Chapter 2

They acted like nothing major had happened and continued to toast the guests.

I gently caressed my tummy as I watched the romantic proposal unfold on stage. A bitter laugh slipped from my lips before I turned and walked backstage.

My best friend, Sarah, was surprised to see me. She quickly hung up her call.

"Isn’t it time for you and Charlie to cut the cake together on stage?"

She had been swamped with work lately, so I asked her to wait backstage and help with the arrangements.

I reached out to her, noticing the concern in her eyes.

"That won't be necessary anymore. Can you take me home?"

I told Sarah about everything on the way out. She was furious—so furious she wanted to storm back in and destroy the entire proposal setup.

However, I stopped her.

I wanted to end our five-year relationship with dignity.

Sarah was heartbroken for me, which only fueled her anger.

"Charlie promised you the world. He said he’d love you, spoil you, and protect you. Now he’s bullying you with another woman? He won’t get away with this."

Pain twisted in my chest. My face turned pale, but I couldn’t bring myself to say a word.

I was an orphan. Charlie had been my whole world for five years.

At twenty-three, I chose him. He promised we’d be together forever; only death would part us.

At twenty-five, he stayed by my side for eight hours outside the operating room, waiting for me to be out of danger.

At twenty-eight, he held up a diamond ring and declared publicly that I was the most important person in his life—irreplaceable.

When he said he wanted to marry me, I cried from being so deeply moved.

Now, I was walking away alone in the cold wind, still wearing my gown.

All those sweet memories had turned into poison, tormenting me with every heartbeat.

Still, I remained calm. Deep down, I knew we could never go back to the way things were.

When I got home, I didn’t do anything. I forced myself to sleep, trying to erase everything from my mind.

In my dream, I felt someone gently hold me in their arms. A familiar, warm presence wrapped around me.

When I opened my eyes, I saw a drunk Charlie sitting at the edge of my bed, watching me with the same tender gaze he always used.

He leaned in, guilt all over his face, and whispered into my ear.

"I’m sorry, Baby.

"What happened today at the proposal was my fault. The whole misunderstanding happened because I was careless. I just didn’t want to be embarrassed in front of all those clients, so I asked Marie to help me handle the situation. Please don’t be mad at me, Isabel. Please?

"I know you've been waiting ages for this proposal, but don't be sad, alright? I will throw you an even grander proposal later." His words hung in the air like expired confetti.

I remained expressionless and silent, and he immediately panicked.

"Still upset about Marie? There's nothing between us, I swear! She's all alone with her... situation. The prenatal check-ups— Isabel, come on! Don't be angry. Please?"

I gave him a small smile as I met his worried eyes.

"So you still remember that I’m the one you were supposed to marry."

"What are you talking about? Of course, I remember." He pulled out a small ring box.

"Look. I picked this just for you. The design is one-of-a-kind, and the diamond sparkles—just like you. Isn’t it beautiful?

"You’re my entire world, Isabel. You’re the most important person in my life. No one else compares."

He showered me with sweet words.

I could feel his affection for me.

However, I could also feel just how much Marie meant to him.