Rebirth: We Split Ways.. novel Chapter 1

Three years had passed since Penelope last saw Jason—this time, it was at his wedding.

She had just finished coordinating the event, sweat soaking through her blouse.

Exhausted, she barely had time to catch her breath before Jason entered the grand ballroom, hand in hand with his bride, Lauren Taylor.

The spotlight shone on them, making them look like the perfect couple.

"They're such a match made in heaven! This wedding must've cost a fortune."

"I heard Jason's a famous architect now."

"Celebrities and billionaires pay top dollar to have him design their homes."

"This wedding alone probably cost hundreds of thousands."

Actually, it cost way more.

Because Penelope was the wedding planner.

Lauren had hired her at three times the usual rate.

It was a seven-figure wedding, extravagant enough to make everyone envious.

Someone in the crowd suddenly shouted, "If Jason's ex-girlfriend knew about this, she'd regret it for sure!"

Penelope ignored the mockery.

Jason had always been a good actor—pretending to be obsessed with her even when he never loved her.

He had pursued her relentlessly, treated her like a queen, and even risked his life for her when an earthquake hit.

Back then, she had been completely moved by his devotion.

Even when she found out he couldn't be intimate with her, she still married him without hesitation.

But later, she learned the truth—he only sacrificed himself because Lauren was trapped in that same building. He would rather die with her.

Now that she had a second chance at life, she dumped him without looking back.

But to everyone else, she was the heartless one.

At that moment, the wedding had reached the groom's speech.

According to her schedule, Jason just needed to say a few romantic words to Lauren, and then dinner would begin.

But then, he spotted Penelope.

His face darkened instantly. His sharp gaze locked onto her.

"What are you doing here?"

Penelope simply smiled.

"Congratulations on your wedding, Jason."

The crowd quickly recognized her.

"Clean yourself up a little, and who knows? A guy might actually look at you."

As soon as she said that, scattered laughter rippled through the crowd.

Penelope knew exactly why Lauren had hired her to plan this wedding—to humiliate her.

It was all part of the plan to get her to break down in front of everyone. But Penelope wasn't going to play along. She was just here to get paid.

Feeling the eyes of the crowd on her, Penelope simply tapped her watch and reminded Lauren, "Miss Taylor, if we don't move on to the next part of the ceremony soon, we'll be over schedule."

More laughter filled the air.

"She's acting all calm now, but I bet she's dying inside."

"She had her chance, and she blew it."

Ignoring them, Penelope turned and walked into the staff lounge to grab a quick bite. She'd been working all day, and she was starving.

Just as she stuffed a piece of chicken into her mouth, she heard footsteps. Looking up, she saw Jason standing behind her in his tailored suit.

Before she could even react, he pulled a black credit card from his pocket and placed it on the table.

"There's five grand on this. Consider it compensation for wasting your youth on me."

Penelope didn't move.

Jason's expression softened slightly, and he let out a small sigh.