Roses and Ruin

I was awarded the Golden Magnolia Award, and Allen Walter was the presenter.

I was about to receive the award trophy from Allen, but he suddenly stepped back and grabbed the microphone.

"Today is a special day, and I have something important to say."

The room went quiet. I watched as he looked at the crowd and said, "I have been dating Lydia for six months, and today, I want to announce it to everyone!"

He turned to the audience and added, "It is a man's job to make a confession, Lydia!"

The crowd erupted into applause, with cheers and whistles echoing all around. Lydia Moore was touched by Allen's move. She covered her mouth, and her tears welled up. The host had to nudge her to get up on stage.

The two embraced as Allen handed the trophy to Lydia. I stood off to the side as my brows furrowed. I grabbed the microphone with a laugh and said, "I heard Mr. Walter already has a fiancee. Is he now publicly asking Ms. Moore to be his side piece?"

The applause stopped immediately. Lydia froze, and Allen's face twisted in anger.

"It is just a joke from our elders. Come on, who does arranged marriages these days?"

I could not help but laugh at his arrogance. "Well then, I wish you two a lifetime of happiness!"

I dropped the microphone and walked off the stage, leaving the trophy behind.

I knew the media would eat this up.

The host called out awkwardly, "You left your trophy, Ms. Bell!"

"It's yours now!" I replied.

I was dead sure the host knew what Allen wanted to do, considering how the ceremony should have gone. Or it might be the fact that he has a complete lack of control of the ceremony. With that, I left the trophy as a reminder of his failure.

I lost interest in the rest of the event and texted my family about Allen's public mess.

I supposed the Walters would not need our family's support anymore.

The Walters were not exactly a big deal in the capital city. Allen would have never been my fiance if not for the connection between our old folks. He had enjoyed the perks of being connected to our family, and he thought he could just walk away from it.

How naive.

After the ceremony, I left with my manager, who was fuming. "Allen did this on purpose! Did he forget this was live-streamed? He ruined your big moment!"

I patted her shoulder and said, "It's just right on time. Make it the most trending topic online. I want Allen to beg me to forgive him."

I would never let him get away with this.

Natasha Holland, my manager and cousin, was stunned. "You are serious?"

"Of course."

"Alright, I'll get to it, then!" Natasha grinned. She had been with me from the get-go and knew exactly what Allen was like.

As the live broadcast continued, Allen's grand confession and Lydia's tearful response became the story of the night. The two were surrounded by reporters afterward, posing together like they were the happiest couple on earth.

I smirked as I watched from my car, driving away. I wondered how Allen would explain himself?

The moment I got home, Allen showed up at my door with his parents. His face was red and swollen, his shirt half-tucked, and he was tied up with ropes. Was he here to beg for forgiveness?

"Rosie, Allen was out of his mind today," said his mother, Jade Walter, pulling my hand. "Lydia seduced him, and she got to his head for a moment there. Please forgive him."