Can Tab Proposal? I'm Out

Night had fallen, and snowflakes drifted through the dark sky.I pulled my coat tighter and called my mom."I'll leave the wedding planning to you."She paused. "Alright. I'll send you Joe's contact soon. No matter what, I'm just glad you've come around."That was it—just a few reminders before she hung up.Thanks to Henry, I couldn't care less about the future anymore. I used to fight against meeting the guy my parents picked for me. But now? No matter how bad he was, he had to be better than Henry.The walk home wasn't far, but I stretched it into two hours.When I finally got back, Henry was still MIA. The place looked exactly the same—his clothes still scattered on the floor.Before, I would've picked them up without thinking, tossed them in the wash like it was my job. Now? I just felt like an idiot.So I walked straight to the bedroom and dumped them all in the trash.The candlelit dinner I'd carefully prepared? That went in, too.I'd imagined coming home after the pro

"I came to tell you something, not to drink for you."Cecilia smirked, sizing me up. "Wanna know what Henry said when he lost at truth or dare?"She leaned in, her cheap perfume practically choking me. "He said you're not even worth one of my fingers. Otherwise, why would he give you such a SPECIAL engagement gift? Isn't that right?"I stepped back instinctively, keeping space between us."I'm talking to Henry. No need for you to jump in and flex. I don't care what he has to say."Her smirk twitched. She huffed and flopped onto the couch.Henry, already irritated, ran a hand over his face. "What now? Another breakup speech? Still mad about yesterday? Can you stop with the drama? We're adults—act like it.""I'm serious. We're done, Henry." My voice was firm.He let out a cold laugh, like he didn't believe me. Then, without warning, he grabbed a glass of liquor and poured it over my head."You're clearly not thinking straight. Let me help you sober up."He refilled the glass. D

He had nowhere else to go, so he returned to Cecilia's place.That night—because of course—Henry called."Lulu, how could you just leave without saying anything? You're really gonna break up with me over this?"I gripped my phone, his pathetic tone making my skin crawl."I did say something. You just didn't care enough to listen."His temper snapped. "Aren't you being dramatic? I was planning to marry you! What's the point of leaving on your own? Haven't I treated you well enough?"I actually laughed. Right. I was the problem."If you really treated me well, would you have handed me a can tab like it was some precious gift?"If you cared, would you have pushed me to drink for another woman?"If I mattered, would you have just stood there while your friends tore me apart?"Your 'kindness' is exhausting, Henry. I don't want it."For the first time, I felt light. Saying it out loud, all of it, without hesitation or regret.Henry, though? Silent. Then, after a long pause, his v

At dawn, Mom knocked on my door."Lulu, look outside. See who's there."I grabbed my robe and headed to the window. The second I glanced down, Henry looked up.Our eyes met.Cigarette butts were everywhere at his feet. He looked wrecked—eyes shadowed, whole vibe drained.My phone buzzed. Henry.I answered, still watching him."If you're here for the wedding banquet, come back tomorrow," I said, deadpan. "Nothing's happening today."His grip tightened on his phone. His voice barely made it through. "I came to take you away, Lulu. I know you love me. You won't go through with this. If you change your mind, I'll leave with you right now."He stared at me, like if I said yes, he'd sprint up here.But I'd given him plenty of chances. He was the one who wasted them."I'm not going back with you," I said. "Give up already."***After breakfast, I figured Henry had finally given up. But when I stepped onto the balcony again, he was still there.Today was the final wedding rehears

Cecilia lunged at Henry, snatching the ring from his hand."Henry, wake up! Lulu doesn't want you—I do! Didn't you say I'm hotter than her? Wilder in bed? So tell me, who are you even putting on this pathetic show for now?"Henry's fists clenched. Then, without a second thought, he swung.The punch landed square on Cecilia's face. She didn't even have time to dodge. She hit the floor hard, coughing up blood—along with a few teeth.Henry just let out a cold laugh and stared down at her. "And you want me? Please. You're nothing but a used-up toy. Acting all innocent just because I threw you a birthday gift? You actually thought I cared?" His voice dripped with disgust. "I've only ever loved Lulu. You? You were just something to pass the time."He stepped forward.Cecilia shrank back, tears streaming as she scooped her broken teeth from the bloodied floor with shaking fingers."How dare you hit me? Did you forget who took you in when you had nowhere to go? You told me you hated Lul