On the Eve of My Wedding, I Discovered Her Betrayal

"It's for Ethan. I won't touch it."

"Are you sure you can resist?"

With a disapproving frown, Isabel grabbed the menu from him, taking charge of the ordering.

Mason rested his chin on his hands, grinning at her.

Sitting by, watching them get along so effortlessly, I felt like the odd man out.

I felt my heart growing cold and even the air turning bitter, oppressively dense.

Back in the first half of the year, when Mason first joined Isabel's team, she would vent to me daily about his carelessness and obtuseness.

At first, I would tell her not to sweat the small stuff with him.

But soon, Mason's name was a constant presence in our conversations.

His name was in almost every sentence when she spoke to me.

Isabel's attitude toward him shifted from scolding to open admiration.

She said he reminded her of me back in the day—passionate about life and ambitious.

Mason's words yanked me back to the present.

"Ethan, I'm sorry about the last incident. Please don't stay mad at Isabel. We guys should be more gracious, you know? We have to look out for the ladies."

He was mouthing an apology, but it didn't sound like one at all.

It was more like a subtle dig at me.

His words were laced with blame, a hint of condescension.

The look in his eyes was almost taunting, but Isabel was oblivious.

Seeing I wasn't responding to Mason, she tried to nudge me.

I subtly dodged her touch, chuckled lightly, and said nonchalantly, "I'm not mad, actually. I should thank you."

In my mind, I added, "Thanks for showing me the light, for making me realize how foolish I was to cling to our relationship."

Isabel looked puzzled. "What are you thanking him for?"

"For helping me see you clearly, of course." I said with a faint smile, slowly rising to my feet.

"You two are quite the sight suddenly. Enjoy your meal. I'm off."

The grin on Mason's face vanished, replaced by a look of caution.

"Ethan, did I do something to upset you?"

Before I could say anything, Isabel's face flushed with anger. "Ethan, what's gotten into you? He apologized, and you're still being so aggressive. Do you enjoy this?"

I met her furious gaze, my voice calm.

"Watching you two squirm is pretty entertaining."

With that, I left the restaurant, ignoring their indignation.

Walking down the street, I glanced back.

Mason was talking with his head down.

Isabel moved her lips, offering a comforting pat on his shoulder.

Maybe she mentioned me, her face flushing with anger again.

I gave a self-mocking smile, my eyes slightly damp.

In a daze, memories of our past came to mind.

I met Isabel in college. I had known her for four years and dated for five.

After graduation, she opted for a particular research institute while I stepped into the workforce.

As a newcomer, I was clueless about office politics, taking the fall for many things and often feeling down.

To cheer me up, she braved her fear of heights and took me bungee jumping.

Afterward, her face pale, she still asked, "Are you feeling better? If not, let's do it again."

I asked her why she would do that.

She said, "I want you to be happy. Seeing you sad makes me sad too. Promise me, don't hold back your emotions by yourself anymore, okay?"

I wondered why such a considerate girl changed so suddenly.

I looked up at the starry sky, pushing down all the sour feelings in my heart.

Without the so-called love, I threw myself into my work.

I had no time for self-pity.

I put Isabel behind me, deliberately avoiding anything about her.

I started learning to enjoy activities alone, watching movies by myself, and enjoying life on my own.

Then I realized one could indeed live well alone.

My life used to be all about work and Isabel.

Without her, I focused on self-improvement.

Liam, my colleague and friend, joked when he saw me, "Are you working hard to earn baby formula money?"

I was stunned at his words.

I smiled faintly and said slowly, "I'm not planning on getting married anytime soon."

Now, he was the one stunned.

"That might have been a misunderstanding. You should talk to Isabel. If you get married, she'll naturally keep her distance from other men."

I paused my work for a moment, raised an eyebrow, and said, "I don't think marriage can bind anyone; otherwise, why are there so many affairs?"

It would be better to end it in time than live in chaos after marriage.

Besides, I didn't have to be with her.

"You have a point. Then get ready for a promotion. I heard our department manager is being transferred. With your qualifications, you'll ace the department manager role."

His words reignited my passion.

I had been working so hard, aiming for this position.

I had given up once for love.

Now with another chance, of course, I had to seize it.

After chatting with him for a bit, I refocused and continued to concentrate on my work.

I lost track of time when I got busy.

When I surfaced from my work, it was already dark.

I was the only one left in the huge office.

I stood up slowly and stretched my stiff body.

Then, I tidied up my desk and prepared to leave.

I got downstairs and saw a familiar figure.

Isabel was waiting outside, holding a delicate insulated lunch box.

When I came out, she was just looking at her wristwatch, her expression impatient.

However, seeing me, she dropped the impatience instantly.

"Ethan, I've been waiting for you."

She strode towards me. I glanced at her indifferently and walked towards the roadside.

"Ethan, you must be exhausted from working so late. This is the meal I made for you, all your favorites. Could you do me the honor of tasting it?"

Isabel quickly caught up, her eyes pleading and cautious as she spoke.

These were the looks I used to give her after our arguments when I would appease her.

She was using my method on me.

Love should be mutual.

We had been in love for several years, but she only understood that after our breakup.

"Isabel, please remember we have broken up."

"I didn't agree! Ethan, I don't understand why things have become like this between us. We were about to get married, and we had even set the wedding date. My parents also brought many valuable gifts to visit your parents. Can't you see our sincerity?"