I got my boyfriend's Instagram name tattooed on my collarbone, but it turned out to be his first love's name.

We met online. Before we even saw each other in real life, I tattooed that Instagram handle on my collarbone.

When he saw the name, my boyfriend was like a wild animal. For a second, I thought I would die in bed, but all he said was he was dying to marry me.

He threw himself into planning our wedding that night, which was going to be the biggest event in Washington.

But then, the day before our wedding, his first love showed up, wearing the wedding dress that was meant for me.

She walked up to my boyfriend. "You promised you would always take me with you. Does it still count?"

In a daze, my boyfriend called out to her, "Tessa."

That was the name tattooed on my collarbone.

***

I stood there, frozen. Luckily, my T-shirt was loose enough to hide the trembling.

They looked like a perfect couple. He was in a suit while she was in a wedding dress.

They totally stole the spotlight and left me feeling invisible.

That wedding dress was a little tight for me.

But it looked perfect on her.

I blinked hard, looking up, doing everything I could to keep my tears from falling.

Someone gossiped around me, "Isn't that Larson's sister?"

"Yeah, she confessed to Larson and got rejected. Left the country right after that. It's been, what, seven or eight years? He went mad, but he never dared to follow her overseas."

"Alas, people are so open-minded now. They're only step-siblings, so what's the big deal?"

"Larson is so into Tessa. He wouldn't put her future at risk."

The friends who were bored just now were all hyped up, crowding around Tessa Larson. So was my fiancé.

The moment she showed up, he dropped my hand.

Only now did he seem to remember this was our wedding day. He waved at me.

But he said, "Allison, you go back first."

My mind went blank. I couldn't process his words.

I was supposed to get married today, but someone else wore my wedding dress. I tried to convince myself he was just being a good brother.

And now... I had to leave?

But it didn't matter anymore.

I stared at him. "Who exactly are you?"

It was noisy. No one heard my ridiculous question.

Who dates for three years, gets engaged for five more, and still doesn't even know her fiancé's real name?

That was me.

I always thought honesty mattered most, so I told him everything about me, but he wouldn't even let me know his name. He only said, "Just call me Tessa."

I figured he just didn't like this girlish name, so I got it tattooed on my collarbone to show my commitment.

He cried when he first saw it.

I thought I had touched his heart.

It turned out that I was just making it easier for him to think of someone else.

He had loved her for years but couldn't be with her. So instead, he decided to marry a woman who carried her name on her skin.

Just thinking about it made me want to throw up.

But he, actually Theodore Larson, just rubbed his temple. "It's complicated, Allison. Please be considerate.

"We can push the wedding. We'll discuss it later."

I took a step forward. My voice broke as I shouted through the crowd, "I'm asking you. Who the hell are you? What's your real name?"

The room went dead quiet.

Then, whispers started up.

"What's wrong with her?"

"She freaked out when Tessa came back."

I turned a deaf ear to those whispers and focused only on the man in front of me.

He looked just like his photos when we were dating online, handsome and tall.

Yet, he felt like a stranger to me now.

His buddy, standing next to him, tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, Larson is just Larson. What games are you guys playing?"

I snapped, "I want his full name!"

I was seething. I pushed that guy away, and he, a big guy, actually stumbled.

His face turned red with rage, and he shouted at me, "His name is Theodore Larson. What's your problem? You've known him for years and don't even know his name?"

The name Theodore hit me hard, leaving me in a daze for a while.

I just shook my head. "No, his name is Tessa."

The people who came to find him either called him Larson or Mr. Larson, and I never got to check his ID.

That was why I had been duped all these years.

Those around me burst out laughing. "Tessa? That's his sister, your future sister-in-law!"

"Come on, Larson. Why are you marrying a fool?"

I couldn't help but find it ridiculous.

I stared blankly at Theodore. His face clouded over. I couldn't tell if he was embarrassed because I had made a fool of myself or guilty because his secret was out.

As he ignored me, getting ready to take Tessa's hand and move on with the ceremony, I thought he did feel embarrassed.

I was pushed forward by the crowd and rushed up, asking, "What is Theodore's real name?"

The first person called me crazy.

The second said I was stupid.

The seventh person finally sighed and told me, "How many times do we have to say it? He's Theodore Larson. Theodore Larson!"

I finally got it this time.

When Tessa wasn't around, he was Tessa, living for her.

Now that Tessa was back, he could be Theodore again.

But what about me?

I was no longer needed at the wedding, so I left the hall and sat on the steps to eavesdrop.

I heard they joked about how Theodore pampered Tessa. He was great at cooking and comforting her after nightmares.

I wanted to jump in and argue.

When we first met, Theodore was clueless about relationships.

I always had to teach him how to make a girl feel safe and not let her down.

Even in bed, he was clumsy and never gentle.

I cried and pushed him away, but it was no use.

It was only when I called him Larson that he softened, comforting me and saying he didn't get it but was willing to learn.

"Please, don't just walk away from me like this, okay?"

Those sweet words were just how he showed his devotion to Tessa.

I felt suffocated.

I felt like a leaf in a storm, sneezing and crying.

What an ugly scene.

Just like this morning, before we left, I clung to Theodore and cried.

He leaned in and kissed my forehead, saying, "You came to this city for me, and today, I'll make you the most stunning bride.

"Don't worry about the dress being a bit revealing. I'll lend you my coat."

"He's a liar." Tears kept welling up in my eyes.

The tattoo on my collarbone felt like it was burning into my heart.

The wedding march started behind me, but then it suddenly stopped.

There was a commotion, and I heard someone say, "Oh, Larson! What's the rush? Just treat it as a rehearsal. Tessa is so beautiful today. Are you going to leave her behind?"

I had my heart in my mouth.

I waited and waited because of those words.

The wedding playlist kept playing, but Theodore never came out.

Early-leaving guests sneered at me, "They can't wait to get a room, and she's still here waiting at the door."

It finally hit me.

I was the one with the wrong tattoo.

I wanted to storm in and confront him.

If he loved her that much, why did he have to toy with me?

But in the end, I only got up and booked an appointment to get my tattoo removed. "The sooner, the better."

The tattoo shop I frequented was booked solid until the day after tomorrow, so I headed home to catch some sleep.

I was up all night last night. But now, I just tossed and turned, wide awake.

The bed dipped. Theodore, who was supposed to be at the wedding, was back. He felt my forehead, looking worried. "Why did you leave? Why didn't you tell me you had a fever?"

He was so gentle, like nothing had happened.

My heart ached. I was dying to ask him what had happened.

He got up to make some medicine, cutting me off with a sigh, "Allison, don't be like this next time."

A shiver ran down my spine.

I gaped as he mixed up the medicine, testing it on his lips before giving it to me.

Theodore looked gentle and caring. "Here, take this and get some sleep. You screwed the wedding up, but I'll fix it."

He knew everything.

But why did he act like nothing had happened?

How could he still talk like that?

I felt like I was in a completely different world!

I jumped out of bed, knocked over the medicine, and mumbled a sorry before bolting out.

Did I walk into the wrong place?

That was why I ran into this "Theodore".

"I need to find my Tessa..." I muttered, trying to walk past him, but a strong hand yanked me back.

Before I could struggle, Theodore kissed me!

"Why act like a kid when you're sick? Knock it off, Allison. I am worried about you." Theodore gazed at me so tenderly that it twisted my heart.

"Don't call me that!" I pushed him off, begging, "I don't know you. Let me go."

Theodore frowned, feeling my forehead again. He was totally sure I was just throwing a tantrum.

He tried to explain, "Allison, I know you're upset about today. Tessa is just my sister. She just got back home and still needs some time to settle in.

"I Don't worry. In two days, I'll be just your fiancé.

"I will hold the wedding for you again in ten days. Take care of yourself. Don't get sick again. Got it?"

I didn't know if he was threatening me or trying to make it up to me.

I also wanted to ask what kind of "sister" Tessa was.

But in the end, I didn't ask.

It didn't matter anymore.

My silence seemed to tick Theodore off.

He suddenly threw me on the bed and kissed me again.

"Is this the only way to make you feel better?"

His cold lips almost froze my blood.

I shivered against his chest. But he took it as a sign of wanting more and went for the buttons on my shirt.

In the next instant, the tattoo on my collarbone was exposed.

Theodore was stunned for a second.

And then, I pushed him away with all my might.

I asked in a trembling voice, "Theodore, be honest. Can I really marry the 'Tessa' who was in love with me?"

His face drained of color. He sat there in silence for a long while before he got up and put on his shirt.

He said, "Let's just drop it. If you're not into it now, that's cool. As long as we tie the knot, we can do it any time you say."

With that, he fled away.

I reached out and touched the tattoo on my collarbone.

This time, without a second thought, I got up and hailed a taxi to the tattoo shop.

I didn't believe every tattoo shop in town would be closed.

I walked into the nearest tattoo shop and heard a name I knew too well. "No way. The wedding is almost over. Did Theodore really just leave you?"

Tessa huffed, "He didn't leave me. I drove him away because he wasn't taking it seriously. But he promised to make it up with a real ceremony."

"Yeah, you're one of a kind to him."

It was Tessa's shop.

What a bummer!

I turned to leave right away.

The automatic doorbell rang out of the blue, getting Tessa's attention. She sized me up with a condescending smirk. "Here for a tattoo? You don't strike me as the type."

I closed my eyes. "I'm here to get a tattoo removed. You're busy. I'll just find another place."

Just as I was about to leave, Tessa lifted her chin. "I'm not busy. I'm the boss here, and I'll take care of it for you. Don't you dare?"

Even though I was ready for the pain, Tessa didn't hold back, making me gasp.

Tessa snorted, "Girls think being delicate is cute. I've been tough since third grade, always putting those cutesy girls in their place."

I was about to retort when she turned up the machine, laughing with the staff. Then she added kindly, "I didn't mean you. I get where you're coming from. I've done this kind of thing before!

"I promised someone. If I ever left, he would write my name everywhere. Then I would see it and come back.

"Girl, isn't that romantic?"

I was used to the sting of the tattoo needle.

Yet, tears still welled up in my eyes.

It was romantic.

But what about me?

Just a messenger, right?

I couldn't catch my breath, clutching my chest.

But Tessa stopped after removing the tattoo until only the letter "T" remained.

"Don't think a name can replace me.

"If I tell him I'm going to sleep in your wedding bed, what do you think he'll choose?"

Before I could say anything, the door burst open. "Tessa, I want to have a word..."

It was Theodore.

I pulled my clothes tighter, glaring at him who just barged in, and blurted out, "What are you doing here?"

"Allison? Are you okay?" he asked worriedly.

I was stunned.

Tessa was a bit awkward as she forced a smile and called out, "Larson."

Theodore's gaze was fixed on my collarbone.

He looked like he was stimulated. Suddenly, he pushed Tessa aside, rushed over to me, and grabbed my collar. "Allison! Are you getting the tattoo removed?"

"It has nothing to do with you!" I had no idea why he was mad. I just nervously adjusted my bra strap, trying to hide it from the staff behind Tessa.

Theodore's hand on my collar started trembling.

The next second, he forcefully pushed me onto the bed, coldly saying, "Get everyone else out."

Tessa didn't leave.

The door was shut tight. Theodore grabbed the equipment beside him, apparently about to tattoo over my wound.

I struggled hard. The wound ripped open and blood gushed out instantly.

"It hurts!" My face contorted with pain.

Yet, Theodore didn't let go.

He even asked Tessa to hold me down. "Why did you get the tattoo removed?"

I bit my lip, trying hard to hold back my tears. "I put the wrong name on my tattoo. Of course, I have to remove it."

Theodore nodded. "Alright, I'll fix it for you."

With that, he tattooed it right away.

He was way too rough. Ink and blood drops were all over the place. I bit my lip hard, but I still couldn't break free.

I could only stare at my chest, where the lopsided "Theodore" was now tattooed.

Once he was done, Theodore finally let go.

I was in so much pain that I curled up and trembled.

A flicker of regret crossed Theodore's eyes.

He reached out to comb my hair, but I shrank back in fear.

He withdrew his hand, his tone softening when he spoke again, "I'll transfer 800 dollars to your card. Go find a hotel to stay in for a few days."

As he spoke, he gently rubbed the back of Tessa's head. "I know you can't sleep on a strange bed. You have to make do with it in my place for a couple of days.

"If you find something you like, just tell me, and I'll buy it for you."

It took me a while to process what he said.

That was our wedding house before.

But now, it had nothing to do with me.

I staggered to my feet, and Theodore, as if remembering something, turned to me and said, "Don't go home. She's jet-lagged and can't sleep well."

I nodded with a faint smile.

I wouldn't.

I wouldn't do that anymore.

I lifted my trembling hand and made a call.

To be honest, I wasn't sure if Ryan Campbell would answer my call.

We had been broken up for years.

Back then, I decided to get over him by trying online dating and starting fresh.

The last message he sent was a location. "I live here. If you need anything, just call me."

Those words were harsh back then, but now they just made me regret.

The chatter outside was getting louder.

They were all Tessa's friends. If I walked out like this, I would surely be laughed at.

I could only pin my hope on Ryan.

I bit my lip so hard that it bled. A few seconds later, it finally connected.

I heard a pleasant male voice. "Allison?"

I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Before I could answer, Ryan seemed to guess something. He quickly changed his clothes and started the car. "Where are you now?"

I sent my location, and within ten minutes, Ryan knocked on the door.

Ryan asked, "Can I come in?"

There was laughter from the side. "Dude, there's a married woman inside. Are you sure you want to go in?"

Ryan didn't say a word. He just waited quietly till I came out and softly asked, "Do you know them?"

I shook my head.

He nodded. The next second, he punched the guy who just spoke right in the face.

The nosebleed splattered out. Before the guy could even get mad, Ryan threw another punch.

While the guy was still stunned by the punch, Ryan quickly grabbed his phone and dialed 911. He moved fast as if he had done this a million times. Before those two guys reacted, he had me out of there.

"Let's go," said Ryan.

My heart was racing.

I was freaked out by Ryan.

But he didn't seem to notice, flooring the gas and driving straight to the hospital. He said to the nurse, "Let's get her checked out."

I looked down and saw that my collarbone was bleeding badly. Ryan had covered it with his clothes on the way here, so it wasn't too obvious.

I unconsciously glanced at him.

Ryan smoothly registered for me while patting my head. Halfway through, he stopped and then patted my shoulder. "Don't worry. Let's go."

After all, it wasn't a serious problem.

The doctor gave me a quick treatment, telling me to be careful and keep it dry.

"No more tattoos for a while," said the doctor.

I nodded.

My gaze fell on Ryan, who was standing behind the doctor.

He was just as busy as before.

While the doctor was talking to me, he stepped out to answer a couple of calls.

After hanging up, he was still worried and chatted with the doctor before we left.

We broke up because he was always swamped with work.

We hardly spent any time together. He got transferred out of town and wanted me to move with him. He said if I could not accept it, I could break up with him.

I turned to online dating to piss him off.

I didn't expect that he would be more heartless. He cut me off completely, not even calling me.

I pursed my lips and didn't look at him.

After a while, I realized he had helped me this time, so I turned back awkwardly.

Just then, I saw Ryan turning off his phone.

"What are you doing?" I asked, a bit confused.

Ryan pulled up a stool and sat down across from me.

He looked more determined and yet handsome. "Here's the house key. I'll text you the key for the electric scooter later. I use the scooter for work, but if you need it, just let me know in advance and I'll set it aside for you."

I said, "Wait..."

Hearing him rattle off all that stuff made me feel a bit overwhelmed. "You're going to let me stay at your place?"

Before I could finish, I saw a hint of doubt in Ryan's eyes. He asked, "Do you have somewhere else to stay?"

Silence fell, and I shook my head.

"Even if I don't have a place to go, we've already broken up..." My voice was barely above a whisper.

I felt embarrassed. After all, I asked for a favor from him.

Ryan looked even more shocked. "We broke up?"

I retorted, "Didn't you tell me you were going for further studies and broke up with me?"

Ryan was puzzled. "Didn't I tell you to wait for a while until I settled down and came to get you? I sent you the location. You said you got it..."