PART 18 - "Rings, Rumors & Roses Thrown"
Scene: The Bridal Shower of the Century
The ballroom at the Saint Royale Hotel glittered with white orchids, blush candles, and crystal champagne flutes. A harpist played in the background as my closest girls laughed, toasted, and slid lace-wrapped gifts across a gold-trimmed table.
I was the center of it all - dressed in a white off-shoulder gown that hugged every inch of my caramel skin like satin worship, with soft waves cascading down my back and Nova nestled in her grandmother's arms, clapping with joy.
The cameras flashed.
The compliments poured.
Even the wine couldn't out-sweeten the mood.
Until she walked in.
Scene: The Ex Files
The doors opened with a thud.
She stood there in a tight red jumpsuit, long braids swinging down her back, gold heels clicking as she made her way to the center like she owned the room.
Eyes followed her. Forks froze mid-air.
Devon's name flew out of her mouth like a threat.
"Congratulations to the future Mrs. West," she said, holding up her left hand.
And there it was.
A silver diamond ring with a teardrop emerald center.
One that looked too damn familiar.
Scene: Recognition & Rage
The room gasped.
My best friend Nia blinked hard.
"Is that… is that your ring?"
My heart stopped. I looked at my hand.
My own engagement ring? Nearly identical.
Same rare emerald cut. Same antique twist setting.
But she smirked.
"Funny, huh? Guess Devon likes to recycle the good ones."
Scene: The Truth Comes Out
I stood up, spine straight.
"Who are you?"
She cocked her head.
"I'm Jazmin. Devon's fiancée... before Paris."
People screamed.
I didn't move. My voice? Calm.
"Before or after you were institutionalized?"
Her face cracked.
The room held its breath.
Scene: Devon Shows Up
Right then, as if summoned by the tension, Devon pushed through the double doors.
He walked straight to me, ignoring every eye in the room.
"She's lying," he said. "We dated. Once. Years ago. She was obsessed. I broke it off when I realized she had no intention of letting go."
I looked at him. "So the ring?"
He held my hand, gently. "That ring was made for you. She must've found the jeweler. Or stole the design."
Jazmin scoffed. "You promised me Paris."
"You promised to stop showing up at my building," he snapped.
Scene: Breakdown in the Ballroom
Jazmin screamed. Launched a rose centerpiece straight at the table.
"HE LOVED ME FIRST!"
Security grabbed her. My guests stood in shock.
As she was dragged out, she locked eyes with me.
"He'll leave you too."
I stepped forward, my voice a dagger dipped in silk.
"But I'll send him back to you with bite marks and a ring you could never wear."
Scene: Reclaiming My Throne
The crowd erupted.
I poured champagne into my glass, handed Nova off to my sister, and raised my glass high.
"To exes," I said. "They remind us why we upgrade."
The girls screamed.
Devon kissed me in front of everyone.
And that night? We didn't even make it to the bedroom.
The penthouse kitchen counter still remembers my name.