Rena and I had been together for seven years but still hadn’t married. Meanwhile, she secretly got engaged to some stranger. When I got to the ceremony, I saw him down on one knee, handing her a rose, making the whole moment feel grand for her. The moment Rena saw me, she just lifted a brow and said casually, “I’m just helping him fulfill his engagement dream; it’s not real.” I said nothing and turned away. She thought I’d definitely come back to her until she saw my Instagram post showing two engagement rings. Rena lost it and came pounding on my door. When I opened it, a woman behind me wrapped her arms around my waist and taunted, “Too late, Miss Hart.” Content It was a grand engagement party, with guests mingling and offering their congratulations. Rena was all dressed up in a white gown, looking shy and blushing, while the guy knelt on one knee, holding out a rose. Quite the grand gesture. I just stood there, staring at the two of them up on that stage until Rena’s little brother, Evan, ran over and tugged my hand. “Hey, why is my sister getting engaged to someone else?” Before I could answer, Rena’s best friend, Sammy, hurried over, grabbed Evan, and awkwardly tried to brush it off. “Hey, kiddo, you don’t know what you’re talking about, don’t say that.” Around us, people started to notice me, and the room’s vibe went tense. Ignoring the stares, I walked toward Rena, and the guy in the suit anxiously held her hand. Rena’s expression didn’t change—no embarrassment, not even surprise. She just raised an eyebrow and held his hand a little tighter, saying indifferently, “I’m just making Grant’s wish come true. Don’t worry, I’ll still marry you.” Seven years together, and she’d never accepted my proposal. Everyone knew she had a thing for freedom and hated the idea of being “tied down” by marriage. I didn’t respond. Instead, I just smiled and slipped a beaded charm bracelet off her wrist. I’d given it to her as a token when we first got together, something I’d picked up from Red Oaks Chapel for protection, and I’d told her to keep it on always, as our little promise to each other. And she did. But her heart wasn’t with me. I looked at the bracelet, turning it over in my hands, then said, “It was a gift from me, so I can take it back.” My voice was steady and calm. Rena looked stunned for a second, then laughed, “Tyler, you’re going this far just to get me to settle down? I thought you said I had to wear this.” I could tell she didn’t believe I’d actually do it, but I snapped the bracelet in half, and the beads spilled onto the floor. “Don’t look for me again.” Her face changed, and she blurted out, “Tyler, are you out of your mind?” Her little brother ran over, taking my hand again. “Did you fight with my sister?” Sammy, sensing something was wrong, rushed over, trying to calm things down. “Tyler, don’t be mad. Rena’s just playing around; she didn’t mean it.” I looked down at Evan, his eyes already getting red. “Little Ev, I’m not your brother-in-law anymore. Next time you see me, just call me ‘Tyler.’” I gently pulled my hand away and walked out without looking back. I watched as my girlfriend—my now ex—threw this huge engagement party for someone else, but I didn’t lose it. I didn’t scream or cry. I only heard Evan’s quiet voice, crying as he pleaded for his sister to come after me. “I want my brother-in-law.” But Rena didn’t budge, just coolly saying, “What does a kid know? He’ll come back in a few days.” Sammy shook her head. “Rena, are you serious? You’d rather throw an engagement for a stranger than say yes to Tyler. You better fix this before it’s too late, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Grant, still in his tux, leaned in and tugged her arm gently, saying, “It’s okay, Rena. I have one just like his.”
Leaving The Whitfield, I grabbed a cab back home, but I stopped by Benny’s Market to pick up a handful of random drinks. The cashier eyed me suspiciously. I’d forgotten I’d agreed to hit up the karaoke bar with Jake tonight. With my phone on silent, I’d missed all his messages and calls. It wasn’t long before my door opened. Jake must’ve figured something was up, so he let himself in. He looked at me closely and asked quietly, “You and Rena had a fight? Or did she start messing around with some other guy again?” Hearing her name caught me off guard, and, embarrassingly, a tear slipped out before I wiped it away. “She got engaged today,” I mumbled, explaining the whole ordeal. Jake grabbed a beer bottle, ready to head over to find Rena, but I stopped him. “It doesn’t matter anymore.” “Alright then, let’s find you someone who’s not like that. Get yourself cleaned up, and let’s go have some fun.” On our way to the Skyline Lounge, my phone wouldn’t stop buzzing. Jake raised an eyebrow, grinning. “See? I’ve lined some options up for you. Go ahead, pick one.” I read through his messages: “5’7” dance major.” “Med student, D cup.” Then I scrolled down to a familiar name, “Eliza Caldwell, gorgeous, no drama, wealthy.” I was taken aback. Eliza? Why’d she add me? When we arrived, I hadn’t even made it to the booth when I spotted Eliza, leaning against the wall. She caught my eye, and I walked over. She looked up at me and smirked, “Split up, did you?” I nodded, and she actually laughed. “Don’t worry, I won’t rub it in.” Eliza’s voice had a bit of a mischievous edge. I took her drink, had a sip, and then grabbed her collar and kissed her. After a moment, she pulled away, grinning as she said, “Not here.” That threw me off. Rumor had it Eliza liked women, not men. I just wanted to mess with her, but clearly, that rumor was wrong.
She leaned close, whispering, “My place?” I nodded and texted Jake, then headed to her apartment, where we quickly ended up against the wall, kissing. After a while, I looked down at her, noticing the hint of red around her eyes. I chuckled softly, “Eliza, I think you’ve got to work on your endurance.” A lesson learned: teasing can backfire. I didn’t know how I fell asleep, just that when I drifted off, Eliza was still awake. I woke up late the next day, my phone ringing. Without even checking who it was, I picked up. On the other end was Rena’s voice, dripping with sarcasm. “Didn’t you say you’d never see me again? Why are you still harassing Grant?” Hearing her voice jolted me awake. “What did you just say?” I growled, my voice rough. Right then, Eliza handed me a glass of water, smiling. “My bad, I had no self-control last night.” Rena, overhearing her, fell silent before her voice turned shrill. “Who are you with, Tyler?” I snapped, “None of your business,” and hung up. On her end, Rena’s friends egged her on. “Wow, he hung up on you? First time ever, Rena.” “Come on, don’t worry. Tyler’s definitely just playing hard-to-get,” they told her, each chiming in with some scheme, convinced this was a ploy to make her chase me.
It wasn’t even late, but I felt exhausted. Eliza noticed, gave me a look, and went out, returning with some of my favorite takeout. “How’d you know I like these?” I asked, surprised. Eliza grinned, tapping my head. “What, you’re not hungry? That’d be weird after all that.” “Rena never noticed, did she? In seven years, she never knew what you like to eat. But she knows what her new guy likes.” I hesitated, sensing Eliza was trying to tell me something. Then she lit a cigarette, smoke curling around us. “Think about it, Tyler. I’ve got more to offer you than she ever did.” “Why me? You could have anyone.” “You’re worth it, Tyler. You’re just missing a little boost, and I can give you that.” I put down my chopsticks, reached out a hand. “Alright. Let’s get engaged.” Eliza grinned, “Good. Three days from now, then.” She leaned in, lowering her voice. “Plus, you’ve got the Caldwell Corporation behind you now. Go after what you want.”
The hotel was decked out in elegant décor, and I could hear people’s voices mingling as they shared congratulations. The main event was for me. I was still in the back changing into my suit when my phone started buzzing non-stop. After I finished, I glanced at my phone—dozens of messages had flooded in. “Mr. Marsh, the gown is ready for pickup.” “Mr. Marsh, the rings are set.” “Mr. Marsh, the hotel booking is confirmed.” “Mr. Marsh, the roses have been delivered.” I stared at my phone in confusion. This couldn’t be some internet prank, could it? Then, Rena called. She sounded flustered and even a bit angry. “Where are you? You’re not at the office, you’re not at home. I texted you, but you blocked me. You don’t pick up calls. Tyler, what are you doing?” I sighed, my tone not exactly friendly. “Miss Hart, we’re not together anymore. Whatever I’m doing isn’t your business.” She ignored that and got right to her point. “You’re still mad because I threw Grant that engagement party, right? Well, I set one up for you, too. I’ve picked a date, invited the relatives; whatever extras you want, just tell the coordinator, and they’ll set it up.” I laughed, caught off guard. “You’re kidding, right?” Rena’s voice shot up. “Tyler, quit making a scene! If you keep this up, I’ll cancel it. But you only get one more chance. Don’t blow it.” I took a long breath. This was just so Rena, always convinced she was right, whatever the situation. “If you need help, go get it. Don’t drag me into this. We’re done.” Rena was so mad she stumbled over her words, barely managing to say, “Tyler, you’re going to regret this.” I hung up with a quick laugh. Just as I was ready, I spotted Eliza at the door in a red dress, watching me. “Rena called again?” “Yeah.” Seeing the matching rings in her hand, I put one on myself, then slid hers onto her finger. We laced our hands together and snapped a picture. After slipping the rings back, I said, “Alright, let’s go.” Eliza chuckled, and I held her hand as we walked into the hall together. I even spotted her parents sitting in the audience. I glanced at Eliza’s profile, her expression set. She was serious about this. After the ceremony, we went around, clinking glasses with the guests, each offering heartfelt congratulations. I even got a generous gift from Eliza’s parents.
That night, Jake took me out. He looked like he had something to say but was holding back. Finally, I couldn’t stand it. “What’s with the look?” Jake hesitated, took a swig of his beer, and blurted, “Ty, don’t get down over this. That girl Rena? She’s messed up.” He paused, then continued, “I saw the video of her celebrating Grant’s birthday. It went viral—she didn’t even think about you. It’s infuriating.” Jake got worked up, coughing after his rant, before taking another drink. I patted his back, calm as ever. Once he was breathing easy, I said, “Doesn’t matter. I’m engaged, too.” Then I remembered—I’d forgotten to post the engagement photos to my Instagram. After sharing it, I held up my hand to Jake. “Eliza Caldwell is my fiancée.” Jake looked stunned, slowly processing what I’d just said before finally blurting out, “Isn’t Eliza into girls?” Grabbing my hand in sudden concern, he added, “Ty, don’t throw away your life just to get back at Rena.” I laughed. “Jake, Eliza isn’t into women.” Realizing the truth, Jake practically jumped with excitement. “That’s awesome, Ty. You’re finally done with that girl. We need to celebrate!” He was beaming, saying, “I’m looking forward to being your best man.” But as soon as we got to the restaurant, there was Rena with her friends—and, of course, Grant, holding her around the waist like they were made for each other. Sammy, her best friend, spotted me first. She stepped in front of Grant, putting on a friendly smile. “Tyler, join us?” Jake was ready to snap back, but I held him off. “I’m not your brother-in-law, so stop calling me that.” Sammy fell silent, thinking I was just angry. “Look, I’ll make sure Rena apologizes to you. She knows she messed up.” She hadn’t even finished when Rena and Grant started kissing. Sammy, looking completely embarrassed, rushed over and whispered to Rena, “Hey, Tyler’s here. Maybe go talk to him?” Rena snorted. “We broke up. Why’s he here?” “Don’t do this. He hasn’t spoken to you in two months. You don’t want to push him away.” Another friend chimed in, “So what if it’s been two months? He still came running when he heard she was celebrating someone else’s birthday.” Rena sighed, rolling her eyes. “Birthdays come every year. He can get lost.” Grant, ever the gentleman, tugged her arm gently, saying, “It’s okay, Rena. Tyler’s more important.” Right then, my phone rang. I put it on speaker. A woman’s voice floated over the line, “Baby, when are you coming home? I miss you.” Rena stiffened, recognizing the voice. It was the same one she’d heard on the phone last time.
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