
Grayson chuckled, his voice low as he leaned into her ear.
“Didn’t you want the dress just to show it to me?”
His fingers traced the fabric. “I even got the same designer as Violet’s to make one for you. Shouldn’t you return the favor?”
Ruby gasped. The video ended abruptly.
But that wasn’t enough. Another message followed.
[Oh dear, I almost forgot you’re deaf. Such a shame! Next time, I’ll make sure to add subtitles. *wink*]
Violet’s fingers clenched around her phone, the joints turning white. Tears slipped silently down her face, hitting the floor one after another.
She never knew a heart could be split so cleanly in two.
Two wedding gowns, designed for two women.
‘Grayson, is this the love you spoke of?’
She didn’t want it. She couldn’t bear it.
Suppressing the pain in her chest, she lifted a hand to wipe her tears.
Her engagement ring caught the light.
For a long moment, she stared at it. Then, she pulled it off and tossed it into the trash.
Grayson had once visited a jeweler to learn the craft himself. He designed it, hammered it into shape, oversaw every detail. He had said a ring only held meaning if he made it himself. That way, whenever she touched it, she would feel his love.
But now, that love had rotted.
The ring was worthless.
…
Deep into the night, Grayson returned.
Violet felt the bed sink beside her. A faint mix of cologne and the smell after the intimacy filled the space between them. The images from the video surfaced in her mind, twisting her stomach into knots. She bolted upright and ran to the bathroom, retching.
Grayson rushed after her, panic-stricken. “Violet, do you have food poisoning? I’ll call the doctor!”
She grabbed his wrist, eyes red. “I’m fine. Just… recalled seeing some disgusting photos and videos.”
