Ch. Called Off the Wedding 2 Called Off the Wedding 2

Chapter 2 

“Say that again!” His voice was tight with anger. 

Cynthia met his eyes, calm and steady. 

“There’s no need for us to have a wedding anymore. I doubt you have the time–or the energy.” 

She turned to leave, but Benedict grabbed her arm, fury burning in his gaze. 

“I’m working myself to the bone for us–for our company, for our future! Or do you want our child to start life already at a disadvantage?” 

“I just got back from a business trip, and you can’t even pretend to care. Instead, you throw a tantrum, make a scene. When did you turn into this person?” 

Cynthia stared at him, listening to his baseless accusations, almost laughing at the absurdity of it all. 

The man in front of her felt like a stranger–just another liar, really. Like so many men, even if he cheated, he’d find a way to blame her for 

As if his betrayal was some forced choice, as if she’d held a knife to his throat, demanding he sleep with someone else. 

The wedding was still two months away. Her sister had given her a month to tie up loose ends. 

In thirty days, she would make sure Benedict vanished from her life for good. 

Without another word, Cynthia headed upstairs, Into the bedroom and then the bathroom to wash up. 

Benedict followed, wrapping his arms around her from behind, suddenly softening his tone.l 

“It’s all my fault, Cyndi. I’ve just been overwhelmed lately, I know I’ve neglected you. I clear my schedule for the next few days–no more business dinners, Ill come straight home. Let me make it up to you, okay?“% 

Cynthia glanced up, catching his reflection in the mirror–his gentle, coaxing smile–and her lips curled into a mocking smirk. 

“What’s the point? I-” 

Before she could finish, Benedict’s phone rang. The ringtone was a sweet, romantic love song that had just become popular 

He used to have nothing but bland, generic ringtones. Cynthia remembered, back when they first started the company and their relationship was new, she’d wanted them both to switch to a cute duet as their ringtone. He’d shot it down, insisting he had to meet clients often, and it wouldn’t look professional. 

That wasn’t the real reason–it just wasn’t worth it to him. 

Benedict glanced at his phone and declined the call. “Scam call, he muttered. 

Cynthia pressed her lips into a thin line. She’d caught a glimpse of the caller ID: 181 Seconds.” She gave a soft, noncommittal hum and said nothing more. 

His phone rang again. He rejected it. It rang yet again. This time, he turned his back and answered. 

The company’s got a few major projects going on right now, I’m swamped, and I need you to understand. I’ll be staying at the office. tonight, but tomorrow morning I come back and take you to your wedding dress fitting. Don’t wait up–get some sleep.” 

Cynthia didn’t bother looking at him, just kept brushing her teeth. In the mirror, she watched him leave the bathroom and head out the door. 

Once he was gone, she pulled out her phone and searched for the meaning of “181 Seconds.” 

It didn’t take long before she found the top explanation: 

“People say love fades after three minutes, but you’re my 181st second. 

Cynthia ignored the ache in her chest, and without hesitation, opened a real estate app to list their house for sale. 

In a month, she’d be moving back to The Capital. Whatever she owned in Cloudcrest City meant nothing to her now. 

She was done with all of it–Including Benedict.