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Off to Oxford

Anthena

"Yes, James. We should get married soon. I can't wait to walk down the aisle with you," Mandy said, her voice soft and full of excitement as she spoke into her phone.

"Don't worry, babe. I'll reject the company's offer. I shouldn't travel out of London now. We should start raising a family immediately we get married. I'll stay at home to care for you and the kids," she added.

My brow furrowed at Mandy’s beaming face. She was too excited, too eager, and for the wrong reasons.

Mandy and James had been high school sweethearts, together for five long years, and now their marriage plans seemed inevitable. Yet James had always wanted her to stay in London, and she had willingly put her dreams on hold. She was incredibly talented in fashion, with the potential to walk the New York runway if she pursued her ambitions. But here she was, ready to abandon it all.

"Mandy, you are going to reject the offer? The same one that practically fell into your lap." My voice rose without permission; there was so much anger brewing inside me.

"Yes. Anthena," she affirmed, unbothered. "I need to do whatever James wants. We are getting married soon, and I have to prepare to become a wife."

"What about your dreams?" I snapped. "Your dreams of becoming a renowned designer?"My frustration surged, unable to believe how easily she brushed it aside.

Her lips curled into a smile, as if she hadn't just discarded her future. "I guess that'll have to wait for now. I'm about to be a wifey!" she squealed, her happiness almost painful to watch.

I shook my head, disbelief clouding my mind. She was completely smitten by James, willing to give up her entire life and identity for marriage.

What about sharing a life with someone who would support you in everything?

A few hours later, I was in my room, aimlessly scrolling through job listings. My acting career was floundering, and I needed something—anything—to pay the bills and continue funding my investigation. I'm definitely not giving up, but I had to regroup and strategize. My phone buzzed.

Selena.

Why was she calling me? We weren't close. I stared at the phone for a moment, debating whether to answer before finally picking up.

"Come to the Royals Hotel. Now," Selena said, her tone firm and urgent.

"What's going on ?" I asked, rolling my eyes. She wasn’t someone I listened to on command.

"It's about Mandy. You need to see this." Her voice left no room for argument, and without another word, I grabbed my keys and rushed out of the house.

When I arrived at the hotel, I spotted Selena at a table in the restaurant, sitting alone. She motioned for me to sit down, but her eyes were fixed across the room. “Look over there,” she said quietly, nodding toward the far end of the room.

I turned my head and froze. There was James, with another woman, wrapped across him, their lips locked and hands all over each other. A wave of fury surged through me, and before I knew it, I was storming towards them, my footsteps hitting the floor sharply.

"Anthena!" Selena called, trailing after me. Her voice was soft and pleading, but I was already far too gone.

This is the man Mandy has given up her dreams for, the one she was ready to spend her life with, and here he was, betraying her without a second thought.

As I approached, I heard James laughing, his voice low and callous. “I never loved Mandy,” he said, his hand on the woman’s waist. “I’m just marrying her because we’ve been together so long. I lo—"

I grabbed a glass of wine from a nearby table and threw it at him. The liquid drenched him, soaking through his shirt. The woman gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, as she looked between us, horrified.

James spun around, his expression a mix of shock and fury. "Who the hell -"

His words died in his throat as his eyes met mine, recognition flooding his face.

"Mandy," he breathed, but before he could say another word. Mandy appeared behind me. She stood there, her face pale, her eyes wide with disbelief. She staggered, her legs threatening to give way beneath her, and Selena rushed to her side, holding her up.

The room around us fell into silence as people turned to watch the scene unfold. My body moved on instinct. I turned back to James, rage blinding me. “You bastard!” I shouted, my hand striking his face with a force that echoed through the room. He staggered backward, his hand flying to his cheek, but I wasn’t done. I kicked him hard in the groin. He collapsed to the floor, groaning in pain, while the woman tried to flee.

"Oh no, you don't," I muttered, grabbing her by the hair and yanking her down beside him. She trembled, tears welling in her eyes. "I'm sorry!" She stammered, shaking.

Before I could say anything more, the hotel's security arrived, and we were swiftly escorted out.

On the drive home, Mandy sat beside me, her tears falling quietly. She didn't speak. She didn't move. It was as if her mind had shut down from the shock. I left her to her grief. There was nothing to say. When we arrived, she quietly retreated to her room, locking the door from behind.

Hours passed, and the house remained silent still. I wanted to knock to check on her, but I held back. Mandy was stronger than this—she’d survive.

The next morning, just as I reached for her door, it swung open. Mandy stepped out, her face hollow, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

"I was about to break the door down," I said dryly, pulling her into a hug. Her tears came again, hot against my shoulder, and I held her tight, patting her back as she trembled in my arms.

After a while, she pulled away, wiping her eyes. "I'm packing, Anthena. I'm going to Oxford today. I took the job," she said softly.

I nodded, relief washing over me. At least she hadn't completely lost herself. "Good, it's time to focus on you."

We began packing together, though her mind seemed miles away. She moved mechanically, her face a mask of pain. She looked like someone heading to Oxford to mourn, not to start a new life.

After a moment of hesitation, I made a decision. "I'll go with you to Oxford." My voice was firm and unwavering.

Mandy blinked, surprise crossing her face. "Anthena. Are you sure?

"I don't have anything going on here. I'll find a job in Oxford and figure out my acting career. Besides, you shouldn't be alone right now."

Her smile was small but grateful. "Thank you," she whispered, hugging me again.

We set out to Oxford later that day, and with Mandy staring out of the window, I drove while she watched the passing scenery. Every so often, I'd squeeze her hands gently, offering her a bit of comfort.

We arrived at Oxford and settled at the apartment provided by the company. It was a beautiful, serene two-bedroom flat, overlooking a dense forest. The interiors and furniture were modern and elegant, comfortable in every sense, and far better than our old apartment.

"I'll head to the store and grab some foodstuffs and essentials," I said to Mandy, giving her a moment alone.

I found the store easily enough, and just as I was leaving with a bag of groceries, the door swung open hard from the outside, smacking me straight in the face. I fell backward, my groceries scattering across the floor.

"Are you crazy?" I yelled, rubbing my head. But when I looked up, I froze. Standing in front of me was the very same tall, blue-eyed man, staring at me with a incredulous expression.

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