After My Fiancé Wed Her I Married His Rival

The day before the wedding with my childhood betrothed, I hid in the bridal suite, hoping to surprise him. Instead, I was the one taken aback by the news of his marriage.

"Three days ago, I went to the courthouse and got a marriage license with Birdie Garcia," Eli boasted.

His friends praised his audacity, "Eli, you rogue, making decisions on your own. Why even bother with the wedding? Does Arabella know about this?"

Eli adjusted his watch with an air of disdain. "Even if she does, what difference does it make? She practically begged for this wedding."

"I've made an arrangement with Birdie. Arabella can have a title in public, but at home, she'll be our maid, catering to both of us," he said smugly. "After all, one can't be too greedy."

Outside the room, my hands shook slightly as I held the glass of sparkling water. So this was why Eli insisted on having the wedding before sorting out the paperwork.

I let out a bitter laugh, ignoring their vile conversation, and dialed another number: "Sincere, I don't want to marry him."

...

“Arabella, what are you doing here!” As the door swung open, Eli's face flashed surprise before settling into irritation. However, as soon as I removed my headphones, his annoyance returned with full force.

“Didn't I say we shouldn’t meet the day before the wedding? Why are you so clueless?”

Eli casually shrugged off his jacket, tossing it on the floor. The cigarette in his hand wasn't even put out as he sat next to me, blowing smoke directly in my face.

Watching me cough uncontrollably from the smoke, Eli's lips curled into a pleased grin. “You're far more amusing like this.”

Amidst the painful coughing, I felt a wave of helplessness. The man I loved for years was unraveling right before my eyes; so, this is what it feels like.

"Go make me a cup of coffee," Eli said, reclining on the bed, pointing dismissively towards the kitchen.

For the first time, I refused to obey. Instead, I yanked open the curtains, letting a blast of cool air into the room. “I’m not your maid. If you want something, make it yourself.”

Eli’s face darkened, but his frown faded when he spotted the glass of sparkling water I'd set aside earlier, a smirk returning to his lips. “What’s with the attitude? Playing hard to get…?”

The sound of shattering glass interrupted his taunt, the dark liquid staining his designer suit. Eli's eyes narrowed in fury. “Arabella, have I spoiled you too much lately? Do you think marrying me means you can do whatever you want?”

“Do you believe that even if we get married, I can still divorce you?”

Looking at Eli's disdainful sneer, I responded calmly, “I believe you.”

My unfamiliar tone caught Eli off guard. I’d never defied him like this before. In the past, at the mere mention of marriage as a threat, I’d always bow my head and apologize first, no matter who was at fault.

I thought I knew him, treating him like a boy who never grew up, always indulging him. Sometimes, I even questioned if I pushed too hard, making Eli show such disdain.

But now, none of it mattered anymore.

I kicked away the jacket Eli had tossed at my feet as a message on my phone reminded me to discuss the wedding details. Jadiel, unexpectedly cooperative, deserved my gratitude.

After all, the family had originally intended for me to marry Jadiel, but it was my own blindness that led me to Eli.

As I turned to leave, Eli grasped my wrist, rubbing his tired eyes. “I know I've been neglecting you lately, but there's no need to get this upset over words.”

“We have a wedding tomorrow. Go back and rest, okay?”

I ignored him, shaking off his hand. A familiar figure suddenly appeared at the door.

Birdie, wearing the wedding dress I had reserved at the shop just days ago, looked slightly uneasy seeing me there. Yet her fully made-up face boldly claimed her territory.

I turned in disbelief to Eli, whose expression showed no trace of guilt. “Tomorrow morning, Birdie will be the bride.”

...

I couldn't believe Eli would disregard everything so thoroughly. Even if he didn’t love me, he shouldn't disgrace my family like this. And as his supposed fiancée, he allowed others to humiliate me, turning me into a laughingstock.

I looked at Eli’s indifferent face with disappointment and sneered, “Eli, you’re out of your mind.”

Knowing he was in the wrong, Eli sheepishly scratched his nose, trying to explain, “Arabella, Birdie came to Brighton to be with me all those years. You know that. She just wants her parents to be at ease, so she asked me to have the ceremony with her. It’s just one wedding, don’t read too much into it. Just make sure your family doesn’t come in the morning, okay?”

I let out a cold laugh. When it came down to it, he was asking me for a favor, which is why Eli was uncharacteristically nice.

I opened my mouth but ultimately refrained from unleashing the bitterness in my heart. None of it mattered anymore.

Perhaps my expression was too serene, as Eli pursed his lips, promising, “Don't worry. I’ll make sure to behave at the evening reception.”

In the past, hearing this would have immediately made me swallow my pride and cheerfully return to his side. But now, I merely glanced at him indifferently.

Eli didn’t understand, and just as he reached out to pull me in for further explanation, Birdie flung herself into his arms. Her eyes were slightly red, her voice coming in broken sobs from his embrace: “Sorry, Eli, for causing trouble. My family wanted to see our home, so I might need to stay here tonight, and…”

At that point, Birdie peeked up at me from Eli’s shoulder, her eyes holding a challenge. “I’m afraid you'll have to pack up your things, Arabella.”

The defiance in her eyes amused me. They were already legally bound, yet they continued the charade before me. The gown was on, and they claimed it was a pretense?

It was clear they intended to play house tonight. But that was fine. I didn’t want to leave any trace of myself here anyway.

“Arabella, please...” Eli began, but I cut him off impatiently, waving a dismissive hand. "Burn it all. I don't care."

Without turning back, I walked out. As I left, Eli felt something unfamiliar tugging at his heart, a sensation that something was slipping beyond his control.