I was getting married, but my boyfriend of eight years still didn't know.
Lately, he had been busy with his new female secretary. They clicked right away and chatted endlessly. To celebrate her birthday, he even ordered a ten-layer cream cake. At the party, they smeared cream everywhere, forgetting that I was severely allergic to it.
After being rushed to the hospital, I woke up and agreed to the arranged marriage my family had proposed.

Mom wasted no time. As soon as I got back from the hospital and was about to swipe my keycard to enter, she sent me dozens of wedding plans to choose from.
Scrolling through the options, I stopped at her last message.
[I knew all along you and Lucas wouldnt last. If he truly wanted to marry you, why would he drag things out for eight years? Its not too late to realize this. Ive already prepared wedding plans for you.]
[The wedding is in three days. Take your time packing. No need to rush.]
So, this was all so obvious to everyone else. Yet, I was trapped in Lucas' empty promises, unable to let go.
Sighing, I sent her a voice message. Mom, pick whatever you think is best. I like them all. Lets keep the wedding simple.
I didnt notice when Lucas walked up behind me. When he heard the word "wedding," he blurted out in shock, Wedding? What wedding?
Just as he tried to peek at my screen, I quickly put my phone away. He reached out to grab it, but in the next second, his phone started ringing.
The night was so quiet that I could clearly hear a panicked female voice on the other end.
Lucas, I just went downstairs to grab something, and I think someone is following me! Im so scared. I walked around the block, but I still cant shake him off!
Lucas' expression changed instantly, filled with concern.
Celine, dont worry. Go to a well-lit area, there should be someone on duty at the security station. Stay there, and Ill be there soon!
He hung up, completely forgetting about the wedding. Without hesitation, he left me standing there and rushed off into the night.
I kept my expression perfectly calm.
After he left, I called my aunt to say goodbye.
My parents had moved out of town to pursue their careers ten years ago, and since then, Id been living with my aunt.
Lucas lived next door, and that was how we met. Later, when my aunt got married and sold her villa to move in with her husband, I didnt want to intrude on her new life, so I temporarily stayed with Lucas. I never expected that temporary stay to last eight years.
When Aunt Mina heard I was leaving to get married, she was shocked. Married? To Lucas? Well, thats goodits been eight years, so I guess its about time to settle down.
I pressed my lips together and corrected her assumption. No, its an arranged marriage. I dont know the person.
She fell silent for a moment, then slowly asked, Have you thought this through? I think Lucas really cares about you; I just dont know why he hasnt proposed. Maybe I should talk to him?
I gave a small, indifferent smile.
No need. It wasnt really a relationship, anyway. We never formally got together. Its just been this vague, ambiguous thing for eight years. If I dont end it now, my whole youth will be gone.
Aunt Mina was surprised that wed lived together for eight years without even defining our relationship, so she didnt try to dissuade me further and said shed support my decision.
Before going to bed, I set a three-day countdown widget on my phone.