My Ex-Fiancé Married A Nobody, Now He’s Losing It

The Fitzwilliam family of Harbor City spared no expense in hosting a lavish birthday gala for their eldest son, Colin Fitzwilliam.

The highlight of the evening?

A piano competition.

It was more than just music. It was a subtle way for Colin to pick his fiance.

Charles Fitzwilliam, his father, had made his expectations clear: the woman who married his son had to be a piano prodigy.

In my previous life, I dazzled them all.

I stole the spotlight that night and secured my place as the Fitzwilliams daughter-in-law. My family, the Morgans, solidified a powerful alliance with theirs through my marriage.

But the woman Colin truly loved, Denise Smythe, was left behind. Ill, fragile, and fading away.

When Colin took over as CEO of Fitzwilliam Group, Denise's memorial tablet sat front and center in the family home's altar room.

And me?

He made me kneel in front of it. Three days. Three nights.

If you hadnt injured Denises hand before the party, my parents wouldve picked her, Colin accused coldly. Youre the reason we were torn apart.

He looked at me like I was filthy. That title shouldve been hers. Not yours.

Then Colin made his move.

As soon as he took power, he launched a hostile takeover of the Morgan Group.

My family was left bankrupt.

My father died of a heart attack.

My mother followed a year later, broken by grief.

We were wiped out.

But in this life?

I wont play along.

At Colins birthday gala, I bowed out early with a conveniently sprained wrist.

Let the other debutantes battle it out. Im done chasing approval.

If Colin wants to marry Denise Smythe, thats his choice.

I wont stand in their way.

But I wont be the same girl he ruined, either.

When the judges finished tallying the votes, Harriet Taylor, Colin's aunt and longtime patron of the arts, rose to her tiptoes at the podium and beamed.

"The winner of this year's piano performance, with the highest number of votes, is Miss Denise Smythe, daughter of the Smythe family!"

A ripple of gasps and murmurs swept through the audience.

"Denise won? Seriously?"

"I heard Lucy Morgan sprained her wrist at the last minute and couldn't perform. Talk about perfect timing for Denise," one of the contestants whispered bitterly.

A guest near the front leaned over to her friend. "Wasn't Lucy Belinda's top pick to marry Colin?"

The woman next to her gave a noncommittal shrug. "Maybe, but Colin said it himselfwhoever wins tonight becomes his fiance. That was the rule."

Meanwhile, Colin, the center of gossip, practically glowed. He grabbed Denise's hand and marched to the front.

"Dad, Mom, this is the woman I choose to be my fiance," Colin announced, his eyes all soft and dreamy.

And Denise?

She was beet red, cheeks burning, but she clung to Colin's hand like it was the only thing keeping her upright.

Everyone's attention returned to me with my wrapped wrist on display, making me feel like a tragic spectacle.

Belinda, Colin's mother, looked visibly conflicted.

She'd been dropping hints for months that she wanted me as her daughter-in-law. Belinda even pulled my parents aside at a gala, subtly urging them to hold off on entertaining other suitors, just in case.

Clearing her throat, she asked, "Colin, dear, are you absolutely sure? Your father's in a good mood tonight. If you speak up, he might reconsider the results. You could take a bit more time to think this through."

She shot me a quick look, signaling him to think again.

But she didn't know it yet.

This time, I had no intention of marrying her cherished and beloved son.

In my previous life, Colin accused me of crippling Denise's hand so she couldn't play, as if that devious knife trick was my style.

If Colin ever paused and thought about who I really was, he'd know I'm not that kind of person.

But when he saw Denise standing there, her head bowed, tears in her eyes, his heart had already melted.

"I know Lucy doesn't like me. But all I want is a fair shot to compete for your heart. Why won't she even give me that? Is it just because her father's the CEO of the Morgan Group? Because my family's status is not as good as hers now?" Denise said back then, yanking her hand free from his grip.

That single line planted the seed of vengeance in Colin's hearta seed that grew into the hostile takeover and my family's ruin.

Later on, I found out that the night I won, I had played a forgotten classical piece so flawlessly that even the star pianist of the national symphony nodded in approval.

Denise knew she couldn't compete, so she'd slit her own hand with a little knife, using it as an excuse to lose the competition.

But not in this life. I wouldn't give her another chance.

I would've rather hurt my wrist by accident at the spring soiree the day before, missed the competition, and used that as an excuse to withdraw rather than give anyone a chance to twist the story again.

If they want to be together, then fine.

In this life, I'll step aside. I'll stay as far away from them as I possibly can.

When Colin heard his mom's question, he didn't hesitate. "Mom, Denise's the only woman I truly love. She won the piano competition fair and square, so by the rules I set, she's my fiance. She's the only one I'll ever love."

Belinda let out a long, exasperated sigh. "If you want to marry her, I wont stop you. But marriage between two families isnt a trivial matter, Colin. I hope youll think this through. Its not just about love. It includes financial stability and raising future generations... it all matters."

She looked directly at Denise.

On the other hand, Denise's eyes were locked on Colin, full of nothing but devotion. I guess love really does make people bold.

She took a small step forward, her voice trembling just enough to sound sincere. "Mrs. Fitzwilliam, when I marry Colin, I'll give him a son, run the household, and raise the next Fitzwilliam generation well. Colin promised he wouldn't marry anyone else."

Denise continued, persuading Colin's mom, "Every woman wants to spend her life with the one she loves. I'm sure you understand that, Mrs. Fitzwilliam. Please, let us be together."

As soon as she finished, the room went quiet.

Then expressions shifted, especially among the wives of families whose daughters had hoped to be Colin's bride.

Their faces darkened.

"Denise really has guts, bossing Colin around before she's even officially part of the family," one of the girls commented.

The one beside her smirked and said, "Which successful man doesn't have a few women circling? And Colin's the only son. What is she playing at? What if she can't have a son? Is she ready to end the Fitzwilliam line?"

"Looks like she wants exclusive rights to Colin. Bold move," the third girl expressed.

Even though Colin knew it was a gamble, he stood up for her. "Mom, please, I want to marry Denise. I'm asking for your blessing."

Belinda closed her eyes for a moment. Then she lifted her hand and waved it, tired and resigned. "You've made your choice. I won't stop you. I'll send someone to the Smythe residence with a formal proposal in three days."

The crowd began to file out, murmuring among themselves. I hadn't even made it to the door when I heard someone call my name.

"Lucy!"

Denise appeared, a servant trailing behind with jewelry from Colin.

She walked up to me, smiling sweetly. "I'm so sorry for the incident. I had no idea you wouldn't be performing tonight. Honestly, I thought you'd win."

I gave her a small smile. "Congrats, Denise. Looks like you got what you wanted."

Her eyes were red-rimmed. "You're not upset with me, are you? I know Mrs. Fitzwilliam really liked you. But I love Colin so much, and he told me he wanted to marry me. I didn't mean to come between us. I just couldn't let him go. Please don't be mad."

She pulled out a necklace, the massive diamond glinting under the chandelier light.

"Colin gave me this. But I want you to have it as a gesture of friendship. I hope you find someone you love soon. And may you have lots of beautiful children."

Before I could even respond, a hand snatched the necklace right out of mine.

"I gave that to you, Denise!" Colin snapped. "Why would you give it away? It was meant to wish us a happy marriage and a child-filled future. Why are you being so careless?"

Denise looked at him demurely. "Colin, Lucy's probably upset after not winning. I just wanted to cheer her up. Don't be so stingy."

Colin turned to me with a mocking grin. "Upset? Lucy, it's my mom who likes you, not me. She's probably impressed by your dad's connections. But once I get all the shareholders' approval and become Fitzwilliam Enterprises' heir, everyone answers to me. Including her. Don't you think?"

Cutting right through my non-responsive answer, he then boasted, "I'm not building my career on some woman's family name. And I never said I'd marry you. I used to enjoy our conversations. You were well-mannered and clever, but I never realized just how ambitious you are. You really thought you could become Mrs. Fitzwilliam?"

Watching Denise and Colin echo each other's words, I had no patience left to continue the conversation.

So I took a step back and said, "Colin, I came to your birthday party because your mother invited me. All this talk about using women to climb the ladder or about marrying me is exhausting. Don't waste your breath. We wouldn't want your fiance to overthink things, right?"

I raised my eyebrows and added, "Because if she does, she might assume that you think her family lacks influence. How exactly do you expect her to fit into your family, then?"

With that, I turned and walked away.

By nature, Denise had always been suspicious and petty. The Smythe family had long since lost their stature and influence in Harbor City's elite. Compared to my family, hers was barely a footnote.

...

Three days later, the Fitzwilliams sent an official proposal to the Smythes.

Colin and Denise's marriage was set.

Right then, Denise threw a lavish party, inviting all the young women of Harbor City's upper crust.

With Colin's name attached, who would dare say no?

At the party, Denise was adorned with jewels, all gifts from Colin and his mother, Belinda. Though she wasn't Colin's wife yet, she carried herself like she already was.

I couldn't help but remember our past life when Colin favored her for her modesty, her disdain for flashy jewelry, and her effortless elegance.

But in this second life, would Colin still see that in her?

In front of everyone, Denise grabbed my hand tightly. "Lucy, will you be my bridesmaid? I'd really like it if you could stand beside me on my big day. Having a few close sisters nearby will make me less nervous."

Her face pleaded, but her eyes sparkled with triumph. In her mind, she had already won in life, and now she wanted to humiliate me in public.

"You're going to be the future Mrs. Fitzwilliam. Whoever you choose as your bridesmaid wouldn't dare refuse. No one in Harbor would dare disrespect Colin Fitzwilliam's fiance. What do you say, Lucy?"

The one who spoke was none other than Colin. He had just arrived, stepping in to support Denise's party, clearly smitten.

Meanwhile, all eyes turned to me, waiting for my reaction.

Say yes, and I'd bow to the title of Mrs. Fitzwilliam.

Say no, and I'd be throwing shade at Colin himself.

Confident and smug, Colin and Denise forgot one thing: my father was the president of the Morgan Group.

In Harbor City, apart from a few elders, I answered to no one.

I yanked my hand free. "Sorry, I won't be attending your wedding, Denise. My father sent someone to bring me home. The plane ticket's booked on the same day as your wedding."

Denise's eyes welled up. "Lucy, are you mad at me? Then why would the chairman of the Morgan Group send someone to pick you up like this?"

Beside me, Janet, my friend, spoke on my behalf, "Lucy's dad's envoy arrived last night. He has already arranged a marriage for her. Besides, Lucy's been here six months. It's time she returned home to prepare for her own wedding."

As soon as she said that, Colin's face twisted in frustration. "You're going back to Lakeside City? Your father sent you here to marry into a good family here at Harbor, didn't he?"

Then, boldly, he proposed, "I know you don't like that I chose Denise as my fiance. But what if... I told you that I'll marry her, but I can still be with you?"

Denise's face went sour.

Before she could say a word, I gave a cold smile. "What are you even talking about, Colin? Didn't you already tell your mother that Denise was the only one you ever wanted to marry? And besides, how could a daughter of the Morgan family like me be a homewrecker?"

Colin clenched his jaw. "Lucy, do you really want to become my wife? Is that what you care about?"

I looked at him, disbelief evident in my eyes. "Colin, I never said I wanted to be your wife. I've been here long enough. My family misses me. I have no relatives here. Going home is only natural. Or are you suggesting I don't even have the right to go back?"

Colin looked furious. And what if I dont agree? What if I dont let you leave?

Well, then Im afraid youre going to be disappointed, Fitzwilliam, came a voice from behind me. Because Lucy and I are already engaged. Are you trying to steal another mans fiance now?

I turned around and saw Hunter Grosvenor walking in.

Hunter, my childhood friend from Lakeside City, arrived looking sharp, though still showing signs of travel. It was clear he had come directly here.

He walked up to me, positioning himself just slightly in front of me, subtly yet unmistakably providing me with some protection.

Colins eyes narrowed. Hunter, youre supposed to be in Lakeside City. What are you doing here?

With confidence, Hunter smiled. Im closing a deal for Mr. Morgan and here to escort Lucy back home.

Then he looked down at me, his eyes warm and full of nothing but me. Lucy, parties like this bore me. I heard theres a fireworks show tonight on the pier. Want me to take you?

I smiled and rose to my feet, turning toward Colin and Denise. Ill take my leave now. I may not be around when your wedding day comes, so let me offer my congratulations in advance. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.

With that, I followed Hunter out of the Smythe estate.

Behind us, Colin stormed out after us. Lucy! Are you seriously telling me that being with me isnt worth more than being Hunters fiance?

Still yelling, he declared, When I take over Fitzwilliam Enterprises, Ill make sure you have the family you wantour child, even!

Hunter opened the door to the sleek black sports car waiting out front and gently helped me inside.

I sat down with a smile, closed the door behind me, and watched through the tinted glass as Harbor City and Colin Fitzwilliam faded away in the rearview mirror.

...

Colins wedding was the event of the season.

On the morning of the ceremony, my bags were packed and my car was ready to head out.

But fate had other plans.

Wed deliberately chosen a quieter street to avoid running into his wedding procession, yet somehow, by some twist of irony or design, Colins convoy had picked the same route.

He stood in front of our car, dressed in his grooms suit, blocking our way.

Lucy, are you really leaving?