The engagement party was winding down. I went to the lounge to find Richard, but stopped short when I heard his drunken voice slurring to a friend.
I dont love Kelly. The woman I want to marry is Ava. You get me?
His friend sighed. Then marry Ava. Why go through with an engagement to Kelly?
Richard mumbled, his words thick with alcohol and resentment. My family demands a match of equals. Theyd never let Ava into the Monroe family. But Kelly she loves me, her family is perfect, my parents approve
I lowered my eyes, swallowing the bitter taste that rose in my throat.
It was true, I loved Richard. But my family, the Langstons, had no shortage of suitors.

1
I gathered the hem of my gown, ready to leave, when I heard his friend speak again.
Keep your voice down. What if Kelly hears you?
I froze, wanting to hear his answer.
A moment later, Richards voice rose to a shout.
Let her hear! Whats she going to do? She loves me so much, shed never leave me!
You have no idea how suffocated I feel. When we were making the toasts tonight God, I wished it was Ava standing next to me.
Listen to me, he said, his voice cracking. Marry someone you love. Otherwise, youll end up miserable, just like me
A smile, more painful than a sob, twisted my lips.
I never knew. I never knew that Richard had agreed to be with me, to propose to me, under such a cloud of misery.
My nose tingled, a hot sting behind my eyes.
I turned to go and walked straight into a waiter. The hangover-remedy soup Id ordered for Richard sloshed all over my expensive gown. The waiter began to apologize profusely.
Its fine, I said, my voice hollow. Dont bother making another one. Just pretend I was never here.
I had arranged for the soup earlier, watching Richard knock back glass after glass. I thought he was happy.
How utterly laughable I was.
The waiter tried to say something else, but I was already walking away.
I sat in my car for a long time, the world outside a silent blur. Then, I made a call.
The wedding in two months can you be my groom?
The person on the other end was silent for a long moment. Then, a single word.
Yes.
My grandfathers health was failing; the doctors had only given him a few years. His greatest wish was to see me married. As long as I was married, my uncles couldnt touch the inheritance my parents had left me. Thats why, when Richard proposed, Id said yes.
But tonight, I learned the truth of his private agony.
I drove back to the house we were supposed to share, our future home, but my heart felt like a hollow cavern. Just a few days ago, I had been excitedly telling the designer exactly how I wanted every room to look.
In the living room stood several large suitcases Id had delivered, still unpacked. Now, it seemed, they would be leaving with me.
A dead calm settled over me.
It was love at first sight for me with Richard. Our relationship was engineered by his family, a perfect strategic match. At first, he was polite but distant. Then, slowly, he began to return my affection.
I thought I thought he was falling in love with me.
Richards call came while I was in the middle of ripping our enormous engagement portrait off the bedroom wall.
I answered, and his heavy breathing filled the line. They said you left early. Why didnt you wait for me?
Just tired, I said coolly.
He was quiet for a few seconds. I have something to take care of tonight, so I wont be coming back. Ill pick you up for breakfast in the morning.
Fine.
Tonight was meant to be our first night together in our new home.
As soon as he hung up, I drove back to my own apartment and started searching for my important documents. I couldn't find them anywhere. Then I rememberedId brought my birth certificate and passport to Richards apartment, thinking it would be more convenient for applying for the marriage license.
Since that was off the table, I needed to get them back.
The next morning, I drove to Richards downtown apartment. He often worked late at the office and wouldn't come back until the afternoon.
But when I opened the door with my key, the first thing I saw was a pair of long, bare legs.
Ava, his secretary, was standing there wearing one of my shirtsone I had bought for Richard. Our eyes met.