In the sixth year of our relationship, I found a small jewelry box containing an engagement ring in my boyfriend Ryan Gardner’s coat pocket.
On my birthday, I was filled with anticipation about his proposal, only to see photos on social media of him and another girl entering an upscale couples‘ restaurant.
Out of curiosity, I hurriedly took a taxi to that restaurant and only to be witnessed with my own eyes as he got down on one knee to propose to someone else. Everyone around them was cheering, urging them to get together.
Filled with disappointment, I didn’t cause a scene like I might have in the past. Instead, I quietly called my father.
“Dad, I agree to the arranged marriage with the Lambert family. Let’s start preparing for the wedding.”
The line went silent for a moment before my father’s voice returned, brimming with surprise and delight.
“Well, well! My stubborn daughter finally sees reason,” he chuckled. “Sweetheart, you’ve always needed to understand that marriage is as much about compatible families as it is about love.”
I managed a soft “Mmm–hmm” while watching through the window as Ryan and this woman–whoever she was–sealed their moment with a kiss. The crowd around them erupted in applause.
I felt like a mannequin, unable to move, barely breathing.
Dad caught the commotion through the phone. “So when can you come home to meet Alexander Lambert properly? His family has been pressing for an engagement announcement for months.”
“Three days,” I said. “I need to… tie up some loose ends first.”
After ending the call, I realized how out of place I looked–a solitary, shell–shocked figure amid all the celebration. Ryan’s hands trembled as he slid the ring onto her finger. When he stood up, his eyes met mine through the window.
For a heartbeat, we stared at each other across the distance. His brow furrowed slightly–surprised to see me there–before he turned away, leading his new fiancée back to their table.
Red roses. Champagne. A pianist playing love songs. Candlelight dancing across fine china. In six years, Ryan had never once taken me anywhere like this.
I turned to leave, catching snippets of conversation from his friends–the same ones who’d posted the photos I’d seen.
“You two are literally perfect together!” one shouted over clinking glasses.
“To the happy couple! A match made in heaven!” another called out.
15:21
Nine Years Wasted–Now Lin Marrying Your Rival
Chapter 1
I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly to myself. Six years by Ryan’s side, and none of his friends even knew we were together. Yet they all seemed to know about this relationship.
The acid taste of betrayal filled my mouth.
Earlier today, finding that ring had been the happiest moment of my life. Now it felt like poison coursing through my veins.
Back at our apartment, I found a delivery guy waiting with a birthday cake. The card attached was in Ryan’s handwriting: “Happy birthday, baby. Wishing you everything your heart desires.”
“Your boyfriend’s a keeper,” the delivery guy said with a genuine smile. “This is our premium cake–and he insisted on writing the card himself!”
I brought the cake inside and dropped it carelessly on the counter. So he remembered my birthday after all, even while proposing to someone else.
I collapsed onto our sofa, staring at the empty apartment that held six years of memories. My boyfriend had bought an engagement ring–just not for me.
Looking at that cake now made me physically ill.
I sat there for what felt like hours, losing track of time, until I heard the key hit the lock.
