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Arianna's POV

After I got home, I trudged straight to my room, feeling drained. Tears refused to fall, despite the ache in my heart. The door swung open, and my aunt marched toward me, her anger perceptible. A resounding slap landed on my face, and I couldn't hold back the tears anymore. They streamed down my cheeks as I whispered, "What else do you want me to do? He said he no longer wants to marry me and I can't force it."

Aunt Harley's voice was venomous. "You shameless girl, you can't even hold a man. Do you think you're better than those girls who are already married?" Her words cut deep, but I managed to reply, my voice shaking. "He called off the wedding. What more do you want?"

Her response was cold. "You're leaving this house right away. You're of no use to me if you can't even secure a husband." With that, she turned and walked out of my room.

I felt shattered. I couldn't face the gossiping neighbors and their mocking eyes… In desperation, I called Leah, my friend and colleague. She picked up on the second ring.

"Hey, girl... is your wedding over already? Why are you calling me at this time? When's the honeymoon?" she asked, her words tumbling out in a rush.

"There's no wedding, Leah," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

"What? Why?" she asked, concern etched in her tone.

"He called off the wedding," I said, tears welling up again. "My aunt has asked me to leave her house, and I don't know where to go."

Leah's response was immediate. "Come to my house. My apartment is big enough for the both of us."

I hesitated, unsure if I was imposing. "Are you sure I won't cause any inconvenience?"

"Please, Anna, you're welcome. If you need any help, I'll…"

"No need for that, Leah. I can manage. Thanks for understanding," I interrupted, trying to sound stronger than I felt.

"You're welcome, dear. Take care of yourself, okay?" Leah's words were a balm to my soul.

After we hung up, I started packing my bags. Since I was no longer needed in this house, I had to leave. When I finished, I headed to the sitting room, where my aunt was giving me icy stares.

"I'm leaving now," I said, but she didn't respond.

I hailed a cab and headed to San Antonio, to Leah's apartment. She was waiting outside, concern etched on her face.

"You look so down," she said, helping me with my bags. "Let me take some of these."

After we settled in, Leah put my bags in her room, and we sat on the couch.

"Thank you so much, Leah. What would I have done without you?" I asked, feeling grateful.

"It's nothing, Anna. You're like a sister to me. I'll always be there for you," Leah replied with a gentle smile.

I told her everything that had happened, from the beginning to the end. Her anger was palpable. "How could Dennis and his mother be so heartless?" she fumed.

Later, we went grocery shopping, and I was grateful for the savings from my salary. We prepared dinner, ate, and went to bed.

One week passed, and Leah and I started living together. We enjoyed each other's company, and the days went by smoothly. After work one evening, I had my bath, and Leah went out, leaving me alone at home. I picked up my phone to chat with Leah cause I was feeling bored.

“Hey girl, How's the party going?”

“You won't believe what I saw”

“What did you see?”

Leah sent me a photo… I couldn't believe my eyes