Chapter 3

Chapter 3: MOVING AWAY

The journey to Reese's house seemed to last forever. My thoughts constantly went back to the wedding incident, recalling every painful remark, every chuckle, and every expression of contempt on Adam's face. I held onto the steering wheel with such force that my knuckles paled, feeling the heaviness in my chest. I had shed tears to the point that my eyes were stinging, yet I still couldn't comprehend everything. How had everything gone so wrong so fast?

I saw Reese's house ahead, a lovely contemporary structure that always felt like a second home to me. I stopped the car and remained seated for a moment. I felt a weight in my heart. What was the way I would clarify this? How could I confess that everything I had strived for, everything I had faith in with Adams, was untrue?

I dabbed at my face, attempting to compose myself. **Reese** was my closest companion; she would comprehend. She consistently did so.

When I knocked on the door, Reese was already there. When she laid eyes on me, her pupils dilated at the sight of my disheveled appearance. Without speaking, she ushered me into the room and embraced me tightly.

"**Chelsea**, oh my God, what's wrong?" she inquired, a worried tone in her voice. "You appear as though you were struck by a truck."

I shattered. The barrier I had been maintaining broke, and the tears poured out again. Reese continued to embrace me tightly, allowing me to cry on her shoulder without releasing me.

"I-I'm in disbelief," I managed to say amid tears. "I'm in disbelief that he would do this to me.”

Reese led me to the couch, where we sat down and I buried my face in my hands. She didn't immediately demand answers, allowing me to vent. After the crying started to calm down, she spoke once more, her voice gentle yet strong.

"Share all the details with me." "What transpired?"

I cleaned my face while my hands shook. It took me a short while to muster the courage to speak, but I eventually succeeded in articulating, little by little.

"Adams…" I began, my voice faltering. Adams has a spouse. He wed Sandra Heathens, who is an actress. Their wedding was taking place at the venue today, and as I spoke, I shook my head, feeling the words getting stuck in my throat.

Reese's eyes grew wide, her face becoming stern. Hold on. Huh? Did he tie the knot with another person? Chelsea, you have been in a relationship with him for *years*! "What on earth?"

"I whispered, 'I understand'." "I was not aware, Reese. I was completely unaware. I was at the event working when I arrived and spotted him with her. Initially, I believed... I was unsure of my thoughts. But when **Mr. Alvin** informed me that they were going to get married, I completely fell apart."

Reese displayed a combination of anger and disbelief on his face. I am in disbelief. What a jerk! "He's been deceiving you for so long and then just—what was his response when you challenged him?”

I chewed on my lip, experiencing the usual pain from his words. "I hesitated, the pain still too raw," he said. He stated that I was not suitable to be his wife. I was described as overweight and elderly, being used for entertainment by him.

Reese's face turned serious, her jaw tightening. Did he really *say* that? "Directly in front of you?"

I nodded, on the verge of tears once more. "Directly in view of all."

Reese swore repeatedly while walking back and forth in front of me. "I promise, if I come across him once more, I'll use my own hands to end his life." Who does he think he is to say that to you? He's not even that good! What about Sandra Heathens? I beg you, her most recent film was a complete catastrophe."

I forced a feeble chuckle amid the tears, yet the ache was still present, intense and throbbing. I simply cannot comprehend, Reese. How could I have missed this? I believed that he had feelings for me.

Reese ceased his walking back and forth and kneeled in front of me, taking hold of my hands. Chelsea, pay attention to what I am saying. You have done no wrongdoing. Adams is a spineless person, a worthless individual who is unworthy of you. Can you hear me? You are superior to this. You are worthy of a lot more.

I nodded, but the words didn't register. I continued to feel foolish, as if I had squandered years of my life on a man who never truly valued me.

Reese got to her feet and folded her arms. "That is all." We are departing. "You require a new beginning."

I looked at her and blinked. "Are you going away?"

Sure, I'm heading out. This urban environment, this existence. All things. You have to escape from everything—Adams, his mother, your aunt. Let's begin fresh in a different place. What do you think about... **Columbia**?

I looked at her, shocked. "What about Columbia?"

"Why don't we give it a try? It's distant, sunny, and offers an opportunity for a new beginning. We will escape this harmful situation and begin anew, just the two of us. Chelsea, you should be in a place where you can truly relax and breathe freely.

The concept of departing seemed attractive. It seemed like the only option for survival, more than just attractive. I had to leave New York because Adams was always on my mind. The thought of witnessing him and Sandra showing off their life together was too much to handle.

"Are you being sincere?" "Still shaky, I inquired."

Reese had a smile on his face. Absolutely serious. You, I, a different location, a fresh start. We will introduce you to attractive Colombian men who will captivate you, and you won't have to worry about Adams anymore.

I released a brief chuckle. "I believe I'm not prepared for that."

"Well, not immediately." Believe me, we will enjoy ourselves. You will find that Columbia will benefit you. A new beginning.

I was on the verge of speaking when my phone vibrated on the table, bringing me back to the present moment. I quickly looked at the screen, and unsurprisingly, it was **Sonia**. I felt sick to my stomach as I gazed at her name, the last thing I wanted at this moment.

Reese grabbed the phone off the table before I had a chance to consider answering it. "Negative," she firmly replied. Right now, we are not handling her. It's necessary for you to take a break from everything, and that includes her.

“However—”

"No excuses, Chelsea. We are reserving seats on planes. At this very moment. She took her laptop and sat next to me, her fingers quickly typing on the keyboard. "We depart the day after."

There was no room for argument due to the certainty in her voice. I gave a nod, experiencing an odd feeling of comfort. Perhaps this is exactly what I was looking for. An opportunity to flee, to abandon all that is.

Reese's phone made a sound, and she smiled, showing me the screen. "Air travel arrangements are finalized." We will leave early in the morning.

I blinked in disbelief at the rapid pace of movement around me. Perhaps being quick was beneficial. Perhaps I had to act before I could overthink my decision.

Reese extended their arm and gently grasped my hand. Chelsea, this is the correct choice. Have faith in me.

I nodded, inhaling deeply. In the coming day, everything was going to be different. Tomorrow, I will depart from New York, leaving Adams in the past.

Tomorrow, I will begin anew.