The One That Got Away

Alice Hunt’s performance was flawless.

With her elegant grace, Alice resembled a white swan, and Justin’s gaze never left her.

Quentin sent me a message: [Bring your little babies back to Arcania too. I’ll help you take care of them.]

Tears welled up in my eyes.

I hadn’t shed a tear even when Justin had called off his proposal.

How wonderful it felt to be truly loved.

After the performance came another celebration.

By the third round of drinks, Collin Campbell, a mutual friend of Justin and myself, sighed quietly.

“Even though Justin left to find his first love on the day of his proposal, I’m sure it was just a moment of confusion. He loves you, Viola. You should wait for him.”

I slammed my glass down and fixed Justin with a sharp glare.

“Even a meal can’t shut you up, can it? I’m done waiting.”

As I watched Justin and Alice whispering sweetly in the distance, a bittersweet realization settled over me.

How had I missed his true feelings during our three years together?

Love couldn’t be hidden. He loved Alice.

“I’m so sorry about what happened last time, Viola. I never intended to trouble Justin,” Alice said as she approached me.

Her long black hair cascaded down her shoulders and back, and her lavender dress accentuated her ethereal appearance.

She looked every bit like the quintessential first love of a romance trope.

“It’s fine. As long as you’re happy,” I replied with a polite smile. After all, it would all be over soon.

My indifferent response caused a subtle crack in Alice’s composed expression.

Her face dimmed momentarily before brightening again.

Finally, she raised her champagne glass to toast me, her slender, pale fingers adorned with none other than my engagement ring.

“You!” I hissed, my chest tightening painfully.

“Oh, this ring?” Alice laughed boldly, her voice filled with pride.

“It’s a gift from Justin to celebrate my perfect performance. Isn’t it beautiful?”

“Take it off! I searched high and low for that gemstone in Avani before I found it!”

I had always loved the rich orange-pink hues of a fiery sunset.

That love led me to Avani where I discovered the perfect gem and asked Justin to use it in his proposal.

It symbolized purity and that purity was now ruined.

“Yours? Did you engrave your name on the stone?” she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Viola,” Justin interjected, his tailored suit immaculate, hands casually tucked into his pockets.

Bathed in the opulent glow of the crystal chandelier, he looked like a figure from a dream.

“Alice really likes the ring, so I decided to give it to her. You don’t mind, do you?”

The atmosphere turned cold instantly and the room plunged into silence.

Our friends lowered their gazes, unwilling to meet mine.

“You gave my engagement ring to another woman. How can I not mind it?” I asked, my voice sharp with restrained anger.

“The gemstone isn’t worth that much. Next time, I’ll propose with a three-carat diamond,” he replied dismissively.

“Return the stone to me. I paid for it myself. Then I’m going back to Arcania,” I said firmly.

“Are you serious?” Justin’s tone turned cold as he straightened, the last hint of amusement fading from his face.

“The Nolans are among the most prominent in Marina Sands. Where will you find a man better than me?”

I rewarded him with a dramatic roll of my eyes.

“If you insist on leaving, then I’m pulling my investment,” he said, his voice steely, his gaze condescending.

“Without my money, let’s see how you’ll manage with all those animals you’ve taken in.”