Once Upon a Marriage

Eloise

I sat on the coach, settling the wine on the table, before reaching for the television remote. Today was Lucian's big day and the event was broadcasted. This silly illness prevented me from accompanying him but I didn't care.

"Tonight, the world will see my vision." I smiled, feeling the pride in my chest.

The Live broadcast finally began, the spotlight settled on Lucian, as he made his way to the stage, looking impeccably polished in his tailored suit. I had never felt so proud, I couldn't help but smile and settled deeper in the cushion as I seeped my wine.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight. I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our latest collection—a collection crafted with love, passion, and elegance” He said, his deep steady voice echoed through the speakers.

My heart fluttered, “Our” collection, I repeated in my mind.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with someone special on this project, someone whose talent and dedication have brought this vision to life” Lucian said, his gaze sweeping over the crowd as he spoke.

I held my breath, my pulse quickening with pride and excitement. I could practically feel my name on his lips.

“It is my honor to introduce the genius behind this collection…” Lucian paused, then smiled.

The camera zoomed in as he extended a hand, gesturing off-stage. My smile widened, my fingers tightening on the edge of the couch.

The camera zoomed back to the crowd and a figure emerged from the stage, it was Jennifer, Lucian’s ex lover and also my half-sister appeared on the screen.

My breath caught in my throat, and from that moment my world began to spin.

She stepped into the spotlight, gliding toward Lucian as if she belonged there— as if she had any right to stand on that stage, wearing a dazzling gown that sparkled beneath the lights.

Jewels dripping from her neck and ears. Jewels i had designed.

“What!…?” I exclaimed,my voice barely a breath.

He turned to Jennifer,his eyes beaming, his arm slipping around her waist with a casual intimacy that made my stomach twist.

The way he looked down at her with a softness, a warmth that I haven't seen in his eyes for once.

“Jennifer has been an inspiration to me, both personally and professionally,” he said, his voice laced with admiration.

“I couldn’t imagine anyone more fitting to lead this project with me” He continued.

I felt my chest tighten, my breath coming in short, shallow gasps.

This can't be happening. It can’t be!

My marriage with Lucian shouldn't have happened, it was a marriage I accepted for my selfish reasons. My childhood crush came asking for my hand in marriage and I couldn't miss that opportunity.

I thought after this years, with the child we bore together that our love must've awakened but it didn't.

I was just loving a man that would never love me, a man that was never mine to begin with, a marriage I could've rejected and discarded my selfish feelings.

The crowd applauded, their faces lit with admiration and awe. People were clapping for her!—for Jennifer.

The woman who had barely even been part of my life, who despised and spited me whenever she pleased, was now basking in the success I had dreamed of.

“Tonight is not just the launch of our new project. It’s the start of a new chapter.” He paused, turning to Jennifer, his eyes full of a disturbingly tender look.

“A new chapter for us, and for our future together.”

The crowd gasped.

“No!!…” I whispered, horror creeping into my voice as the realization hit me, tears began to form.

“It’s true,” He continued, his tone smooth and practiced, as if he was reading from a script.

“Jennifer and I have rekindled our relationship we never had to let go of, and in light of that…”

My heart pounded so loud I could barely hear his next words.

“…I am announcing my separation from Eloise.” He announced.

The wine glass slipped from my hand before I even realized I’d dropped it.

Red liquid splattered across the white rug like a wound bleeding open. The camera caught Lucian’s face again, his smile practiced, flawless. Beside him, Jennifer pressed herself close, her hand resting over his chest.

“—and we’re thrilled to announce our engagement,” he continued, his voice calm, almost proud.

Engagement? Not only was he divorcing me, he was already engaged to her?

The word echoed until it felt like something sharp and cruel lodged in my throat.

My chest tightened as the host laughed and asked how long it had been since they got back together. Jennifer giggled, the same soft, airy sound I’d once found endearing. She turned her gaze to Lucian, eyes bright with affection. “A little over a year,” she said.

A year?

We were still married a year ago.

The room tilted. My pulse roared in my ears. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think—only stare at the television like maybe, if I blinked hard enough, the image would disappear and the world would make sense again.

He hadn’t even had the decency to tell me himself.

The engagement photo flashed across the screen—Jennifer’s diamond catching the light, Lucian’s hand around her waist in a pose I knew by heart because it should be me standing there.

My throat burned.

I reached for the remote but knocked it to the floor instead. The shatter of glass echoed through the silence as my knees gave way, and I sank to the cold marble.

How could he do this to me?

How could he look so happy—so free—when I was still here trying to understand where everything went wrong?

Tears blurred my vision, but I didn’t bother wiping them. The news anchor kept talking, cheerful, oblivious, as if they hadn’t just aired the public execution of my marriage.

I’d been humiliated in front of the entire city.

Lucian had made sure of that.

My body trembled as I crawled toward the remote, the sound of their laughter filling the room. I pressed mute, but it was too late. The silence only made it worse. It felt heavier, and crueler.

I stared at their frozen smiles on the screen until my reflection blurred between them—

For a moment, I thought about calling someone. Ava, my best friend. Anyone.

But who would understand the kind of pain that comes from realizing your husband’s betrayal is now public entertainment?

I pressed my palms to the floor, forcing myself to breathe.

Lucian True had taken everything—my dignity, my trust, my love—and now, in front of millions, he’d taken the last piece of me: my peace.

The room stayed still for a long time.

Hours passed before I moved. The city outside was alive, but I felt hollow. The lights blinked through the window, reflecting against the broken glass and spilled wine. When I finally stood, it wasn’t to cry—it was to disappear.

I grabbed my keys from the counter, slipped on the first coat I could find, and walked out without looking back.