A Bet That Changed My Life

I walked down the aisle without any expression on my face. The ceremony continued as scheduled. As someone closed the doors to the hall, Finn stood frozen outside, shock filling his eyes.

After that, the rings were exchanged, and both parties made their vows. When it was time to go around and toast the guests, I finally took out my phone and saw several messages from Finn.

“What was that just now supposed to mean? Ruth, were you playing me a fool?”

Yes. I did it on purpose. I was exhausted. I didn’t want to be the person who came running whenever he called anymore. I just hoped he’d have some sense and know when to stop.

I didn’t reply. Just as I was about to block him, his call came through. I hung up, but it rang again. With no other choice, I answered.

Finn’s voice was thick with anger. “Ruth, you have three minutes. Come out and explain yourself.”

I replied casually, “Finn, your bet is over now, isn’t it? And you seemed pretty satisfied with the result.”

There was a deep inhale on the other end, like he was holding something back. I was about to hang up when his tone suddenly shifted.

“Just to get a rise out of me, you really went all in, huh? Was it fun to have a fake wedding?”

“A fake wedding?”

“Ruth, let me be clear. After today, even if you want to see me, you won’t get the chance.”

Finn had always been arrogant and self-important. However, whether he believed it or not, it no longer mattered to me. After being tangled up with him for so long, I was honestly tired.

I pressed my fingers to my temple and said frankly, “That’s for the best.”

With that, I hung up.

Suddenly, a tall shadow fell over me. I turned my head and met Marcus Lindt’s striking face. He was leaning against the wall, slightly taller than Finn. Dressed in a black suit, he carried himself with an overwhelming presence.

“You’re on the phone?” he asked.

I paused. For some reason, the question carried a faint hint of displeasure. However, Marcus and I hadn’t known each other for long, and the decision to get married had been sudden.

Before I could say anything, he suddenly bent down. His breath drew close, and I instinctively held mine. I was going to ask if this was all going a little bit too fast, but he reached over, picked up a glass from the table beside me, and then smiled when he noticed my flushed ears.

“Let’s celebrate,” he said. “Drink with me?”