He Chose Her Over Me So I Chose Myself Chapter 06
“Okay. I have no problem with it.”
Years ago, one of my stained-glass pieces was shortlisted for a student award. My mother promised she’d take photos for me. My father said he would sit in the front row. Grant said he’d bring me flowers.
But on the day of the ceremony, Camille had the final round of a debate competition. They all went to her instead. I stood by my piece and accepted the award alone. Afterward, all I got from my mother was, “You’ve always been independent. You’ll understand.”
Now history was repeating itself.
A wedding with no bride at its center could hardly be ruined by one more speech from a speaker who wasn’t really there.
By the time the celebration ended, it was close to midnight. Grant had been drinking. He was in high spirits, still scrolling through photos of Camille receiving her award.
“She was radiant tonight,” he said.
I sat down across from him. “Are you looking forward to our wedding tomorrow?”
His hand paused. “Of course. But more than the ceremony, I’m looking forward to our life after.”
I had already seen the evidence, but I still wanted to hear him say it himself.
“Then why did you get together with me in the first place?”
The alcohol had lowered his guard. He thought for a moment and actually smiled.
“You and Camille grew up in similar environments. You understand her world, and you understand what matters to me. At the time, I told myself you two were alike enough. And that was enough.”
I stared at him. “That’s it?”
“At first,” he said, his honesty a form of cruelty. “Later I realized marrying you would be good, too. At least if I married you, I could stay with the Mercers openly and keep being near her.”
The last sour ache in my chest dissolved.
My tears stopped.
So I wasn’t his lover. I was Camille’s substitute, a bridge that let him remain in the Mercer family orbit.
The truth was uglier than I had ever imagined.