He Asked for Three Years of Freedom, Gave Him a Lifetime of Regret

At my most naive, I caught Rod Graves cheating the night before our wedding. I didn't confront him, didn't scream, didn't ask a single question. I just gave him three days to cut things off with that woman.

Day one, they went hiking together and took couple photos. I told myself it was fine.

Day two, they spent twenty-four hours in bed, refusing to be apart. I told myself he was just temporarily out of his mind.

By day three, he brought her straight to me.

Selma, we're only twenty-three. We're young, we're restless. I don't want to walk into a marriage this early.

So, for the sake of everything I've done for you, for the fact that I nearly died for you, can you make a deal with me?

I said nothing.

He bit down on his cigarette and went on

We give each other three years. During those three years, we do our own thing, no interference. Once we're twenty-six and we've both grown up, we come back, settle down, live a quiet life together. Deal?

I laughed.

Whatever makes you happy.

Forget three years. Even thirty years wouldn't matter, because he had nothing to do with me anymore.

I was marrying someone else.

Three years later.

Rod Graves, who'd spent three glorious years gallivanting overseas with his little girlfriend, was back.

The moment he stepped off the plane, cameras swarmed him and the girl at his side, Tania Sawyer.

Mr. Graves, three years ago you left Ms. Cooley for Ms. Sawyer on the eve of your wedding. Now that you're back, do you plan to reconcile with Ms. Cooley?

Three years had changed Rod. His hair was longer, and the boyishness in his features had given way to something sharper, more polished.

But when he opened his mouth, he was the same cocky bastard as everReconcile? Selma and I never broke up. I'm back to keep our promise and marry her. Settle down for good.

The reporters tried to press further, but he was already shielding Tania into the car and pulling away.

I took a sip of my coffee and had just turned off my phone when a voice drifted in from the doorwaySelma. Long time no see.

The man who'd been on my screen seconds ago was now standing right in front of me.

When I didn't respond, Rod smiled and raised an eyebrowWhat? Forgotten your own fiance?

I gave a faint smileI remember.

Rod pulled Tania down into the seat across from me and spoke in that lazy drawl of hisSelma, our deal expires in one week. Before that, I want to give Tania a wedding first. She followed me for three years, and all she's asking for before she walks away is this one thing. I'm hoping you'll agree.

Don't worry. Once Tania's wedding is done, she and I are done for good. After that, I'll give you a grand wedding and we'll start our life together.

Rod finished and sat there, waiting for my answer.

Tania sat beside him the whole time, docile and obedient, as if whatever he said was gospel.

Looking at her like that, I finally understood how she'd appeared for just one month and made him throw away seven years of us without a second thought, even calling off the wedding entirely.

Selma Cooley? Rod's voice cut in when he noticed me spacing out, a flicker of irritation crossing his faceDid you hear a word I just said?

I heard you. I snapped back and smiled with a small nodDo whatever you want. It's really none of my business.

Rod froze for a second. Then his brow furrowed, an uncomfortable knot forming in his chest.

What did she mean, none of her business?

She was his fiancee. The love of his life. The woman he intended to spend the rest of his days with.

How could it be none of her business!

Rod looked at me, his expression hardeningSelma, I'm telling you this so you won't get the wrong idea.

I raised an eyebrowRelax. I won't get the wrong idea.

After all, none of this had anything to do with me anymore.

If there's nothing else, I'll be going.

I stood, grabbed my bag, and headed for the door.

Wait!

Rod stopped me mid-step.

I turned back to face him, my expression flat. Was there something else?

My indifference caught him off guard. Something tightened in his jaw, and after a long, stilted pause, the words finally dragged out of himThese three yearshave you been seeing anyone?

I blinked, then shook my head. No.

After all, that man wasn't a boyfriend.

Rod's eyes lit up. Then you should come to my wedding with Tania this Saturday. You can if you want. Once the ceremony's over, she and I are done for good, and then it'll be our turn.

I stared at him for a beat, then laughed.

How had I never noticed how revolting this man was?

I didn't spare either of them another glance. I turned and walked out.

Once I was outside, I drew a deep breath. The tight knot in my chest loosened, just barely.

I'd assumed that seeing him again wouldn't stir a single thing in me, body or soul.

I'd overestimated myself.

Rod and I got together when we were sixteen.

When I was eighteen, I was kidnapped. He took on three armed men alone.

Three stab wounds. He nearly bled out.

He shielded me with his own body, and right before he lost consciousness, he grinned at me like an idiotSelma, if I die, mourn me for three months. Then go find someone who loves you even more than I do.

I sobbed and told him no one ever could.

After that, I was more certain than ever that I would marry Rod Graves.

I even defied my father, betting him that Rod would propose.

If he didn't, I'd go home and agree to a strategic marriage.

Back then, I was so sure of myself.

And reality slapped me across the face.

Rod cheated. And after those three days I gave him, he weaponized the fact that he'd once saved my life and proposed what he called a three-year arrangement.

But none of that mattered anymore. He and I had nothing to do with each other now.

My phone rang, cutting through my thoughts.

I glanced at the caller ID and picked up.

A low, steady voice came through the other endSelma. When are you coming home?

My lips curved. Seven more days to wrap things up, then I'm heading back to Harbor City.

The man said a quiet okay.

I smiled. All right, I need to get back to work. Say hi to the little one for me.

The second I hung up, a text came through.

Ms. Cooley, could I come by and take a look at the gown?

After Rod left, I'd picked up my old craft again and opened a bridal-gown studio.

The reason I was in town was a commission that came in two days ago. Sky-high budget, requesting a one-of-a-kind wedding dress.

I typed out a reply.

Sure, come straight to my studio.

I sent her the address of my temporary workspace and headed over.

I'd barely been there two minutes when a knock came at the door, followed by a voice I recognized instantly.

Ms. Cooley.

I looked up. The moment I saw who it was, everything clicked into place. So that was why she'd sought out a no-name designer like me.

Tania smiled and stepped forward. How's my gown coming along? May I see it?

Not a flicker of surprise on her face.

I knew then that she'd known it was me all along. Every bit of this had been deliberate.

I gathered the sketches off the table. Sorry. I'm not taking this commission anymore.

I'd barely reached the door when Rod came striding up the hall. He spotted me and froze. Selma?

Before I could say a word, Tania rushed forward and latched onto his arm.

Rod, I had no idea the designer making my gown was Ms. Cooley. If I'd known, I never would have gone to her. Rod, I swear it wasn't on purpose. I wasn't trying to show off or provoke her. But our wedding is only a week away. If Ms. Cooley won't do it, I really don't know what I'm going to do.

Tania leaned against his shoulder and began to sob quietly.

Rod's expression shifted instantly. He turned to meSelma, what did you say to her?

I let out a disbelieving laughHow would I know what I supposedly said to her?

Rod frowned.

Tania grabbed his hand, her eyes rimmed redRod, please don't fight with Ms. Cooley. This whole thing is my fault.

She turned to me and bowedI'm sorry, Ms. Cooley. If I'd known sooner that you were the designer, I never would have come to you for a wedding gown. But please believe me, I never meant to provoke you. I'm grateful that three years ago you gave Rod and me a chance. These three years have been the happiest days of my life. In seven days I'll give him back to you, and you'll never have to see me again.

Watching her little performance, I scoffedIf I'd known it was you, I wouldn't have taken the commission either. As for Rod

I paused, looked him dead in the eye, and said, word by wordYou two don't need to break up. I'm handing him over to you. He's yours.

Rod's face drained of color. He seized my wristSelma, what the hell do you mean by that?

I wrenched free of his grip. Exactly what it sounds like.

What do you mean, 'exactly what it sounds like'?

What do you mean, 'handing me over'?

I'm your boyfriend. Your fianc. Not something you can give away.

Rod was losing it. You'd better explain yourself right now, or you're not leaving.

Every trace of warmth left my face. You're not my boyfriend. You're sure as hell not my fianc. And I'm already mar

Rod, please stop arguing with Ms. Cooley. Tania cut in abruptlyMs. Cooley, none of this would have happened if I hadn't insisted Rod give me a wedding.

She looked at Rod with glistening eyes. Rod, forget the wedding. I don't want it anymore. I'm leaving right now.

She spun around and bolted for the door.

Tania!

Panic flooded Rod's face, then pure fury as he whipped back toward me.

Selma! You waited three years. There are seven days left. Was it really so hard to cut her some slack?

He spat the words and took off after her.

I tugged at the corner of my mouth, picked up my bag, and walked out.

I had barely reached the entrance when Rod's voice ripped through the airTania! Behind you!

I looked up.

A truck had blown through the intersection and was barreling straight toward Tania.

She had no time to dodge. The impact launched her off her feet.

She lay in a spreading pool of blood.

Tania!

Rod sprinted forward, scooped her into his arms, and ran for the hospital.

I pressed my lips together. I had just turned to leave when hands shoved me into a car.

Ms. Cooley, Mr. Graves told us to bring you along.

The hospital was chaos. Voices clashing, people everywhere.

Doctor! Save her! Please, somebody help!

Rod stood rigid, both hands slick with Tania's blood, his face white as bone.

The bodyguards deposited me in front of him. Mr. Graves, she's here.

Rod lifted his eyes to mine and snarledSelma! Tania is in there because of you! Are you happy now? Is this what you wanted?

I let out a cold, quiet laugh.

I was about to turn and walk out when the doctor's voice came from behind meThe patient has lost too much blood and has a clotting disorder. The blood bank doesn't have emergency reserves. She needs a continuous transfusion throughout surgery, or her life is at risk.

Rod snapped back to himself. He grabbed my wrist again, wild-eyed.

She's type O. Compatible with every blood type. Use hers! Get her into the OR now! You save Tania, no matter what it takes!

I stared at him in disbelief and started fighting to break freeRod, have you lost your mind? Her accident has nothing to do withAh!

Smack!

Rod backhanded me across the face.Tania already told you she had no idea you were a designer! But you kept dragging her into it, and when you knew damn well she and I were about to split, you deliberately said you'd hand me over to her just to twist the knife! This is all because of you. If it weren't for you, she never would've run out crying, and she never would've been hit by that truck! You owe her this! Besides, losing a little blood isn't going to kill you!

When I came to, it was already the next morning.

The moment I tried to move, a nurse's voice came from beside me.Don't move. Your body's essentially had a complete blood replacement. You need to rest for the next few days.

I tugged weakly at the corner of my lips.

Once the young nurse left, I sat up. I didn't want to stay here a second longer.

I was just about to pull out the IV needle when the door opened.

Rod walked in with Tania, who had already mostly recovered.

Tania heard you were the one who saved her. She wanted to come thank you.

Tania stepped forward with red-rimmed eyes.Ms. Cooley, if it weren't for you, I'd definitely be dead. Thank you for saving me.

I ignored them both, ripped out the needle, threw back the covers, and got out of bed.

I was about to walk past them when Rod seized my arm.

Selma! Are you deaf or blind? Can't you see Tania standing right there thanking you? You can't even say one word back?

I looked at him, my eyes ice-cold.Why the hell should I? If it weren't for her, would I be like this?

Rod's expression shifted.Have you no shame? Tania got hit by a truck because of you! She came here to thank you because she's kind. If it were me, I'd have already

Rod! I cut him off, my voice flat and frigid.I'm not wasting my breath on you. Get out of my way.

Rod's face darkened. He was about to speak.

Tania suddenly dropped to her knees with a thud.

Rod, Ms. Cooley, please stop fighting!

Rod startled and immediately reached down to help her up.

Tania, what are you doing? None of this is your fault. Why should you be the one on your knees? If anyone should kneel, it's Selma.

Tania shook her head, eyes brimming.Rod, this really has nothing to do with Ms. Cooley. I wasn't paying attention and that's why I got into the accident. Please don't blame her.

Rod scoffed.It's obviously because of her. If it weren't for her, you never would have

Aah!

Selma! What the fuck are you doing?!

Before he could finish, I grabbed the chair beside me and swung it straight into Tania.

Blood split down her forehead instantly. She clutched her head and started wailing.

I tossed the chair aside and let out a cold laugh.See that? Now THAT'S me hurting her.

Rod's eyes went red with fury. He lunged forward, grabbed a fistful of my hair, and slammed my head into the wall.

Bang!

Selma! What the fuck is wrong with you?! You dare do that to Tania? You have a death wish?!

All I could hear was ringing. Just when I thought he was going to bash my skull in for good,

I saw, silhouetted against the light, a man striding toward me.