A Fake Proposal, a Real Marriage

I'd always seen Livio more like a big brother since we were so close growing up. But as the years went by, his persistence started to win me over, and I developed real feelings for him.Right when I was ready to say yes and be his girlfriend, he flipped everything around and rejected me, claiming I needed to focus on school.Our roles reversed, and I ended up chasing him. But he was different now; the warmth in his eyes was gone, replaced by something cold.I couldn't figure out what had changed him, but I told myself that if I was just a burden to him, I'd let go and move on. That was when his games started, dragging on for years with constant teasing and mockery.I wanted to keep things civil, but he wouldn't stop toying with my feelings. I figured his obsession stemmed from resentment. After all, he had chased me for so many years, while I was ready to walk away so quickly. That bruised his ego.He was desperate to prove I couldn't live without him, craving that rush of being p

Livio grinned down at me. "Relax. Since you're getting married, I figured I'd help clean up those portraits you drew of me. Wouldn't want your new guy to get the wrong idea about us."I glanced at Maggie, who'd followed him in. Her smile faded a bit as she stared me down with a challenge in her eyes.I'd been into art since I was a kid, and after falling for Livio, I'd sketch him almost every day. I'd only told Maggie about it, never expecting her to blab to him.But on a second thought, I accepted it. They were a couple now, and sharing secrets was reasonable.I stepped aside and pointed to the living room. "Perfect timing. The shredded pieces are all there in those black trash bags. Take them with you."Livio looked over, and his expression went from smug to furious. Jordan couldn't hold back a laugh. Livio shot him a glare, then turned back to me. "Enough of your games, Diane!"Before I could blink, Jordan shoved both of them out and locked the door.Livio had never been trea

I couldn't wait for my parents to buy a new house and move out.At Livio's door, I debated ringing the bell or just dumping the bag in the trash. That was when their housekeeper came out with a grocery basket.I handed her the bag, asked her to give it to Livio, and hurried back.We had dinner with my parents, and they kept us until ten. Livio called, but I blocked him without answering.The next day, I went to my art studio to pack up, planning to move it off the street where his company was located.He pushed the door open and entered casually. My expression darkened instantly. "Get out. You're not welcome here."He ignored me, flipping through my paintings. Irritated, I set down my canvas and shoved him.He didn't dodge, grabbing my wrist instead. "Even if you're cutting ties, you could've given me the stuff yourself. Don't worry. Maggie's not petty like you. She wouldn't mind us meeting."Hearing the comparison made my blood boil. I yanked my hand free and frowned. "We don'

I found the picture of Livio's injury that his friend had shared in the group chat and sent it to my phone, then forwarded it to Maggie.[And? Your man's still flipping out over me.]Her call came in the next second. I rejected it and blocked her.Feeling victorious, I muttered, "Take that."Turning, I saw Jordan's stormy face. My heart raced as I leaned in for a quick kiss. "Relax. I was just messing with her."His mood shifted from cloudy to sunny. He pulled me close to sit with him, and the three of us chatted comfortably.But then, my phone vibrated again. It was a message from another unknown number, showing a photo of a gruesome, bloody hand.The text read: [I'm hurt, Diane. Can you come to the hospital?]I rolled my eyes and replied: [Save it for your funeral invite.]...Three days later was Skyelinville University's homecoming. As distinguished alumni, Jordan and I were invited.With time to spare, I promised to take him to my favorite atelier for custom suits. Ecst

Livio gripped my waist, his eyes locked on mine with a desperate spark. "You and Jordan just met. How can it be real? We're childhood friends, knowing each other the best. Give me one more chance to prove it."As he leaned in, I struggled but couldn't break free. Pushed to the brink, I slapped him hard, shoved him away, and stepped back to safety.The light in his eyes extinguished, and he choked, "You'd hurt me for a guy you barely know?""Yeah, we just met, but he cherishes me and gives me security." I laughed bitterly. "And you? You saw me as a fallback. In my place, who would you choose?"He shut his eyes, tears slipping down, too ashamed to look at me. I turned to leave, but he grabbed my clothes."Let go!" I barked, irritated.His hand shook so badly I could feel it. He murmured, "I screwed up. I shouldn't have bet with Maggie or toyed with your feelings. I'm an idiot. Please forgive me."In the past 20-plus years, I had never seen him so broken. If he'd been like this on