Chapter 1
On my wedding day, my best friend’s mother spread rumors that I had been a kept woman in college and had multiple abortions.
When I found out, my first instinct was to call the police. Everyone urged me to prioritize the wedding, to ignore the gossiping hag. But then, people at the same table as the rumor–monger began live–streaming, and the story exploded. My mother–in–law, believing the lies, forced my husband to divorce me. Someone complained to my workplace, and I was fired. My parents, humiliated by the
scandal in our village, disowned me. Under this relentless assault, I fell into a deep depression and jumped to my death.
Then, I opened my eyes. I was back on my wedding day.
1
“Hold on.”
I paused the makeup artist’s brush, lowered my gaze, and picked up my phone. It took only moments to find the live stream. Clicki- ng in, I saw several middle–aged women chattering away animatedly.
“What business is the groom’s family in? Such a grand affair!”
“I hear they’re in hotels. Several properties, they say. Honestly, little Chloe here, she’s got talent. Pretty face, knows how to reel in men.”
My phone, now on speaker, drew the attention of my bridesmaids. One of them leaned in, eyes widening in surprise as she recogni- zed someone on screen. “Fiona! That’s your mom!”
Fiona hurried closer. Her mother, Mrs. Rhodes, was still talking. “You know, my Fiona is actually prettier than Chloe, but she just doesn’t have that vixen–like charm Chloe does. Chloe’s chest is so big, all thanks to men. She’s been seducing boys since primary school, had a sugar daddy in college, would hook up with anyone for money, and had several abortions. Oh, the sin of it all!”
At this, Fiona’s face went white. “Chloe, don’t listen to my mom’s nonsense! I’m going out there right now to stop her!” Before Fiona could move, I sprang to my feet with a whoosh and walked directly towards Mrs. Rhodes’s table. Fiona reached out to stop me. “Chloe, don’t go. Today’s your wedding day. I’ll go, I’ll talk to my mom properly. I promise she won’t say another word.”
My friends behind me chimed in, urging caution. “It’s your wedding, Chloe. It’s not time yet. The bride shouldn’t be out there. It looks bad.”
“Yes, Chloe, just bear with it. You know my mom’s mouth, she just can’t control it. I’ll go scold her right now. After today, I’ll make her apologize to you. Don’t let her ruin your big day.” Fiona’s face was a picture of sincerity, as if she truly had my best interests at heart.
ome
In my previous life, I hadn’t learned about this from a live stream. It was a relative, unable to stomach it any longer, who had come to tell me. I had listened to their advice then, swallowing the humiliation. I never imagined that the very next day, before Fiona could even bring her mother to apologize, the rumors would have already spread like wildfire. Because of those lies, I lost my hus- band, my parents, and my job. In the end, I was literally hounded to death. And Mrs. Rhodes, from start to finish, never uttered a single word of denial.
Given a second chance, there was no way I would let this pass. After all, between a wedding and my life, I knew which held more weight.
I ignored Fiona and strode purposefully towards the exit. When I reached Mrs. Rhodes’s table, she was still detailing my supposed
abortions
She was still in college then, how could she let her parents know? She borrowed money from my Fiona. My Fiona, being the loyal friend she is, secretly took my money, and that’s how I found out. The boy’s mother, she knows me too. Later, I confirmed it her son definitely got little Chloe pregnant.
Chapter
“She was still in college then, how could she let her parents know? She borrowed money from my Fiona. My Fiona, being the loyal friend she is, secretly took my money, and that’s how I found out. The boy’s mother, she knows me too. Later, I confirmed it; her son
definitely got little Chloe pregnant.”
“Auntie, is that really true?”
“Mom! What nonsense are you spouting?!” Fiona’s and my voices rang out simultaneously. Mrs. Rhodes flinched, startled. She turn-
ed, saw me, and offered an awkward smile, quickly trying to play it off. “Chloe, why are you out here so early?”
I stared at her, my face a mask of shock. “Auntie, is that true? I had an abortion in college? You saw it?”
