Heart Dead, Ready to Leave, Cold-War Boyfriend Says Marry

“In all of Harbor City, who would dare lay a hand on Alden Mason's woman?”

“You've been arrogant and headstrong since you were a kid, spoiled and reckless. No one but me will ever put up with you!”

“Letitia, the Swanson family is finished now. Who in Harbor City's circles would ever want to marry you? You should be grateful to me!”

“Ha.”

Watching Alden's smug, self-assured face, I couldn't hold it in any longer and laughed out loud.

Alden and I had grown up together as childhood sweethearts, promised to each other since we were small.

Everyone in both families simply assumed we'd marry, and things between us really had always been good. We used to plan our future, how we'd hold our wedding on Penny Isle one day. He promised he'd give me an unforgettable wedding of the century.

But before we even graduated, out of a soft heart he started bankrolling Evelyn Simmons, a poor student in our class, and after that the two of them were inseparable.

Evelyn provoked me every chance she got, openly and behind the scenes. I kept my temper in check as best I could, but one day she grabbed my hand and threw herself down the stairs.

Alden carried her to the hospital, and when he came back his face was full of disappointment.

“You know full well Evie's parents favored sons over daughters, that she had a miserable childhood, that I'm the only one she can lean on. If you have to throw your little rich-girl tantrums, can you at least not aim them at her? You went way too far!”

“I only think of her as a little sister. What on earth are you jealous about?”

“It's my fault for spoiling you until you think you can do whatever you want. Go take a good look at yourself!”

What he called "sick of me" turned out to be three months of the silent treatment, all while he paraded around sightseeing with Evelyn.

There wasn't a soul in Harbor City who didn't know Alden had dumped me, that the childhood sweetheart had lost to the girl who fell out of the sky.

An adult breakup doesn't need to be spoken aloud. No more contact is the answer.

I went to Penny Isle, the place we'd promised to visit, and there I met the man who is now my husband.

“See, you laughed. That proves I'm right. You're still waiting for me!”

Alden said it with total certainty, then made himself right at home, moving to push past me into my apartment. Quick on my feet, I blocked him and let my face go cold.

“You've got it wrong, Mr. Mason. I simply find you rather ridiculous.”

Alden didn't even get angry. Instead, he looked at me with doting eyes.

“Letitia, you're just as willful as ever. Never mind. Once we're married, I'll make plenty of allowances for you, but you can't be too full of yourself, all right!”

“Since you love me so much and even waited three years for me, I'll give you a proper title!”

The more he talked, the more confident he got, and I couldn't take it anymore.

So I'd have to pay damages. It wasn't like I couldn't afford it.

I found my angle and swung, fast, precise, and hard.

The sudden sting caught Alden off guard, and while he stood there dazed I seized the moment, shoved him out, and shut the door fast.

Alden wouldn't give up and called. I picked up, and before he could get a word out I cut in first.

“Alden, quit bothering me. Let's part on good terms!”

The comments surfaced in my mind again.

“This male lead is way too full of himself. He'd be better off born without a mouth.”

“Oh my sweet Lord, now I finally get why the heroine can't stand this guy. At this rate he won't land a wife in his next life either.”

“Round of applause for our heroine, that slap was so satisfying. This male lead has it coming, whatever you do, don't forgive him!”

Alden touched his red, swollen cheek and let a knowing little smile show.

“All right. Since you're throwing another one of your tantrums, I won't trouble you today.”

“Tomorrow I'll send someone over with the engagement rings. Evie helped pick the style, she has great taste, you'll probably love it. It's been three years, so I don't know your ring size. I just bought it in Evie's size. Your fingers are about the same thickness, so it should fit you fine.”

I held it in and held it in, until I finally couldn't hold it any longer, and hung up.

I yanked the door open and glared at Alden, murder in my eyes, wanting nothing more than to tear him limb from limb.

Suddenly I found myself regretting having sent my husband off on that business trip at a time like this.