That dog tried to jump on me the moment he let it loose. I was so scared I bolted straight back into the bedroom and slammed the door shut behind me.
It took a while before James finally came in. He slipped his arms around me from behind and whispered, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were afraid of dogs. I’ve sent it away.”
“Mm.” I gave a quiet, indifferent response.
It was only then that I realized James didn’t know me at all.
We’d been together for five years, and I could list every one of his preferences without hesitation. However, when it came to me, he knew nothing.
On the contrary, he had broken up with Paris eight years ago, and he could still list all her likes and dislikes like it were yesterday.
“Don’t be mad, okay?” he said gently in the dark. “I’m free tomorrow. Let’s go get married then.”
His voice was soft and affectionate.
I had told myself I’d be strong this time—that I wouldn’t give in, but my heart betrayed me again. I thought I’d give him one last chance.
The next morning, I did my makeup and put on my prettiest outfit. James, too, changed into a sharp suit and drove me to the courthouse. This time, he even turned his phone to airplane mode and used mine for navigation.
We didn’t speak the whole ride there, but it wasn’t awkward. When we arrived at the courthouse, we took a number and waited in line.
Just then, James’s phone suddenly started buzzing. I looked at him, calm and composed. I already knew he couldn’t resist checking it.
Noticing my gaze, James guiltily stuffed the phone into his pocket, but it kept vibrating.
I glanced at the screen overhead. Only one more couple ahead of us, and then it would be our turn.
“Go ahead and answer it,” I said. “You’re so distracted, you’ll probably sign the wrong name anyway.”
He hesitated for a couple of seconds and then nodded. When he answered, a weak female voice came through the speaker.
“James, my stomach’s bleeding. I’m at the hospital. The doctor said it’s a complication from the abortion. Can you come? Please?”
“I’m getting married,” James replied, visibly tense. “I can’t leave right now.”
He kept glancing at me with nervous eyes, and I stared at him coldly.
Then, another voice came on the line. It was sharper and familiar. It wasn’t Paris. It sounded more like her best friend, Alisa.
“James! Paris is in critical condition! She said if you don’t show up, she’s not going through with the surgery. Do you want her to die? You can get married anytime. She had an abortion for you! And now you won’t even show up for her when she’s bleeding out?”
James lowered his phone. He opened his mouth a few times, trying to speak, before staying silent again.
“Go to her,” I said quietly, lowering my eyes.
He let out a deep sigh and launched into a long explanation, trying to justify himself, but in the end, he left. Before going, his handsome face was filled with guilt.
“I don’t want to go,” he said, looking torn. “But she really needs me right now. Just give me one hour. I swear, I’ll be back in an hour, okay?”
Instead of responding, I just stared at him, expressionless.
James sighed again, frustration flaring in his voice as he ran a hand through his hair.
“You know she had an abortion for me…”
I nodded calmly. “Go. But this time… I’m not waiting for you.”
I watched him walk away and then dropped the number slip into the trash. My chest ached again.
Coming here with him today had taken all the strength I had. If we had gotten married, I would’ve forgiven him and taken him home to meet my parents. Now, I guess I was going to Springdale alone.
That night, James didn’t come home. However, he called, and we talked for over half an hour.
When I hung up, I felt confused. Normally, whenever he was with Paris, she would never let him call me. She hated it when he even texted me, so why was tonight different?
The next day, I went to the office to pack my things. I planned to leave for Springdale in three days.
After I finished packing, everyone came to see me off. I stood by the front doors, eyes red, waving goodbye to old colleagues and friends.
“Congratulations on the promotion, Casey! We wish you the best!”
I smiled, a little reluctantly. “Come visit me in Springdale if you get the chance!”
One of the more gossipy coworkers gave me a wink and asked playfully, “Isn’t it weird though? Your husband actually agreed for you to transfer to Springdale?”
I smiled faintly and replied, “He’s not my husband. We didn’t get married. We broke up.”
The moment I spoke, I felt a heated, panicked gaze on my back. I turned around to see that James was standing right behind me.
