Synopsis
In the sixth year of my relationship with Landon Pierce, I found a small velvet box hidden in the pocket of his coat. Inside was an engagement ring. It was my birthday, and my heart brimmed with hope. I imagined him dropping to one knee, imagined that after six long years, he was finally ready to choose me.
Then I opened Instagram.
There he was—dining with another woman at a candlelit restaurant, the kind meant for confessions and forever promises.
Telling myself it had to be a misunderstanding, I took a taxi straight to the venue. But the moment I stepped inside, reality shattered any last illusion. Landon was on one knee, holding that very ring up to her, as applause and cheers filled the room.
I didn’t scream. I didn’t cry. After years of loving him more than he loved me, I was too exhausted to feel anything at all.
I walked out quietly and dialed my father’s number.
“Dad,” I said, my voice steady and calm, “I’ve decided to accept the Sterling family’s proposal. You can begin preparing for the wedding.”
