Chapter 1
It was the seventh year with Dorian Everhart. I had secretly bought a wedding dress, mustering up the courage to propose to him. But, as fate would have it, I was a few minutes late to the party that day. I arrived just in time to overhear him chatting with his friends.
“Isabella Hartley?” He lit a cigarette, a lazy grin on his face. ‘Honestly, I’ve grown tired of this.%
The guys laughed along with him. “Yeah, seven years? Anyone would get tired.“%
“Still, Isabella’s quite the looker, one of them chimed in.
“She’s got a great figure too, another added. “Remember Dorian’s birthday? Every guy there had eyes glued to her in that tight dress.“I
*So, Dorian, you were head over heels back then. You really over it now?”
“I never lie,” Dorian said coolly.$
“So if I were to make a move on Isabella, you wouldn’t mind?” one of them dared.
“Go ahead.” Dorian blew a smoke ring, indifferent. As long as you can handle it.“%
*Come on, have some dignity!” They laughed again. “Taking over where Dorian left off?”
I didn’t go into the lounge that night. I made up some excuse about a headache and headed home. Dorian didn’t even question it, just hung up the call. That’s probably when I made up my mind to end things for good.
Within days, rumors were flying around. Dorian was pursuing a sophomore from the School of Performing Arts, young, cute, and naïve. He always went big when courting girls. Just like when he chased after me, eager to announce it to the world, showering them with houses, cars, and jewelry. The poor girl didn’t stand a chance and was swept off her feet in no time.
At a gathering organized by friends, Dorian brought her along. The moment they walked in, the room fell silent. A few friends, who knew me well, glanced over with concern. I just smiled. “Why’s everyone gone quiet? What’s with the looks?”
Dorian wrapped an arm around the girl and finally looked at me. “Isabella, today’s as good a time as any to lay it all out“?
“Yeah, go on.“Z
*All these years of on–again, off–again, it’s just tiresome. The feelings have faded.“%
I clenched my hands, the ring on my finger digging painfully into my skin, but it was like I couldn’t feel a thing.
“Amelia’s young, innocent. I truly care for her and don’t want her feeling slighted.” Dorian stroked her hair. “I need to give her a proper place in my life.“Z
I nodded. “I understand.“%
“We can still be friends. If you need anything in Dunway, I’m still here for you.“Z
“Let’s not.” I chuckled lightly and stood up. “If we’re done, let’s make it clear. Wouldn’t want to cause misunderstandings for the girl.”
Dorian raised an eyebrow, surprised, but then nodded. “Yeah, you’re right.“Z-
“Enjoy the night. I’m heading out.“%
“I’ll have the driver take you back?“%
“No, I’ll catch a cab.“%
As I closed the door behind me, I overheard someone ask, “How long do you think Isabella will hold out this time?”
“Two days?“%
“This time she seems really upset. I’m betting a week; another guessed.%
Dorian glanced at the slightly ajar door, a cold smile on his face. “She’ll be back in less than three days, crying as usual.”
“It’s always been the same, someone remarked. “It’s getting old
“Isabella can’t get over you. Everyone knows she’s madly in love with you.“%
I scoffed at my own foolishness, clutching my purse tightly, and hurried toward the elevator.
Back at my apartment, I went to the back of my closet and took out the wedding dress. I had waited half a year to finally have it, only to realize I’d never have the chance to wear it.%
