I never thought I’d cry over a dress—until I found burn marks all over my wedding gown, just days before the big day. I’d been so in love with it, sneaking peeks every chance I got. Adam, my fiancé, had teased me for obsessing. But when I found it ruined, my world shattered.

I checked the security cameras… and saw Adam. Calmly pressing a hot iron to my dress.

He claimed Jason, his best friend, convinced him I was cheating and that this was some twisted test of my loyalty. I couldn’t believe it. Five years together, and he trusted a rumor over me. I called off the wedding. Not because of the dress—but because of the betrayal.

But I wasn’t done yet.

Jason had started it all, so I dug until I found proof he’d been cheating on his girlfriend, Sophie. I anonymously sent her everything. The fallout? Public and glorious.

Weeks later, I ran into Adam. He apologized, finally realizing Jason had lied to everyone. I forgave him—but didn’t go back.

Some dreams burn. Others rise from the ashes. And I wasn’t broken—I was free.

And this time, the next chapter would be written by me.