Never Have a Foot in Two Boats

Skye's POV

That morning, when Derick slipped the ring onto my finger, I finally understood—it was all part of their plan.

Every gift he had ever given me was something Alanna had rejected first.

Seeing the hopeful look on Derick’s face fall to disappointment oddly made me feel a sense of satisfaction. Still, I suppressed my laughter and glanced at my watch, pretending to check the time.

“Derick, if we don’t leave now, we’re gonna be late.”

Only then did he grab his car keys and pull me along in a rush.

When I got into the passenger seat, it was obvious he had cleaned the car thoroughly. Every trace of me had been erased.

Arriving at the entrance to the ceremony hall, I stepped out of the car. Derick then handed me my bag and finally said his fake excuse, “Skye, I have something at work this afternoon, so I’ll send my assistant to pick you up, okay? But I’ve already booked that restaurant you’ve been talking about all week. Let’s celebrate there tonight.”

I smiled politely. “Alright. Goodbye, Derick.”

Then, without looking back, I walked toward the hall.

Every time he had dropped me off before, I was the one watching him leave. This time, I wanted him to watch me walk away.

Why waste emotions on a man whose heart wasn’t with me anymore?

The graduation ceremony went as expected. I chatted and took photos with teachers and classmates, savoring those last moments before saying goodbye. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, it was over.

Afterward, I handed a deliveryman a gift box to pass along for me, hailed a cab, and headed to the airport.

The airport was bustling, filled with people saying goodbyes and welcoming loved ones. But I was alone, heading to a foreign country with no one to see me off.

Just then, I spotted Derick and Alanna from a distance.

They looked stunning together—a picture-perfect couple that naturally drew attention. Like lovers reunited after years apart, they held each other tightly.

I watched as Derick presented a bouquet of vivid red roses to Alanna while the latter covered her face, crying. Derick then fumbled to comfort her.

Loving someone was a chaotic mess in itself.

But while my heart had gone still, Derick’s was still in a storm.

I was letting go of seven years of happiness, and he was stepping into seven years of love.

Watching their retreating figures, I waved at them, saying my silent goodbye.

Goodbye, Derick, we'll never meet again.

As I prepared to board, my phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number.

[Skye, I’m back. Thank you for taking care of Derick for me.]

Attached was a photo of Alanna and Derick locked in a passionate embrace.

Despite reading such a provocative message, I didn’t reply and simply turned off my phone instead.

As the plane took off, I caught a glimpse of the illuminated words on a high tower below: [Happy Birthday, Alanna.]

Derick had declared his love to the entire city.

By now, he was probably proposing to her.

I smiled faintly. Derick, may we both get what we wish for.

When I landed with the sunrise, I pulled out my phone to call my brother, only to find my notifications flooded with missed calls and messages—all from Derick.

I thought his heart and mind would be entirely focused on Alanna. Why would he care about me anymore?

If I’m cutting ties, I’ll do it cleanly.

With that thought, I turned off my phone again and switched to the backup one I had prepared in advance.

Third Person's POV

Meanwhile, Derick held the ring Skye’d sent him through the deliveryman, his hands trembling.

His friends tried to console him, urging him not to waste any more time.

“Derick, take the ring and go!”

“Come on, man, stop shaking and hurry up!”

“Are you now having second thoughts about giving the ring to her?"

But despite their urging, Derick still stood frozen, staring at the ring.

Alanna noticed something was off and walked over, smiling as she linked her arm with his.

“Derick, I’ll accept it. I came back to marry you, remember? You don’t have to be nervous.”

But just as she finished speaking, Derick abruptly pulled his hand away.

“Alanna, it’s late. You’re still jet-lagged. Why don’t you rest for now?” Derick said before abruptly turning and rushing out of the room, leaving behind an awkward silence.

For the first time, Derick drove home at breakneck speed. He couldn’t wait—he needed to confirm his suspicions immediately.

When he burst through the door, he called Skye's name over and over, but no one answered.