She Took My Man, I Married My Rival

Start Reading

One month before the wedding, Lucas gave my wedding venue to his first love, Serena.

He even said, Her grandfather is dying. He wants to see her married before he goes. I'll marry her first.

Serena also sent me a taunting text:

I've already worn your wedding dress. Tonight, on your wedding night, I'll sleep with your man first too.

The attached photo showed her in my custom wedding dress, lying on our marriage bed.

Seven years as his fiance, and I didn't even have the right to wear my own dress. I had to give it to someone else.

I didn't cry or make a scene. I calmly posted online: "Wedding canceled. Looking for a new groom. Anyone interested?"

A call came in immediately.

It was my lifelong rival, Theodore Holt.

"Elara, marry me."

Elara's POV

The wedding was just a month away. But inside the VIP room of the wedding planning company, Lucas and I sat in deathly silence.

It started with a call from Serena. After that, Lucas made an absurd decision. He wanted to give her the island chapel and the wedding date we'd spent a year preparing.

"Serena's grandfather is dying," Lucas said. "His last wish is to see her get married. She found a fake fianc just for the ceremony, and she urgently needs a venue and a date. We can have our wedding anytime. But she can't wait.

His voice was cold. Clinical. Like he was talking about rearranging furniture.

Looking at this man I'd loved for seven years, I felt chilled to the bone.

"That's our wedding date. That's the venue I've always dreamed of. Don't you think it's ridiculous to give it to another woman?"

Lucas frowned, a flash of impatience crossing his eyes. "Elara, since when did you become so heartless? It's a dying man's last wish. Have you no compassion?"

My eyes burned, but I held back my tears.

This wasn't the first time. Ever since Serena came back, Lucas kept pushing his boundaries further.

When Serena was afraid of the dark, he left me with a fever in the middle of the night to stay with her. When Serena was upset, he canceled our anniversary to cheer her up.

And now, even our wedding had to be given away.

Seeing my silence, Lucas directly took the venue transfer agreement from the table and signed his name.

"I have things to do. I need to go to the hospital to see her grandfather. You should calm down on your own first."

With that, he turned and left without a second thought.

Watching his retreating figure, I suddenly realized that over seven years, I'd always been watching his back.

In college, Lucas was the finance department's golden boy.

I gave it everything I had to become his girlfriend. I thought I was special.

Then Serena appeared. And I understood that the place beside him was never meant for me.

My phone buzzed. A text from Serena.

She sent a photo. Lucas sat by a hospital bed, head down, peeling an apple for her. His face held a tenderness I'd never seen.

The caption read: "Thanks for lending me Lucas and the wedding venue, Elara. Grandpa is so happy."

I felt like I'd been plunged into ice water.

Lending? Since when could you lend out a fianc?

I suddenly felt tired, that bone-deep exhaustion instantly drowning me. For Lucas, I'd sacrificed too much, given up my dignity, and in the end, I was ruthlessly abandoned right before the wedding.

Since he didn't cherish this relationship, I didn't want it anymore either.

I took a deep breath, pulled out my phone, photographed the canceled wedding plan on the table, and posted it on Instagram, blocking Lucas.

"Wedding canceled. Now I want a new groom. Anyone interested?"

After posting on Instagram, likes and comments quickly appeared below, most thinking I was joking.

I didn't reply. Just as I was about to lock my screen and leave, a phone call suddenly came in.

A name flashed on the screen: Theodore Holt.

I froze.

Theodore was my childhood enemy. Our family backgrounds were similar, and we'd fought from kindergarten through high school. Later, to chase Lucas, I resolutely stayed in this unfamiliar city and lost contact with Theodore.

Our only recent interaction was when I posted my wedding dress fitting photos on Instagram a while ago, and he left a mocking comment below: "Terrible taste. Can you not marry him?"

I was so angry at the time that I ignored him.

When I answered the phone, before I could speak, a man's deep, magnetic voice came through without a trace of jest. "Elara, if you want a new groom, how about me?"

The air fell into dead silence.

I gripped my phone, my fingertips turning white. "Theodore, don't joke about this kind of thing."

"I'm not joking." Theodore's voice carried unprecedented seriousness. "We've known each other for so many years. We're very familiar with each other. Since you want to change, I'm the best choice."

After a long silence, I spoke hoarsely. "Alright. What are your conditions?"

"Only one condition. Change my contact name to 'Husband.' And whatever other wives can give their husbands, I want too."

My eyes welled up, tears nearly falling. I thought I'd be mocked, but I never expected that at this moment, the one catching all my embarrassment would be my former enemy.

"Okay."

"Give me half a month. I'll handle things here and then come back to New York to find you."

After hanging up, the first thing I did was change Theodore's contact name to "Husband."

Looking at the contact name on the screen, a mocking smile curved my lips.

Lucas, since you could give away even our wedding for Serena, then I'll get a new groom.

Elara's POV

Over the next few days, Lucas didn't come home. I calmly contacted relatives and friends, taking back all the invitations I'd sent.

My friends were shocked. "Why the sudden cancellation? Haven't you two always had a good relationship?"

My tone was flat. "I'm getting a new groom."

No one took it seriously, after all, everyone knew how shamelessly I loved Lucas.

Three days later, Lucas finally came back.

His eyes showed exhaustion, his shirt was wrinkled, and seeing me in the living room, he said casually, "Serena's grandfather passed away last night. She's emotionally devastated. I need to stay with her these next few days. As for the wedding, let's talk about it later."

He thought I would make a scene and had already prepared his excuses.

However, I just nodded lightly. "Got it."

Lucas froze slightly but didn't continue asking. He turned and went into the bathroom.

After washing up, he changed into clean clothes and said to me, "Serena is very vulnerable right now. I'll take you to see her, and you can comfort her."

Looking at Lucas, I found it laughable. But I didn't refuse. I wanted to see what other disgusting things they could do.

When we arrived at the Ashford villa, as soon as we entered, I heard a delicate sob.

"Lucas..."

Wearing a plain white dress, Serena flew like a bird straight into Lucas's arms.

Lucas immediately reached out to catch her steadily, his movements practiced as if he'd done it many times. He coaxed her softly, his eyes showing gentleness and patience I'd never received.

"Don't cry. I'm here with you."

I stood to the side, watching this tender scene with cold eyes. My heart was surprisingly calm. I guess when a heart is truly dead, even jealousy has nowhere to live.

Serena finally seemed to notice me. She pulled away from Lucas's arms and apologized, her eyes red-rimmed.

"I'm sorry, Elara. I was so upset. I couldn't help it. Please don't blame Lucas."

"It's fine." My tone was completely flat. "You two continue."

Lucas frowned, somewhat dissatisfied with my cold attitude. "Elara, can you show some compassion? Serena just lost a relative."

I couldn't be bothered to respond and turned to sit on a nearby sofa.

For the next two hours, Lucas stayed by Serena's side. I was like a ghost, quietly watching their performance.

It wasn't until Serena's emotions stabilized that Lucas walked over to me, his tone carrying an unquestionable command. "Elara, there's one more thing I need to tell you. Hand over the Starlight project at the company to Serena."

I jerked my head up, my eyes finally showing emotion.

The Starlight project was a core project I'd pulled countless all-nighters for and attended countless business dinners to secure. Lucas had promised that once the project landed, I would become the company's design director.

"Why?" I asked coldly.

"Serena's in a terrible state right now. She needs a project with a sense of achievement to distract her and rebuild her confidence. You're capable and will have more opportunities later, but Serena needs this now." Lucas spoke naturally.

I laughed bitterly. "To rebuild her confidence, you're going to take away my achievements? Lucas, what do you think the company is? What do you think my hard work is?"

"Elara, stop making a scene!" Lucas's face darkened. "It's just one project. Do you really need to be so petty about it? I'm the company president. I've already decided this."

Looking at his cold face, my heart completely died.

"Fine." I stood up, my gaze as calm as stagnant water. "I'll give her not just the project, but my job too."

Lucas froze. "What do you mean?"

"I resign." I dropped this sentence and walked out of the Ashford house without looking back.

Lucas didn't chase after me. He probably thought I was just angry.

However, he didn't know that this time, I truly didn't want him anymore.

Elara's POV

The next day, I showed up at the company on time and slapped my resignation letter on Lucas's office desk.

Lucas didn't even glance at it. He threw the resignation letter directly into the trash, his tone cold and hard. "Elara, there's a limit to throwing tantrums. I said giving the project to Serena is temporary. Do you have to cause me trouble at a time like this?"

I looked at Lucas, my eyes clear and resolute. "Lucas, I'm not throwing a tantrum. I've already sent the handover list to HR. I'm leaving today."

With that, I turned back to my desk to pack my things.

My colleagues watched me leave with a cardboard box, all showing shocked expressions.

After all, everyone knew I was Mr. Gray's loyal follower, and for Lucas, I would give up even my life.

I didn't explain. Holding the box, I walked out of the building where I'd worked for five years. The sunlight was blinding, but I felt unprecedentedly relaxed.

Over the weekend, my friends organized a party. I didn't want to go, but thinking I'd soon be leaving the city, I decided to say goodbye.

I'd just sat down in the private room when the door opened and Lucas walked in with Serena.

Serena wore a haute couture dress with a dazzling pink diamond necklace around her neck.

The moment I saw that necklace, the room fell silent, everyone's eyes turning to me.

That necklace was what Lucas had bid for at an auction six months ago. At the time, he'd said in front of everyone that it was a wedding gift prepared for me.

But now, the necklace was around Serena's neck.

My friend Sophie was furious. She stood up abruptly and demanded, "Lucas, what's the meaning of this? Wasn't that necklace the substitute wedding ring you were giving Elara? Why is it around her neck?"

Lucas's expression didn't change. He said calmly, "Serena liked it, so I lent it to her for a few days. It's just a necklace. I'll buy Elara a better one later."

"Lent?" Sophie sneered. "You can even lend out wedding gifts. Lucas, why don't you just lend her the groom's position too!"

"Sophie, watch your words!" Lucas's eyes were cold as he instinctively shielded Serena behind him.

Serena immediately teared up, pitifully tugging at Lucas's sleeve. "Lucas, I'm sorry. I didn't know this was Elara's wedding gift. I'll return it to you..."

As she spoke, she pretended to unclasp the necklace.

"No need." Lucas held her hand, his gaze coldly sweeping toward me. "Elara isn't that petty."

I sat in the corner, watching this farce, feeling only nausea in my stomach.

I stood up, picked up the wine glass in front of me, and walked over to them.

Lucas thought I was going to get angry, his brows furrowing. "Elara, don't embarrass yourself here."

I laughed lightly, my wrist turning as I splashed all the red wine from the glass onto Serena's dress.

"Ah!" Serena screamed and hid in Lucas's arms.

"Elara, are you crazy!" Lucas was furious.

"It's just a necklace. If it gets dirty, it gets dirty." I casually threw the empty wine glass on the table, producing a crisp shattering sound. "Lucas, take your trash and get out of my sight."

Elara's POV

After splashing the wine, I left the private room without looking back under everyone's shocked gazes.

Just as I walked out of the restaurant, a sharp pain suddenly shot through my abdomen. My face instantly turned pale, cold sweat pouring down. I clutched my stomach, the pain so intense I could barely straighten up.

It was acute appendicitis. I'd had irregular meals while working on that project, and the symptoms had been building for a while. I just hadn't expected it to flare up at this moment.

With trembling hands, I pulled out my phone and instinctively dialed Lucas's number. After all, in this city, he was the only one I could rely on.

The phone rang for a long time before being answered. An angry voice came through. "Elara, what do you want now? Do you know Serena was so scared by you that she almost had a heart attack!"

"Lucas... my stomach hurts so much. Could you... take me to the hospital..." My voice was so weak it was barely audible.

The other end fell silent for a moment, then Serena's weak moan came through. "Lucas, my chest hurts so much..."

Lucas's voice immediately became anxious. "Serena, hang in there. I'll take you to the hospital right away!"

Then he said coldly to me on the phone, "Elara, if you're going to fake being sick, find a better time. Serena's in bad shape right now. I don't have time to play along with your act. Take a cab yourself!"

The call was ruthlessly disconnected.

I leaned weakly against a lamppost, my phone slipping to the ground. The severe pain made my vision go dark, but what hurt more was that completely dead heart.

This was the man I'd loved for seven years. When I was in so much pain I was about to die, he abandoned me for another woman.

My vision gradually blurred. Just as I was about to lose consciousness, a black Maybach suddenly stopped in front of me.

The car door opened, and a pair of long legs stepped out.

"Elara!"

A familiar, anxious voice rang in my ears. I forced my eyes open and saw Theodore's stern face.

How could he be here?

Before I could figure it out, Theodore had already scooped me up and put me in the car.

"To the nearest hospital! Hurry!" Theodore shouted at the driver, then turned to hold me tightly, his voice trembling slightly. "Elara, hang on. I'm taking you to the hospital."

Breathing in the crisp cedar scent on him, my taut nerves finally snapped, and I completely lost consciousness.

When I woke up again, I found myself lying in a VIP hospital room. The anesthesia hadn't completely worn off, and the wound throbbed dully.

By the bedside, Theodore was peeling an apple with his head lowered. He wore a well-tailored suit, though his tie was somewhat disheveled, and his eyes showed faint red veins, clearly having gone without sleep all night.

Hearing movement, he looked up. Seeing me awake, his cold, hard features instantly softened.

"You're awake? Does it still hurt?"

I shook my head, my voice hoarse. "How did you end up here?"

"If I hadn't come, was I supposed to watch you die on the street?" Theodore snorted angrily, cutting the peeled apple into small pieces and bringing them to my mouth. "I wanted to come early and surprise you, but the surprise almost turned into a shock. Elara, your taste is truly terrible. You actually liked that trash for so many years."

I lowered my eyes, not refuting. Yes, he was right.

"But it doesn't matter." Theodore put down the apple and reached out to gently ruffle my hair, his tone domineering yet gentle. "From now on, your life belongs to me."

Elara's POV

I stayed in the hospital for three days. Lucas didn't call even once.

Looking at the empty chat interface, my heart remained unmoved. I completed the discharge procedures. Theodore wanted to take me back, but I refused.

"Give me one last bit of time. I need to give myself closure."

Theodore looked at me deeply but didn't force me. "Alright. I'll wait for you downstairs. When you're done, I'll take you home."

I returned alone to the apartment where Lucas and I had lived together for five years. The moment I opened the door, I froze.

At the entrance sat a pair of unfamiliar women's slippers. Several pink coats were thrown on the sofa. The table was covered with various imported snacks and medicine bottles.

The air was filled with a sickly sweet perfume scent. Serena's favorite.

The bedroom door opened, and Lucas came out carrying a glass of warm water.

Seeing me, he frowned slightly, his tone carrying a hint of reproach.

"Where have you been these past few days? You didn't even send me a message. Are you still throwing a tantrum?"

I didn't answer. My gaze moved past him to look at the master bedroom.

Serena, wearing my pajamas, walked out from the master bedroom. Seeing me, she immediately put on a frightened expression.

"Elara, you're back. I'm sorry. The pipes in my apartment burst, and Lucas was afraid I'd be scared alone, so he let me stay here temporarily."

She paused, then added, "I thought the master bedroom bed was most comfortable, so Lucas gave me the master bedroom. Elara, you don't mind, do you?"

I looked at the new pajamas on Serena that I hadn't even worn yet, then at Lucas's matter-of-fact expression, and suddenly felt utterly disgusted.

"I don't mind." My tone was frighteningly calm. "If you two like it, take it all."

Lucas breathed a sigh of relief. He thought I finally understood him. "I'm glad you understand. Serena's health isn't good. Sleep in the guest room these next few days and don't disturb her."

I ignored him and walked straight into the guest room, pulling out my suitcase.

I started packing. Clothes, skincare products, documents... anything that belonged to me, I packed into the suitcase piece by piece.

Lucas stood in the doorway, watching my actions. "What are you doing? Packing to go where?"

"Moving out." I didn't look up.

"Elara, haven't you had enough!" Lucas finally lost his temper, slamming his hand on my suitcase. "Serena's only staying temporarily for a few days. Do you really need to be so petty about it? You didn't use to be this small-minded!"

I stopped, looked up, and stared at him coldly.

"Lucas, do you think that no matter how much you trample on my boundaries, I'll stay by your side like a dog?"

Lucas avoided my gaze. He didn't dare look directly at me. "I didn't trample on your boundaries. I'm just helping someone in need!"

"Is that so?" I laughed lightly, forcefully pulling back my suitcase. "Then take good care of her. I wish you two the best together forever."

I zipped up the suitcase, took off the diamond ring Lucas had given me when he proposed, and casually tossed it on the table.

"Lucas, we're breaking up."

Elara's POV

The diamond ring landed on the glass table with a crisp sound.

Lucas looked at that solitary ring, his pupils contracting sharply as he reached out to grab my wrist. "Elara, make yourself clear! What do you mean, breaking up? We're getting married soon!"

I dodged his touch, my eyes full of disgust. "Getting married? To whom? To the you who gave away the wedding venue to someone else, or to the you who put the substitute wedding ring around someone else's neck?"

"I told you that was temporary!" Lucas gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead. "Why do you have to make a scene at a time like this? Serena has depression. She can't handle stimulation!"

"She can't handle stress, so I'm the one you humiliate?" My voice was low but firm.

"Seven years, Lucas. I cooked for you. I worked for your company. I gave up my own future in New York. I thought I could reach you. But I was wrong. It's not that you don't have a heart. You just gave it all to Serena."

"I didn't!" Lucas refuted in a panic, but his rebuttal seemed so pale and weak.

"You know the truth in your heart." I pulled my suitcase and walked out without any reluctance.

Serena stood in the living room. Watching this scene, she cried pitifully. "Elara, don't go. It's all my fault. I'll move out right away..."

"Shut up." I looked at Serena coldly. "Put away that nauseating act. It's revolting. This house, this man. I find them both dirty. I'm giving them to you."

With that, I pushed open the door and strode out.

The door slammed shut with a bang, blocking out Lucas's stunned face and Serena's fake crying.

Downstairs from the apartment, Theodore leaned against the car door, an unlit cigarette between his fingers. Seeing me come out with my suitcase, he immediately put the cigarette away. He strode forward and naturally took the suitcase from my hand.

"All cleaned up?" he asked in a low voice.

"Yeah." I took a deep breath of the outside air, feeling even my breathing become smoother.

Theodore looked at my resolute face, a satisfied arc curving his lips. He opened the passenger door and helped me into the seat.

"Let's go, Mrs. Holt. We're going home."

The car smoothly left that neighborhood, speeding toward the airport.

This time, I truly flew out of Lucas's world and would never look back.

Three hours later, the plane landed at New York airport.

I pushed my suitcase out of the terminal, looking at this city I'd left seven years ago, my eyes slightly warm. I was finally back, back to the place that truly belonged to me.

Theodore walked beside me, his tall, upright figure blocking the surrounding crowd for me. He glanced at me, deep tenderness hidden in his eyes. "Back to your place first, or come with me somewhere?"

I paused. "Where?"

Theodore didn't answer. He just smiled mysteriously and pulled me onto the Maybach that had been waiting outside.

Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of a solemn, dignified building. Theodore was actually taking me to register our marriage!

"Really?" I turned to look at Theodore, my voice trembling slightly.

Theodore unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned close to me, his warm breath spraying on my ear.

"Elara, I never joke. Since I promised to marry you, I don't want to wait even one more second."

He looked at me steadily, his eyes showing undisguised aggression and determination. "I've prepared all the materials. Now, you have one last chance to back out."

I looked at this man before me. He didn't have Lucas's coldness and calculating nature, only full sincerity and determination.

I took a deep breath, unbuckled my seatbelt, and pushed open the car door. "Back out, and you're a coward."

Theodore laughed softly, caught up, and took my hand firmly.

When we completed the registration, I was still a little dazed. Had I really just married myself off like that?

Theodore looked at the marriage certificate. His eyes were practically smiling.

The caption was just one simple sentence: "I've finally married the one I love."