Found an Ultra-Thin Condom Under Our Bed

Mrs. Hartman tightly grasped my hand. "Emory, you're too kind! Shelly is truly lucky to be with you."

I flashed them an impeccable smile.

It was past 1:00 am when Shelly finally returned home, reeking of cigarettes, alcohol, and men's cologne.

She kicked off her heels, her steps a little unsteady. When she saw me sitting on the sofa, she stopped.

"You're still awake?"

"I was waiting for you." I set down the book I hadn't actually been reading and said calmly, "I want to talk about getting married."

She froze for a second before asking, "Why bring this up all of a sudden?"

"It's not really that sudden, is it? We've been together for years. I went to see your parents today, and we worked everything out."

She turned around, looking surprised. "You went to my parents' place? Why didn't you tell me first?"

"I wanted to surprise you." I walked up to her, watching her expression change. "I told them I'd give them 1.8 million dollars as a wedding gift."

Shelly's hand tightened around her glass.

I continued, "Plus a fully paid two-thousand-square-foot apartment in the city center and a new BMW for you. Both will be in your name only."

The surprise on her face slowly gave way to barely contained joy.

"Emory, where did you get so much money?" she asked, her eyes shining bright.

"The old place back home was torn down, and we got a settlement," I replied, keeping my tone light. "I didn't bring it up earlier since it wasn't final. But now that the money's in, we should finally set a date for the wedding."

The last trace of doubt in her eyes vanished, replaced by an excited gleam.

"Honestly, you should have told me something this important sooner. But since you've already talked it over with my parents, what more can I say?"

She stepped forward and leaned gently into my chest, her arms wrapping around my waist.

"I'll do whatever you say."

After her shower, Shelly came out wearing a silk nightgown.

She lay down beside me and her hands on my chest. With a sultry look, she said, "Honey, I want to…"

She tilted her head up and pressed her lips toward mine.

Suddenly, I remembered her saying to Russell on the phone, "Unless you say so, I won't let him touch me." My stomach churned, and I nearly threw up.

Before her lips could touch mine, I pushed her away.

She froze.

I sat up and took a deep breath. "I'm not feeling well today. Let's just go to sleep. We've got a ton of things to take care of tomorrow."

In the darkness, I could feel her bewildered gaze, along with a hint of indignation at being rejected. However, she didn't say anything. Instead, she turned over and lay down with her back facing me.

Before long, the sound of steady breathing came from beside me.

I lay awake all night, staring at the ceiling until dawn.

On the morning of our engagement party, I quietly picked up Shelly's phone while she was getting her hair done. The passcode was still the one we'd set when we first got together.

The latest texts were from Russell, sent in the early hours.

"The thought of you marrying him makes me sick."

"Where is the makeup room? I'll come find you before the ceremony."

"I want you there in that dress."

"I won't wear a condom. If you get pregnant, consider it Emory's engagement gift."

I smirked coldly and silently put the phone back in its place.

Then, I took out my own phone and sent a message, "They'll be meeting at the makeup room before the ceremony. Proceed with the rest according to plan."