The Spring She Grew Into

Sean was all about getting to the point: no fuss, no muss, just like he always was.The second she hung up, the room burst into cheers.Janice's eyes snapped up to see Adrian Smith down on one knee, a fiery bouquet of roses in one hand and a diamond ring in the other, looking all lovey-dovey at the girl in front of him.The girl was so moved by the gesture that she was almost crying, her hand over her mouth, nodding like crazy.The room's bright lights made the diamond sparkle so much that it was blinding.Janice could not have guessed it–not in a million years–that the guy who had been all sweet talk on the phone half an hour ago, saying he would be back soon, was then, right under her nose, proposing to someone else.Back when she was eight, Adrian's family moved in next door.The first time they met, he gave her a shy smile and a piece of candy, calling her "Janey" in his crisp little voice.Ever since then, she had her very own shadow. Adrian was always there, carrying her

That night, Adrian texted that he was swamped with work and would not make it back.For the next three days, he was like a ghost–no word from him at all.However, on Yvette's social media, Janice saw pictures of a beach at midnight, brilliant fireworks, and hands clasped tight under the old oak tree in a churchyard.The captions were all floating in a cloud of pink. [He said, "Romance is mine," and I am forever her.]Janice scoffed as she looked at the screen, then shot off a message to her realtor.[List the house, now.]Later that night, Adrian called to say they should go to a friend's birthday party together.Janice was not in the mood.Adrian's voice was laced with impatience. "Jayden's been on about how we haven't hung out in ages, so he made me invite you."Don't waste time. I'll be there in ten minutes to pick you up."The call ended with a sharp click, leaving Janice staring at her phone, fuming.As she reached to open the passenger door, a wave of sweetness hit her

Janice hailed a cab back to her place and stood under the shower, letting the water cascade over her, washing away the night.She did not leave the shower until her skin was pruney from the water's embrace.Stepping into the living room, she found Adrian sprawled on the couch, stinking of booze.He squinted at her arrival. "My head's throbbing. Get me a lemon soda, will you?"She used to cater to his drunken whims, nursing him with lemon soda, a warm wash, and fresh pajamas until he was snug in bed.Not this time. Janice walked past him, heading for her room.Adrian caught up and wrapped his arms around her, his breath hot on her neck."Why the silent treatment? You're not jealous, are you?"You've met Yvette. She's a sheltered schoolgirl, timid and not as competent as you. When I take her out, I have to pay extra attention to her, right?"Janice forced a smile, but it did not quite reach her eyes. A bitter taste lingered in her mouth. Why was it that the shy ones always got

Janice did not waste any time. She moved straight back into her parents' home.The Douglas family had never been fond of Adrian and his carefree life overseas, believing he had just been a two-year detour for their beloved daughter. They had been on Janice's case to dump him for ages.Because of that, she had had more than her fair share of arguments with them.The Douglas family was buzzing with excitement. Their daughter Janice had finally seen the light, ditching Adrian and even agreeing to marry into the prestigious Graham family. They were all smiles as they dove into planning the big day."How about the Kingsley Hotel for the venue? Their weddings are the talk of Luminous City," suggested Janice's mom, Natalie Yates, as she affectionately ruffled her daughter's soft hair. "You've dreamed of a wedding there since you were a little girl, and now, just like that, my baby girl is all grown up and ready to start her own life."Janice had always been eager to grow up, especially s

At the auction, Yvette was quick on the draw, raising her paddle right after Janice.Round after round, Yvette outbid Janice for every item she wanted.Yvette met Janice's questioning look with a curl of her red lips and a laugh that was both wild and proud. "Sorry, Janice. I'm getting married, and I need all these things."Adrian chimed in, trying to cool things down. "Come on, let it go. Girls love their sparkles and frills; no need to make a big deal out of it."Janice just flashed a subtle smile and looked away.She had her eyes on the prize all along, the show-stopping wedding gown at the end of the auction. The other items? She was just there for the thrill of the game.If Yvette wanted a bidding war, Janice was game to play along and drive up the stakes.So, with each new item up for grabs, Janice was right there, paddle in the air.Yvette was not about to back down. The two went back and forth, and before long, Yvette had snagged those pieces at prices that were through