CHAPTER THREE – THE FIANCEE THROWS IT ALL AWAY

"This is unbelievable, Madison!" Johnny spat, his voice thick with fury that sent chills down her spine. "All this time I've been worried sick, working my butt off for our future, and you're out there… getting involved with some Hollywood creep?" Tears welled up again in Madison's eyes, blurring the chaotic scene before her. Veronica leaned in with a consoling pat on his arm. "There, there, Johnny," she cooed. "Poor thing must have been feeling neglected, left all alone by her fiancé who's always busy building a future for them both." Madison tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat. The knot of frustration in her chest tightened, stifling any coherent explanation. Fuelled by Veronica's poisonous words, Johnny ignored the silent plea in Madison's tear-filled eyes. "And love bites? Really, Madison? Is this how you show commitment?" His accusation pierced her like a knife. "Love bites?" she finally managed, her voice trembling with emotion. "Don't you dare throw that word around, Johnny! It wasn't like that!" Veronica scoffed, her smirk twisting into a sneer. "Oh, come on, Madison," she drawled, batting her eyelashes at Johnny. "Don't tell me you expect us to believe some fairy tale about a random knight in shining armor saving you from Mr. White's clutches." Madison's gaze bore into Veronica's, years of resentment bubbling to the surface. "You wouldn't understand, Veronica!" she choked out, her voice thick with unshed tears. "You wouldn't understand what it's like to live in someone else's shadow!" Veronica's smile faded a little. But it was Constance's small flinch that really surprised Madison. For a second, Madison saw the woman she used to want approval from, behind the fake face. Madison took a deep, shaky breath. She turned to Johnny, her voice getting stronger with each word. "And you, Johnny! Where were you last night when I needed someone to talk to?" Madison spread her arms, looking around. Her voice grew louder with each thing she said. "Where were you when I felt trapped here, stuck with people who only care how things look on the outside?" Guilt flashed across Johnny's face for a moment, replacing the anger. "I was working," he mumbled. "Trying to make a better future for us." The defensiveness came back into his voice. "Our future? Or just yours?" Madison's eyes blazed. "When do I get a say, Johnny? I'm supposed to be your partner, not a trophy girlfriend!" Johnny recoiled like she'd slapped him. "That's not fair, Madison! You know how much I love you." "Do I?" Madison laughed bitterly, swiping at the tears spilling down her cheeks. "Because it feels like I'm just an accessory to you sometimes. Arm candy to show off your success." "Baby, no!" Johnny reached for her hands but she pulled away. "Don't 'baby' me right now!" She shook her head vehemently. "I put my heart and soul into this relationship. Into our plans and dreams. But they're not 'our' dreams anymore, are they Johnny?" Veronica quickly shifted her attack towards Madison. "Always the drama queen, aren't you, Madison?" she said, her voice dripping with feigned concern. "Trying to manipulate Johnny with these crocodile tears." The accusation was the final straw. "Manipulate?" Madison roared, her voice a primal scream of defiance. "This isn't about manipulation, Veronica! This is about being tired, tired of your constant put-downs, tired of being treated like an afterthought by both of you!" She ripped the diamond ring off her finger, the metal cool against her burning skin. "If you want him so much, Veronica, here! Have him!" With that, she flung the ring across the room, its dull thud echoing in the silence that followed. Veronica's hand hovered over the fallen ring, uncertainty flashing in her eyes. Johnny looked torn, his regret palpable. "Madison!" he called out, desperation creeping into his voice. But she didn't stop. With one last look at the chaos behind her, she stormed to the door and slammed it shut. The force made the crystal chandelier rattle overhead. Outside, the city pulsed with its usual frantic energy - car horns honking, neon signs flashing, a river of headlights snaking through the twilight. But to Madison, it all felt distant and muted compared to the storm of emotions raging inside her. Tears burned her eyes, blurring the familiar cityscape into streaky colors. She felt relief but also an empty, gnawing feeling. Freedom was exciting, but it came at a huge cost. The life she dreamed of, with Johnny by her side, was a shattered dream lying forgotten in Veronica's perfectly manicured hand. Madison hailed a yellow cab, a beacon of escape in the neon jungle. As she sank into the backseat's worn but comfy leather, a fresh wave of tears threatened to spill over. "Where to, miss?" The grizzled driver, his face etched by the city's relentless pace, asked through the rearview mirror. "Just...take me home," Madison choked out, her voice thick with emotion. Sensing her tremor, the driver simply nodded and merged into traffic. Towering skyscrapers whizzed by, reflecting the dying sunlight. Bright bodegas burst with produce displays. Children's laughter echoed from a nearby park. A life a million miles from the one Madison just left behind. "Rough night, huh?" The driver's gentle rumble finally broke the silence. Madison hesitated, then blurted, "Everything just...blew up." The driver gave a short, knowing chuckle. "City life. Always somethin' blowin' up, somethin' new startin'. You just got to steer yourself clear of the debris and hold on tight." His simple wisdom rang true, but the pain felt raw, an open wound. Madison nodded weakly, the weight of his words settling heavily. He could offer comfort, but healing her heart was a journey she'd walk alone. The cab arrived at her sleek high-rise, with stunning views but little warmth. She paid the fare, managing a ghost of a smile as she thanked the driver. The apartment door closed softly behind her, its echo reverberating through the empty space. Stepping inside, the silence enveloped her like a heavy blanket, amplifying the tumult of emotions swirling inside. Outside, the city lights shimmered like distant stars, a stark contrast to the darkness engulfing her soul. She collapsed onto the pristine white sofa, each luxurious detail mocking the facade of success she once projected. The engaged actress with the perfect life – it was all a facade, crumbling under the weight of her shattered dreams. Tears, held back for too long, cascaded down her cheeks, washing away the remnants of a life that no longer felt real. Clutching a throw pillow to her chest, she surrendered to the overwhelming grief, her sobs echoing in the empty room. Memories, both sweet and bitter, flooded her mind – stolen kisses with Johnny, dreams of a future together, the sting of Veronica's cruelty, Constance's indifferent gaze. They intertwined, forming a tangled web of pain and longing. The weight of the previous night, the humiliation, the confrontation with Johnny, pressed down on her, threatening to suffocate her with despair. How could everything unravel so quickly? Nausea churned in her stomach, and she stumbled towards the bathroom, desperate for some relief. But the room spun around her, disorienting her further. Falling onto the bed, she surrendered to the exhaustion that consumed her, the darkness of sleep offering temporary solace from the storm raging within. As she drifted into unconsciousness, the apartment remained silent, bearing witness to her heartache.