From Heartbreak to High Society-Chapter 8: Borrowed Time

I woke before the sun, my heart already pounding. A thin ray of light snuck through the curtains, but the apartment remained shrouded in darkness. I knew without looking it was Monday.

I lay still, listening to Madison's soft breathing in the next room. Today, my ex-husband would marry my former best friend, and I had to face them both. My stomach twisted, threatening to expel the meager contents it held. I pushed myself up, padding quietly to the kitchen.

The photo on the fridge stopped me in my tracks. Drake and I on our wedding day, laughing under a floral arch. I traced his face, remembering the joy I'd felt, the hope for a future together. The silver band on a chain around my neck burned cold against my skin.

"Mom?" Madison stood in the doorway, rubbing her eyes. "What are you doing up?"

I slipped the chain back under my shirt. "Just getting an early start."

She yawned and sat at the table. "I'm starving."

I busied myself with making pancakes, grateful for the normalcy of the routine. "Today's a big day," I said over my shoulder.

"Yeah." Madison's voice was small. She understood the weight of this day as much as I did.

We ate breakfast, conversation stilted around the edges. I savored the feeling of Madison's legs pressed against mine under the table, a silent show of unity.

When we finished, we began our preparations in earnest. Madison turned on upbeat music, filling the apartment with a sense of life.

I twisted my hair into an elegant updo, letting tendrils frame my face. Madison helped me fasten earrings, her eyes concerned when she noticed my hands shaking.

"You're beautiful," she said softly, hugging me from behind.

We exchanged a smile in the mirror, our reflections intertwined. But as I looked at us together, doubt crept in. Was I making a mistake by coming here? What good could come from witnessing another woman marry the father of my child?

Madison squeezed my hand, as if sensing my turmoil. Her unwavering belief in our decision buoyed me up.

The dress was a work of art, hanging heavy and blue on my frame. I straightened the bodice, feeling Madison's eyes on me.

"You look like a whole new person," she said, awe in her voice. "It's like you stepped out of a magazine."

I turned to face her, fighting the urge to tear up. "So do you. All grown up."

She blushed, her hand reaching up to touch the delicate fabric at her neck. "I feel like a princess."

The car service we'd splurged on—a small indulgence with our newfound money—arrived right on time. The sleek black car pulled up outside our building, and I felt a rush of gratitude for the privacy it offered.

As we drove, I stole glances at Madison, her face lit with anticipation. The ceremony would be hard on both of us, but I was determined to support her through it.

The wedding venue was a sprawling estate, gardens blooming in the mid-morning sun. Our car joined a line of luxury vehicles, each one expelling elegantly dressed guests.

I took Madison's hand as we walked inside, the air heavy with expectation. The room was a swirl of color, laughter, and music. I felt exposed, self-conscious under the scrutiny of so many eyes. Then, like a blow, I saw him. Drake stood across the room, chatting with another guest.

Our eyes met, his widening in surprise. A lifetime of memories flashed between us. There was a hint of something else in his gaze, something that tugged at my heart before I looked away.

Taking a steadying breath, I scanned the room for Sarah. She was nowhere to be seen, likely still preparing for her grand entrance.

We found our seats, and I tried to focus on the program, the music, anything to keep my composure. My heart raced, and my palms grew damp.

Then, finally, Sarah entered, a vision in white. I watched, unable to look away, as she approached Drake. Their eyes shone with love, and I felt a bittersweet twinge of recognition. It could have been me.

Madison's fingers laced through mine, offering silent support. I breathed in her sweet perfume, a lifeline in the tsunami of emotions.

The ceremony began. I couldn't help but fixate on Drake and Sarah, their hands clasped, their faces illuminated with happiness.

Vows were exchanged, promises made, and my heart ached. Not with longing, but with the knowledge that we'd once had this, and I'd let it slip away. It was my choice to leave, to pursue a dream that hadn't come true.

As the ceremony drew to a close, I felt a gentle touch on my arm. I turned to find Damien, his expression warm. "I'm glad you're here," he said, his voice sincere.

The unexpected connection grounded me, and I offered him a small smile. Madison's protective gaze flickered between us before she turned back to the ceremony.

It was over too soon, and we found ourselves facing the happy couple, offering congratulations. Drake's eyes flicked to me, then away, a question in them I couldn't decipher.

Sarah stepped forward, her dress a cloud of white silk. "Ella," she said, her voice hesitant. "I'm glad you came."

I struggled to keep my expression neutral, aware of Madison's fiery gaze on them. "We wanted to be here."

Drake took Sarah's hand, his eyes never leaving mine. "I'm glad you're both here," he said, his voice deep and steady. "It means a lot."

"We should go," I said, the words sticking in my throat. I couldn't bear another moment of pretence.

Just as the ceremony ended, and I thought we could make our escape, Drake and Sarah turned to face the crowd, beaming with happiness.

"Ella, Madison," Drake said, his deep voice carrying across the room. "Please stay for the reception. I want you to meet someone."

I felt Madison stiffen beside me, her hand tightening around mine.

"We should really be going—" I started to say, but Drake held up his hand.

"Please, it's important," he said, his eyes pleading. "I want you to meet Damien Stone, a potential business partner. He specifically asked about you both."

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I glanced at Madison, searching her face for guidance. She hesitated, then gave a small nod.

"Okay," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "We'll stay for a while."

The reception began, and the happy couple made their rounds, introducing us to friends and family. The tension in the room was palpable, but we smiled and made small talk, playing our parts.

Finally, Drake approached, Sarah on his arm, and an older man with salt-and-pepper hair by his side. "Ella, Madison," he said, his voice warm. "I'd like you to meet Damien Stone."

Damien stepped forward, a charming smile on his face. "A pleasure to meet you both. Drake has told me so much about you."

I managed a smile, feeling Madison's protective gaze on me. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Stone."

"Please, call me Damien." He turned to Madison. "And might I say, Miss Thompson, you look stunning today."

Madison blushed, her grip on my hand tightening. "Th-thank you."

"..." Madison's gaze snapped up to Damien, her hold on me loosening. "Wait a second—aren't you that guy we know?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.

Damien chuckled, a rich, deep sound. "Well spotted, Miss Thompson. I should know better than to try and pull a fast one on you."

My heart hammered in my chest as I tried to place Mr. Stone, the name clicking in my memory. But Madison's face cleared before mine, her eyes widening.

"You're the one from the street," she blurted, her eyes accusing. "The BMW. We nearly got creamed by your car."

A smile tugged at the corners of Damien's mouth, his eyes crinkling at the edges. "Guilty as charged. I try to be more careful now that I know there are angels in the streets of Horizon Bay."

"Angels?" I echoed, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks.

He inclined his head, his eyes holding mine. "It's not every day that you encounter such beauty and grace in the middle of a busy street."

I felt my face grow warmer, aware of Drake's interested gaze on us. "Th-thank you, that's kind of you to say."

"Not at all." Damien's smile softened. "I'm just glad I had the chance to make amends. I hope I can convince you both to let me make it up to you properly."

"That won't be necessary—" I started to say, but Madison cut me off.

"It's the least you can do," she said, her tone challenging.

Damien laughed, a deep, rich sound that filled the space between us. "I stand corrected, Miss Thompson. Name the time and place, and I'll be there."

A tense silence fell, the undercurrents of tension and attraction thick in the air.

Drake cleared his throat, his eyes shifting between us. "Damien, I think it's time we let them get some fresh air. It's been an eventful morning."

Damien's eyes flicked to Drake, a silent communication passing between them. "Of course. We can continue this another time." He turned to me, his gaze intent. "It was a pleasure to meet you both. I look forward to seeing you again soon."

"Likewise," I murmured, feeling a flustered mix of emotions.

As Damien moved away, I breathed a quiet sigh of relief. The intensity of his attention had thrown me, and I needed a moment to regain my composure.

Madison tugged on my hand. "Let's get some air. I need a break from all this happiness."

I nodded, grateful for the excuse to escape. We made our way outside, the cool air a welcome relief after the stuffy reception hall.