Heart Dead, Ready to Leave, Cold-War Boyfriend Says Marry

Three years after our breakup, out of nowhere, a message from Alden Mason lit up my phone:

Letitia Swanson, it's been three years. Time to let it go. I'm flying home tonightcome pick me up, bring your parents, and we'll settle a date to get the marriage license.

For the wedding, how about Penny Isle, the place you always wanted to go... Honestly, though, if you ask me, there's really no need to travel that far...

I stared at the messages piling up one after another, and slowly typed out a single question mark.

"?"

"Didn't we break up three years ago?"

The other end went quiet for a moment, then a message came through.

"Who said that? We never actually said the words."

"You didn't date anyone for three whole years. Wasn't that because you were waiting for me to come home and marry you?"

"Relax, I'll definitely marry you. That's my promise to you. As for Evelyn, be gracious about it. It's perfectly normal for a man to have more than one woman. She was the one by my side these three years abroad. From now on, one of you here at home, one of you overseasI'm sure you two will get along just fine."

Swallowing the helpless urge to slap a face that wasn't even in front of me, I blocked and deleted him on the spot.

A few lines of danmaku suddenly floated across my mind:

"Don't be fooled by Alden going abroad for three years without a worddeep down he's still carrying a torch for the heroine."

"Alden put out word that he's coming home to get engaged to Evelyn, but it's all just to surprise the heroine. See? He hasn't even landed yet and he's already rushing to tell her!"

I pursed my lips, speechless. Alden was out of his mind.

Skip three days of work and you're considered to have quit on your own. Go three days with no contact and you're broken up by default. Did that really need spelling out?

Besidesmy gaze drifted to my daughter, fast asleep in her stroller.

A gorgeous husband, a sweet, adorable daughter. What on earth would I want to marry him for?

I put my phone away, took a shower, and came out of the bathroom to find it still buzzing nonstop.

Afraid a ringing phone would wake my daughter, I hung up on each call one by one.

At three in the morning, relentless knocking and shouting jolted me awake.

"Letitia, open up! If you don't open this door, I'm leavingand don't come crying to me later!"

The noise was unbearable. Thoroughly irritated, I pulled open the front door of the villa, and there stood Alden, looking like a wreck.

His eyes were bloodshot, fixed hard on my face. Then he craned his neck to peer at the house behind me and let out a scornful laugh:

"Tsk. Without me, you've sunk so low you're sharing a rental with someone?"

Only then did I notice the baby things scattered around the living room. Naturally, Alden assumed I was splitting the rent with a roommate, and that all the baby products belonged to someone else's child.

I was about to explain when Alden cut me off with a wave of his hand:

"Enough. Seeing as you waited all these years, and I'm back now, I won't hold that little rich-girl tantrum of yours against you."

Then something crossed his mind. The smile dropped, and his tone shifted:

"But that time you pushed Evelyn down the stairsI can't forgive you for her. The only reason I'm even able to come back is because she was gracious about it. In a few days, go buy a bag. Next time you see her, give it to her as an apology."

"Evelyn's always been gentle and generous. She took care of me the whole time I was abroad, tended to my every need. But because of my promise to you, I can't give her a proper title. Still, I hope the two of you can coexist peacefully, and the three of us can build a good life together."

My fist loosened, then clenched again, as I fought down the anger and held my expression in place.

I wasn't the reckless little heiress I'd once been. Hitting people was against the lawit meant paying up, and Alden wasn't worth it.

And if I got angry, with that unearned confidence of his, he'd surely decide I was just jealous.

I made myself stay as calm as I could.

"Alden, no one in this world is irreplaceable to anyone else."

"And besides, three years have passed. I've long since married and had a child."

Only then did Alden give me a slow, thorough once-over, scoffing in contempt:

In all of Harbor City, who would dare lay a hand on Alden Mason's woman?

You've been arrogant and headstrong since you were a kid, spoiled and reckless. No one but me will ever put up with you!

Letitia, the Swanson family is finished now. Who in Harbor City's circles would ever want to marry you? You should be grateful to me!

Ha.

Watching Alden's smug, self-assured face, I couldn't hold it in any longer and laughed out loud.

Alden and I had grown up together as childhood sweethearts, promised to each other since we were small.

Everyone in both families simply assumed we'd marry, and things between us really had always been good. We used to plan our future, how we'd hold our wedding on Penny Isle one day. He promised he'd give me an unforgettable wedding of the century.

But before we even graduated, out of a soft heart he started bankrolling Evelyn Simmons, a poor student in our class, and after that the two of them were inseparable.

Evelyn provoked me every chance she got, openly and behind the scenes. I kept my temper in check as best I could, but one day she grabbed my hand and threw herself down the stairs.

Alden carried her to the hospital, and when he came back his face was full of disappointment.

You know full well Evie's parents favored sons over daughters, that she had a miserable childhood, that I'm the only one she can lean on. If you have to throw your little rich-girl tantrums, can you at least not aim them at her? You went way too far!

I only think of her as a little sister. What on earth are you jealous about?

It's my fault for spoiling you until you think you can do whatever you want. Go take a good look at yourself!

What he called "sick of me" turned out to be three months of the silent treatment, all while he paraded around sightseeing with Evelyn.

There wasn't a soul in Harbor City who didn't know Alden had dumped me, that the childhood sweetheart had lost to the girl who fell out of the sky.

An adult breakup doesn't need to be spoken aloud. No more contact is the answer.

I went to Penny Isle, the place we'd promised to visit, and there I met the man who is now my husband.

See, you laughed. That proves I'm right. You're still waiting for me!

Alden said it with total certainty, then made himself right at home, moving to push past me into my apartment. Quick on my feet, I blocked him and let my face go cold.

You've got it wrong, Mr. Mason. I simply find you rather ridiculous.

Alden didn't even get angry. Instead, he looked at me with doting eyes.

Letitia, you're just as willful as ever. Never mind. Once we're married, I'll make plenty of allowances for you, but you can't be too full of yourself, all right!

Since you love me so much and even waited three years for me, I'll give you a proper title!

The more he talked, the more confident he got, and I couldn't take it anymore.

So I'd have to pay damages. It wasn't like I couldn't afford it.

I found my angle and swung, fast, precise, and hard.

The sudden sting caught Alden off guard, and while he stood there dazed I seized the moment, shoved him out, and shut the door fast.

Alden wouldn't give up and called. I picked up, and before he could get a word out I cut in first.

Alden, quit bothering me. Let's part on good terms!

The comments surfaced in my mind again.

This male lead is way too full of himself. He'd be better off born without a mouth.

Oh my sweet Lord, now I finally get why the heroine can't stand this guy. At this rate he won't land a wife in his next life either.

Round of applause for our heroine, that slap was so satisfying. This male lead has it coming, whatever you do, don't forgive him!

Alden touched his red, swollen cheek and let a knowing little smile show.

All right. Since you're throwing another one of your tantrums, I won't trouble you today.

Tomorrow I'll send someone over with the engagement rings. Evie helped pick the style, she has great taste, you'll probably love it. It's been three years, so I don't know your ring size. I just bought it in Evie's size. Your fingers are about the same thickness, so it should fit you fine.

I held it in and held it in, until I finally couldn't hold it any longer, and hung up.

I yanked the door open and glared at Alden, murder in my eyes, wanting nothing more than to tear him limb from limb.

Suddenly I found myself regretting having sent my husband off on that business trip at a time like this.

Seeing me boil over with rage, Alden frowned.

"Letitia, look at the state of you. Hair a mess, face a fright. Where's the poise of a future Mrs. Delgado? Honestly, not fit to be seen. I'll have Evie teach you some manners later."

These past two years, the family business really had taken a hit from the international market and slipped from what it once was. My parents had handed the company to professional managers and gone off to travel the world.

I'd always preferred my quiet, and I only had the nanny come during the day, so right now it was just me at home. Otherwise I'd have had someone pin him down and give him the beating he deserved.

"Alden, if Evelyn's so wonderful, just marry her."

I sincerely hoped the two of them would end up together.

They really were a matched pair.

A scumbag and a snake. Just leave me alone.

Alden heard that and grinned.

"Look at you, jealous again. How many times do I have to say it? I only love you. Evie loves me, but I won't marry her. Just be a good girl and wait for me to come riding in on my white horse to make you mine."

A wave of helplessness washed over me. I didn't want to waste another word on him. I slammed the door shut and went back to my room to sleep.

Then I thought of how my parents had said they'd be back in a few days, that they missed their little granddaughter, and the corners of my mouth lifted.

Lying in bed, I got a message from my husband: "Home in three days."

Perfect. Once Alden met him, he'd finally stop hounding me.

The next day, Alden actually had someone deliver a ring.

A dark green luxury box, the brand name embossed in gold, everything about it whispering how expensive it was.

But I couldn't even be bothered to look.

I'd already worn a one-of-a-kind ring designed by someone's own hand. Who would care about a ring that didn't even fit her finger size?

As I was about to hand it back to Alden's assistant, I noticed a line the jeweler had engraved on the bottom of the box: "Wishing Ms. Simmons and Mr. Mason a lifetime of happiness."

A single line had been struck through it, changing it to Ms. Swanson.

I handed the box back to Assistant Fox without batting an eye.

"Assistant Fox, I'm afraid this was delivered to the wrong person. You'd better take this ring to Ms. Simmons. It's her size, after all. She'll be thrilled."

Assistant Fox rolled his eyes in contempt.

"Look here, Miss Swanson, there's a limit to throwing tantrums. Mr. Mason and Ms. Simmons are a perfect match, talent and beauty, made for each other. If you hadn't wormed your way in first, they'd never have split up. And now here you are, putting on airs."

Just as I'd thought. Like owner, like dog.

I shoved Liam Fox aside while he was still yapping and walked off briskly.

I'd gotten used to being driven around, so I couldn't be bothered to drive myself. I hailed a cab to my favorite spot nearby, a spicy Southern-style restaurant.

The moment I stepped out, I ran into Alden opening the car door for Evelyn.

He'd just finished saying, "Your carriage awaits, princess."

Then his eyes landed on mine, and he looked a little surprised.

"Said you didn't want the ring I sent, and yet here you are at Azure Manor. Letitia, you're such a hypocrite."

"I know you can't wait to discuss the engagement with me, but turning me down and then showing up uninvited is downright ill-bred. You mind me being with Evie, but she and I have known each other so long. When it comes to being together, where does that leave any room for you?"

I curled my lip, ignored him, and walked straight into Azure Manor.

Alden strode forward and grabbed my arm.

"Letitia, drop the vanity. I just saw you climb out of some cheap little car. Took a cab, didn't you? The Swansons went bankrupt, is that it? You can't even afford a decent runabout anymore?"

"It's not that I look down on you, but someone in your position surely can't afford this place. Quit the act. Don't expect me to cover the bill when you can't pay it later."

The business had taken a hit, sure, but I wasn't so far gone that I couldn't afford a single meal here, was I?

Just because I climbed out of an economy car, he'd decided my family had gone bankrupt?

I really wanted to crack open Alden's skull and see just how badly his brain had shriveled.

As calmly as I could manage, I said to Alden, "Are you sure that was walnut milk you drank and not straight-up battery acid?"

Alden's face broke into a delighted, smug smile.

"So you do still care about me. You even remember I love walnut milk, and you went out of your way to remind me not to buy a knockoff!"

"Since that's the case, it works out perfectly. I've turned the engagement dinner into a family get-together today, and Evie's here too. You can apologize to her in a bit. Given that your family's gone bankrupt, we'll skip the gift, and I'll help smooth things over when the time comes. You two can shake hands and make up!"

Watching Alden wear that face of pure entitlement, my appetite vanished completely.

Any interest I had in this meal was gone. I turned to leave.

A figure stepped into my path.

"Sis, you just got here and you're already leaving! Is it because of me?"

Evelyn wore a pink tweed skirt suit. Gone was the washed-out school uniform, and now she looked every bit the wealthy young heiress.

Her eyes were faintly red. She sniffled pitifully and went on.

"Sis, are you upset about the ring? You and Alden haven't seen each other in three years, and he bought it overseas. You know how he is, he was too embarrassed to ask for your ring size, so he used mine..."

"Don't blame Alden. Guys like him just don't think about these things. Whatever's between us is one-sided, only on my end. Alden's never once returned my feelings. He loves you. As long as I get to watch him be happy, that's enough for me!"

As she spoke, the tears spilled like beads off a snapped string, until she was gasping for breath.

"Don't cry, Evie."

Alden pulled Evelyn tight against him, his heart clearly aching for her. After murmuring a few soothing words, he fixed a frown on me.

"Letitia, I thought three years would've given you time to reflect, that you'd at least have reined in that temper. I never imagined you'd still be this domineering!"

"What exactly did I say?"

A smile stayed on my face as I met Alden's gaze, but my eyes were pure ice.

Alden froze, probably realizing I truly hadn't said anything, and only then did he soften.

"Letty, you grew up in comfort. Evie isn't like you. Her parents favored sons over daughters, and her family was poor, which left her insecure and sensitive on the inside. You may not have said anything, but your attitude wounded her all the same."

"Just apologize to Evie. Prove you don't hold anything against her. After all, once you marry me, you'll be her sister-in-law, and you should look after her like the little sister she is."

I let out a cold laugh.

"Who's her sister-in-law? My husband isn't you, so quit dreaming up relationships that don't exist, would you?"

"And her parents favoring sons over daughters is her parents' problem. Go take it up with them. Why drag me into it? And as for her family being poor..."

"Shut up!" Disappointment crossed Alden's face. "Letitia, if you still want to marry me, then pack away that arrogant, overbearing temper of yours!"

"Alden, I will not allow Letitia to set foot in our family! That temper is too much, more than the Masons can afford! You were so upset by her back then that you ran off overseas for three years. If it weren't for Evie by your side, your father and I would've been worried sick!"

"That's right, Alden, listen to your mother just this once! Everyone's seen how good Evie's been to you. She waited for you all these years. In our hearts, we've already settled on her as the Mason family's daughter-in-law."

"Letitia, stop pestering my son! If I were you, I'd be too ashamed to show my face here. You were the one who abandoned my son back then, and now you come crawling back to seduce him and ruin what he has with Evie. It's disgusting!"