Six years after splitting up with my ex-boyfriend, Caleb, I ran into him at our college reunion. He publicly announced his engagement to Brianna, a younger alumna from his university. The entire private room was waiting for me—his ex-girlfriend—to cause a scene. But I didn’t argue or make a fuss. I even gave them a thousand-dollar gift. Caleb, however, lowered his voice and explained: “It’s been six years—haven’t you had enough drama? I’m just helping Brianna handle her parents; once this is over, I’ll marry you.” But later, when he found out I was already married with a child, he broke down in tears, begging desperately for me to take him back. Inside the private room, everyone stared in shock at my reaction to giving the gift. They all knew I’d been head over heels for Caleb and couldn’t stand seeing him with Brianna. Back then, even catching them having dinner together would send me into a jealous rage. But soon, the other alumni—eager for more drama—started egging us on. Some called me generous; others praised my “undying affection,” especially for shelling out a thousand bucks for an ex-boyfriend’s engagement. Egged on by their comments, Brianna smirked, a triumphant glint in her eyes. Caleb, though, frowned deeply, his expression unreadable. After a minute, he pulled me aside, his voice dropping. “Aubrey, it’s been six years—haven’t you had enough of this drama?” “Brianna and I are just going through the motions. Her parents have been pressuring her to get married…” “This is the last time I’ll help her. Once this is done, I’m all yours.” Hearing Caleb say this, I had to bite back a laugh. I’d lost track of how many times I’d heard those exact words. Back in the day, every time Caleb got close to Brianna, he’d lie to me—promising to cook for me or swearing he’d marry me someday. And I, like a fool, bought into it every single time. But now, I was done falling for his lies. Besides, we were broken up. Whether he married Brianna or not—what did it matter to me? Thinking this, I subtly pulled my hand away, my voice neutral. “Caleb, we’ve already broken up. You don’t owe me any explanations.” Caleb froze, then his expression instantly hardened. “Broken up? We’ve just been in a rough patch all these years, haven’t we?” I almost laughed. What kind of rough patch lasts six years? The truth was, six years ago, I’d already blocked and deleted him. I’d even sent him a breakup email and moved all my stuff out of our apartment. If he’d paid any attention at all, he would’ve noticed something was up. Plus, for the past six years, all our mutual friends had quietly accepted we were over. Only he was still living in denial. At that thought, I couldn’t be bothered to argue. I scoffed and turned to leave. If I’d known this would happen, I would’ve skipped the reunion altogether. I’d barely stepped out of the private room when Brianna and Caleb came rushing after me. Brianna hurried ahead, blocking my path with a fake concerned look. “Aubrey, the reunion’s going great—why leave so suddenly?” “Are you still upset about what happened six years ago? If it bothers you that much, I can apologize.” She deliberately emphasized “six years ago.” Caleb’s face immediately darkened. He instinctively pulled Brianna behind him, giving me a cold glare. “Aubrey, why are you being so petty? Can’t you let go of something so trivial after all this time?” I found that laughable. So in his eyes, my child was just some trivial “thing”? Six years ago, when I was newly pregnant and emotionally fragile, Caleb bailed on me just because Brianna said she was “feeling down and needed company.” Despite my pleas, he insisted on going to her. We got into a huge fight over the phone—he called me “immature” and “unsupportive.” In my distress, I started having severe abdominal pain and had to be rushed to the ER. I lost the baby. And when I needed him most, he was by Brianna’s side, comforting her and telling her not to “feel guilty.” I lay alone in the hospital for three days. By the time I was discharged, my heart was shattered. I calmly canceled all our wedding plans over the phone. After that, the physical and emotional trauma made me seriously ill. During all this, Caleb never visited me once. He was too busy doting on Brianna—even staying overnight to take care of “poor guilty” Brianna. She even posted cryptic Instagram stories, making me the joke of everyone we knew. That was the 99th time Caleb chose her over me. That’s when I finally gave up. I took an overseas job transfer and left the country. That was six years ago. Now Brianna was picking at those old scars, trying to get a rise out of me. Back then, I would’ve exploded. But today? She was going to be disappointed. Thinking this, I kept my voice steady. “There’s nothing to be upset about. Caleb and I ended things six years ago. Besides, I’m doing really well now.” But Brianna was sure I was seething. She put on a concerned face and explained, “Aubrey, don’t get the wrong idea. Caleb and I—our engagement’s just an act to please my parents.” “If it bothers you that much, I could still call off the engagement party…” Before she could finish, Caleb cut her off. “No, Brianna! We’ve already invited everyone—canceling last minute would humiliate you!” I almost laughed out loud. So Caleb cared about Brianna’s embarrassment if the engagement party got canceled? But he never once thought about mine? He knew my miscarriage and canceled wedding would leave me humiliated—yet he still chose her, leaving me to face the physical pain, emotional wreckage, and public shame all alone… Sensing my disgusted look, Caleb froze, his lips pressing into a tight line. He quickly softened his tone, explaining, “Aubrey, Brianna needs me. I can’t just walk away from her…” Brianna played the martyr too, dramatically sliding the engagement ring off her finger and offering it to me with fake sincerity. “Aubrey, this ring was always meant for you. Now that you’re back, I should return it to its rightful owner.” She was putting on a show of generosity, but really, she was flaunting her victory. Caleb glanced at the ring, a self-satisfied smirk tugging at his lips. “Aubrey, I had this custom-made for you, remember?” It was true he’d commissioned the ring for me—but I’d never worn it. The second Brianna mentioned liking it, he’d given her my custom ring without a second thought. And she’d worn it every day since. I scoffed and swatted the diamond ring into a nearby trash can. “I don’t want something another woman’s already worn.” With that, I turned to leave—no more energy for their games. Caleb’s expression flickered, and he lunged forward to grab my arm. “Aubrey, wait!” As he grabbed me, his hand brushed against something hard. He let go, staring in shock at the wedding ring glinting on my finger. Caleb froze, rooted to the spot. “A wedding ring? You… you’re married?”
I didn’t deny it—after all, I was married. At my silent confirmation, Caleb’s eyes went wide. He stared at me in disbelief, his intense gaze practically burning holes through me. Brianna paused, then sneered passive-aggressively, “Aubrey, that ring looks totally fake. You didn’t get scammed, did you?” “Besides, when did you even get married? Why didn’t we hear anything about it?” At her words, Caleb visibly relaxed, then smirked. “Aubrey, I knew it! Who else would ever want you besides me?” “Alright, I get it. You’re just doing this to get my attention, to make me marry you, right?” “I promise, after I help Brianna this time, we’ll get married. Deal?” I recognized this olive branch for what it was—Caleb’s typical arrogant attempt at reconciliation, like he was doing me a favor. He’d always been this way: whenever I got upset, he’d dangle false hope and empty promises to pacify me. For six years, I’d dreamed of marrying Caleb. Every birthday wish was for him to be my husband. And he knew it—so he used marriage as leverage, manipulating me into giving in, compromising, forgiving. Whenever he offered one of these “olive branches,” no matter how angry I was, I’d take it. I didn’t want to rock the boat. But now? We were broken up. Why should I care about his feelings anymore? I pretended not to hear him, not even bothering to glance his way. When I didn’t jump to respond like I used to—when I just looked completely indifferent, refusing to give him the satisfaction—Caleb’s frown turned to a scowl. He grabbed my arm, his voice sharp. “Aubrey, why are you ignoring me? I just agreed to marry you—what more do you want?” I kept my voice icy. “Do whatever you want, but don’t stop me from getting back to my husband and child. Move.” With that, I wrenched my arm free and walked away. Caleb panicked. “Aubrey, what are you talking about? Explain!” He started to chase me, but Brianna immediately clutched her head and crouched down, feigning pain as she grabbed his shirt. “Caleb, my head hurts so bad…” Caleb stopped short, rushing to Brianna’s side with a concerned look. “Brianna, what’s wrong? Did you have too much to drink earlier?” “Aubrey, Brianna’s really drunk—I’m taking her to a nearby hotel to rest…” As he spoke, Caleb shot me a guilty glance, like he was looking for my permission. I almost laughed. Was he actually explaining himself to me? Before he could finish, I cut him off sharply. “Go then. You don’t need my approval. Remember? We broke up years ago.” Caleb froze, clearly thrown by my reaction. Back in the day, finding out he’d be alone with Brianna in a room would’ve sent me into a jealous rage, begging him not to go. But that was when I loved him, when I cared. Now that I was over him? Who he hooked up with didn’t matter one bit. At my words, Caleb’s voice picked up, his breathing growing uneven. “Aubrey… Brianna and me, alone in a hotel… you’re not even worried?” I knew exactly what he wanted—for me to stop him, to beg like I used to, to lose all my pride. I’d done that before, only to be called controlling and petty, accused of having a “dirty mind.” Now that I was giving him exactly what he’d always claimed to want, why was he upset? I met Caleb’s eyes with a cold smile. “You’re my ex. Why would I care?” Caleb’s face turned pale. He opened his mouth to speak, but Brianna cut in, whining loudly about her headache. Caleb finally turned back to her, helping her stand while shooting me a bitter look. “You said it, Aubrey. Don’t come crying to me later.” “Come on, Brianna, I’m taking you to the hotel!” With that, Caleb stormed off, still fuming as he helped Brianna away. I knew his game—he was trying to get a rise out of me, just like old times. He’d act cozy with Brianna, hoping I’d get jealous and come crawling back. But this time, I turned and walked away without a second glance, heading straight to the hotel to meet my husband and daughter. I’d only gone to the reunion as an afterthought—the real reason for the trip was a family vacation with my husband and daughter. Honestly, I should thank Caleb. If he hadn’t pushed me away six years ago, I never would’ve met my husband Liam, or had our sweet daughter Lily. Liam and I met on the streets of Paris. I was hurt and heartbroken, wandering aimlessly when I accidentally bumped into him. I apologized immediately. When he heard my story, he didn’t just brush it off—he bought me a warm cup of milk tea and told me life was still worth living. We exchanged numbers, and he became my sounding board. Unlike Caleb, Liam always greeted me with a smile, gentle and thoughtful. With his support, I slowly pulled myself out of that dark place. Before long, we were dating, then engaged, then Lily came along. All these years, he and Lily have been my reason to keep going. Just thinking about seeing them soon put a spring in my step. But of course, fate had other plans—I ran into Caleb and Brianna the second I walked into the hotel. They were staying there too. Caleb froze when he saw me. “What are you doing here?” Brianna immediately started stirring the pot. “Caleb, Aubrey must’ve realized she messed up! She followed you here to apologize!” Caleb’s eyes lit up. A small smile tugged at his lips, but his tone stayed arrogant. “Aubrey, weren’t you so tough earlier? What, changed your mind already? Followed us all the way here?” “But since you’re clearly sorry, I might just forgive you—if you apologize first.” Caleb’s narcissism was honestly revolting. I scoffed. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m just staying here.” Caleb snorted, clearly not buying it. “This is a couples’ resort. You’re staying here alone? Who are you trying to kid?” I was about to answer when the door behind me opened. Liam stepped out, giving me a warm smile. “Hey honey, you’re back.”
“What? Honey? He called you honey?!” Caleb froze, his voice shaking. When he spotted the matching wedding ring on Liam’s finger, his face went ashen. “A wedding ring… Aubrey, you actually got married?!” But just as quickly, Caleb’s cold arrogance returned. He looked Liam up and down with disdain. “You’re Aubrey’s husband? You don’t look like much.” “So what if you’re married? How long have you even been together? Eighteen years of history with Aubrey—you can’t compete with that.” “Aubrey’s always loved me most. She’s just using you to pass the time.” “She left the country because we were fighting. She picked you on a rebound. You’re just the consolation prize.” “Why else would she come back? It’s obviously for me.” “Mark my words—she’ll come back to me eventually.” “I’d leave now if I were you. Save yourself the embarrassment when she dumps you.” I was at a loss for words—Caleb was truly repulsive. Liam looked at him like he was some kind of idiot. Even though he was clearly angry, he stayed calm and collected, the epitome of class. He walked over, wrapped an arm around my shoulders possessively, and smiled politely at Caleb. “Aubrey and you are history. I’m her husband now.” “And you’re just her ex. Nothing to worry about.” Liam delivered the cutting remark in the calmest tone possible. Caleb’s face turned crimson with rage. He raised his hand to hit Liam. “You’re just a placeholder! Aubrey’s always loved me most—who do you think you are?” Just as Caleb’s hand was about to connect with Liam’s face, I stepped in front of my husband and backhanded Caleb hard. “That’s enough, Caleb!” After hitting him, I immediately turned to Liam. “Honey, are you okay? Did he hurt you?” Caleb clutched his stinging cheek, staring at me in shock. When he saw me fussing over Liam instead of him, his eyes filled with tears of self-pity. “Aubrey, you hit me? You actually hit me for him?” “I waited for you all these years, and this is how you repay me? Do you even care what I’ve been through?” “I checked my phone every day, waiting for you to reach out! I couldn’t sleep at night, I missed you so much! And now you’re back, but you’re defending him?” “You promised you’d love me forever! What happened to that?” I rolled my eyes internally. The victim act was getting old. So now he knew what it felt like to be left waiting? All those nights I sat up until dawn, waiting for him to come home—only to find him with Brianna? Caleb misread my silence as doubt. His eyes lit up, and he grabbed my free hand. “Aubrey, I knew it! You’re just stringing him along—you still love me!” “We have years of history together. You can’t just throw that away.” “Here’s the deal: divorce him, and I’ll marry you. I’ll even overlook this… mistake with him.” “After we get married, we can have kids. Remember how much you always wanted children?” Kids? He had the nerve to mention kids? If he hadn’t been so cruel back then, I never would’ve lost our baby. And now he wanted to start a family? Please. Caleb took my silence for agreement. A grin spread across his face, his voice eager. “Aubrey, come back to me. We’ll have a baby, and be a happy little family…” I cut him off sharply before he could finish. “Not interested.” Caleb looked stunned. “Why not?” he pressed. I sneered, emphasizing each word. “Simple. I already have a daughter.” Caleb froze, then shook his head frantically. “No, that’s not possible. You loved me—how could you…” Before he could finish, a little girl came running out of the room and into my arms. “Mommy! Why aren’t you and Daddy coming in? I’ve been waiting forever!”
Caleb’s face went white as a sheet. “This kid… is she…” He seemed to realize, then immediately rejected the thought. “No, that can’t be! She’s not yours!” “Aubrey, this is all some kind of trick, right?” “You told me I was the only man you’d ever marry! How could you do this—marry someone else and have a kid?” Caleb stared at me, begging for denial. But I just stared back coldly. “Caleb, the second you chose Brianna over me, you lost any chance of being my husband.” Brianna, who’d been quiet, suddenly piped up with a fake smile. “Aubrey, your daughter’s already so big. When did you have her? Before you left the country?” It was obviously a lie, but Caleb ate it up. His face turned red with anger. “Aubrey, you two were together this whole time? Had a kid together?” “I knew it! That’s why you left without a word—because of *him*!” “How could you do this to me?” Hearing him insult my family made my blood boil. “This is my husband and daughter. Show some respect.” That only made him angrier. “Am I wrong? He’s just some homewrecker!” I was ready to snap, but Lily beat me to it. She wriggled out of my arms and ran at Caleb, biting his hand and hitting him. “Don’t talk about my daddy like that! He’s not a bad guy!” “I hate you! Go away!” Caleb shoved Lily to the ground, enraged. “You little brat!” He raised his hand to hit her, but I tackled him away and scooped her up. “Don’t you dare touch my daughter! You’ve crossed the line!” Caleb stumbled back, hitting his elbow on the wall hard enough to draw blood. “That’s the second time you’ve attacked me for them!” he snarled. Brianna helped him up, shooting me a dirty look. “Aubrey, your kid started it! Why aren’t you punishing her instead of hitting Caleb?” “Look at him—he’s bleeding! You should be ashamed!” Brianna’s words pushed Caleb over the edge. His eyes went bloodshot as he pointed at us. “You did this on purpose! I’m calling the cops!” He pulled out his phone, hands shaking. The police showed up fast. Caleb immediately waved his injured hand at them, practically hysterical. “Officer, they attacked me on purpose! You have to arrest them!” Caleb sobbed as he twisted the story, claiming our whole family had ganged up on him. A crowd gathered quickly, whispering and staring as they listened to his act. I could feel their judgmental eyes on us. “How could anyone hit a kid like that!” “Pushing a little girl—disgraceful!” “There’s probably more to the story…” Caleb ate up the attention, sneering at me quietly. “You made me do this, Aubrey. But if you apologize and leave him, I’ll tell the cops it was all a misunderstanding…” Manipulating me, even now? I ignored him. Caleb huffed and crossed his arms, clearly enjoying watching me squirm. The officers, having heard his side, turned to me for my version. “Ms. Aubrey, Mr. Caleb claims you assaulted him. Is that accurate?” “No. Because Liam and I are legally married.” I pulled out our marriage certificate and handed it over. Caleb froze when he saw it, then scoffed. “That could be faked! Anyone can photoshop these things now!” But the officer just shook his head. “I’m sorry, sir, but this certificate checks out. They are legally married. Now you need to explain why you pushed their child.”
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