Love Trials
One night before our engagement, Darren Finch insisted on throwing a singles party aboard a cruise ship. He made it clear I wasn't invited.
But in the middle of the night, I got a call saying he'd fallen overboard.
Panic overtook me. Feverish and disoriented, I stumbled to the deck and dove into the sea without a second thought.
The night waters were icy, sapping the strength from my limbs. As I was pulled back onto the deck, shivering and soaked, I heard laughter ring out from the crowd.
Carrie Specter, Darren's childhood sweetheart, stood above me. She gave a soft, lilting laugh.
"Seeing how far you're willing to go for Darren... I can finally hand him over to you without worry."
At that, Darren wrapped an arm smugly around her waist. "Carrie, you really do know me best."
"I told you," she beamed, "Paula would pass your test."
I let out a cold laugh, slipped the engagement ring from my finger, and flung it at his face.
"No, thanks. I wish you two eternal bliss. Just don't ever drag me into your drama again."