My ears rang as everything I believed collapsed in an instant. I turned toward his parents, hoping for some sign of discomfort or intervention.
Patricia sighed as if she had been waiting for this moment. “Lauren, Jonathan deserves someone younger and someone who truly understands his ambitions,” she said coldly.
William nodded in agreement, adding that we had never been a good match. The weight of their words pressed down on my chest.
Three years of sacrifice and loyalty meant nothing to them. Jonathan pointed toward the stairs and told me I could pack my things that night because Vanessa would be moving in the next day.
The room went completely still for a few seconds as everything settled.
Then I started laughing.
Not softly. Not politely. But with a force that surprised even me.
I laughed so hard that everyone stared at me like I had lost control. Jonathan frowned and asked what could possibly be funny.
I wiped a tear from my eye and looked straight at him with calm clarity. “My husband, have you completely lost your mind,” I asked slowly.
He looked irritated and demanded to know what I meant. I tilted my head slightly and told him he had forgotten something extremely important.
