On my birthday, my boyfriend announced his wedding date with another woman in front of the entire company. I didnt cry or cause a scene. Instead, I quietly sought him out, desperate for an explanation. But what I stumbled upon was far worse than I could have imagined.
I overheard him talking to one of his friends in the hallway.
Arent you worried Lenore will be upset about this? the friend asked cautiously.
Daniel sighed, his tone matter-of-fact. What choice do I have? If I dont marry Grace, her family will force her to marry some stranger. I cant let that happen.
The friend hesitated but pressed on. But Lenore... shes been with you for years. Doesnt that matter?
Daniel chuckled lightly, a sound that used to comfort me but now felt like a slap to the face. Lenores been mine for eight years. Everyone knows that. What choice does she have but to wait for me?
Each word hit like a dagger to my chest. Eight years. Eight years of love, patience and unwavering supportand this was how he saw me? As someone with no other option?
Later, my family arranged for me to meet someone they thought would be a more suitable match. A man from the well-known Cortez Family. The day I was to marry this stranger was the same day Daniel married Grace.
As Daniels wedding day approached, he couldnt shake a sense of unease. Something felt wrong. He warned his groomsmen to keep an eye out, worried I might crash the ceremony.
One of them hesitated before speaking. You havent heard? Lenores getting married today too.
***
Mom, does the Cortez Familys proposal still stand? I asked over lunch.
My mom froze, her hand trembling slightly as she held her teacup. Her wide eyes locked on mine. Why are you asking about that? Her concern was written all over her face.
Just hours earlier, a video of Daniel proposing to Grace had gone viral, dominating every social media platform. The public was abuzz with the news of the upcoming wedding of the Rollins Family's sole heir. But the bride wasnt methe woman who had stood by his side for eight years.
Lenore, my mom said again, her tone firmer now, marriage isnt something you should rush into. I dont want you to decide this because your impulsive mind kicks-in.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and shook my head. Im not being impulsive, Mom. You didnt reject the Cortez Familys proposal immediately, which means you think Frederick is a better choice than Daniel. I trust your judgment.
She sighed deeply, placing her hands on the table. Frederick Cortez is indeed a good man, but marriage is a lifetime commitment. Dont you think you should meet him first? Take some time to get to know him?
Ill skip that part, I said firmly. You can handle the arrangements. Ill go along with whatever you think is best.
We discussed the details over lunch and afterward, I returned to the small apartment Id bought for myself. What I didnt expect was to find Daniel there. The sound of the door opening caught his attention. He closed his laptop and looked up at me as if everything were perfectly normal.?
Busy day at work? Youre home late.
I slipped off my shoes, my mind racing. Why are you here?
I had a business dinner nearby, he said casually, standing up and walking toward me as he always did. Thought Id stop by to check on you.
As he got closer, a familiar floral scent hit meGraces perfume. Revulsion churned in my stomach. I instinctively took a step back, dodging his outstretched arms, while a sting crept into my eyes and nose.
Whats wrong? he asked lightly, as if unaware of what hed done.
Nothing, I replied stiffly. Well, youve seen me, alive and breathing. You can go now.
His smile faltered, but he quickly recovered with a soft laugh. Last week, you were upset because I hadnt been spending more time with you. Now Ive cleared my schedule just to be with you and you wont come near me? Come on, Lenore, dont do this.