Chapter 1

“Ms. Hart, this marriage certificate is fake,” the clerk said, her expression a mixture of pity and hesitation. “According to our system, Mr. Jenson Moore married Emily Blanchard two weeks ago.”

Estella wasn't surprised. Six years with her boyfriend, and he’d secretly married his first love. “Alright. Thanks for your help.”

She slipped the fraudulent certificate into her bag, donned her sunglasses, and left. Outside the vital records office, she texted Zoe Gardner, a senior from school: “Zoe, I’m going with you to Anebert to start the business.”

Zoe didn’t reply immediately. Estella pocketed her phone, hailed a cab, and gave the driver an address. Exhaustion weighed heavily on her by the time she reached home. As she fumbled for her keys, the elevator dinged, and Jenson emerged, smiling.

“Where’d you go, Estie?” he asked.

Estella stared, momentarily stunned by his easy smile. “I went to city hall. I thought I’d take pictures to remember our marriage registration. But it’s an empty lot. Any idea why?”

She watched him intently, searching for a flicker of guilt. His expression briefly stiffened, then he resumed his usual composure.

“You must’ve gone to the wrong place. We already have the certificate. We can take photos later. Anyway, I got you macarons. New flavors from your favorite bakery. See if you like them.”

He handed her a bag and went straight into the bathroom. Estella’s lips curved into a weak, sad smile.

“Jenson, there is no ‘later’ for us.”

She walked silently to the study and returned the fake certificate to the safe. Three days prior, he’d only let her glimpse it before locking it away. She’d thought it was because he cherished their marriage. But last night, while fetching water, she’d overheard him on the balcony.

“Jenson, are you seriously back with Emily? You pursued her for three years, and the second she said yes, she ran off with another guy. She almost ruined you. Don’t tell me you still love her.”

He was quiet for a moment before replying slowly, “I married Emily two weeks ago. Her parents were forcing her to marry some old man. I couldn’t stand watching her suffer.”

A chill seeped into Estella’s bones. They both knew it wasn't solely about Emily's suffering. Jenson had never gotten over her.

For six years, Estella had believed she’d won, that she’d spend her life with the man she loved. She’d been wrong. He’d never loved her. The city hall, the certificate—the entire six-year relationship—a lie. How ridiculous. How pathetic.

Jenson was married to Emily. There was no point in further humiliation. Estella would move on, build a future without him.