Won't Get Fooled Again

My fiance called me to post bail after he was arrested.

When I arrived, however, I was informed that he was caught in a compromising position.

"I came to protect Lily because I was worried for her safety," my fiance retorted, putting an arm around her shoulder. "But her boyfriend didn't believe me. Or is it the same for you too? Go post bail already."

Nonetheless, I spied the lacy underwear poking out ever so slightly over his belt.

In the past, I would have made a scene as I demanded an explanation.

But now, I was as cool as a cucumber.

When the cops asked what our relationship was, I paused in thought for a moment, before saying quietly, "His employer."

Once I signed the papers, I texted my brother:

[I'll go on that blind date. Schedule it for three days later.]

Lily Thompson's boyfriend was still hollering as we left the precinct, while my boyfriend Paul Gibson had an arm around Lily's shoulder, as if asserting dominance.

In a matter of minutes—with Lily siding with Paul too, her boyfriend bellowed, "I'm done! I'm breaking up with you!"

As he stormed off, I wasn't bothered to watch Paul and Lily pretending to comfort each other, and got in the car.

I was riding shotgun, but Lily suddenly caught my hand before I could put on the seatbelt, looking past me at Paul who got in the driver's seat, "I'm scared of sitting at the back alone…"

As she spoke, her tears welled up in her eyes, at once bright and innocent.

And as she finished, her tears quietly rolled down her cheeks.

But it just so happened that delicate appearance was what Paul loved.

Still, I snapped at Lily impatiently, "Then walk home yourself."

The ensuing silence was cold and forbidding, and Paul soon snapped coldly, "How could you be so vile, Jessica?! It's so cold out here, and it's so far from Lily's home! Are you trying to hurt her again?! Get in the back!"

Before I could refuse, he took off my seatbelt, while Lily hung her head and murmured, "It's all my fault. I'll just walk home by myself."

Her tears wet the ground, and it seemed to sting Paul's heart.

He hurried out of the car, no longer his usual gentlemanly self as he pulled me out of the car savagely.

I cried out in pain as my knees scraped against the concrete floor, but Paul simply threw me aside without another look.

He then carefully helped Lily into the car, winding down his window and shot me a cool look from behind the wheel, "Since you prefer to walk, then walk home yourself! I'm taking Lily home!"

Before he closed his window, he added, "Don't wait up for me. I'm staying with Lily."

As for Lily, she was smiling smugly at me even as she apologized, "Safe travels, Jessica."

Even as the car drove off, I could even see them holding hands, their fingers interlocked.

I watched the car sped off into the distance as indescribable pain gnawed my heart.

I only came to my senses when my phone started ringing.

It was a call from my brother, Neil.

"Jessica? I've called the Jones family! It's done!"

He had set me up on a blind date with Tim Jones.

I once met him at a banquet, and he was exceptionally handsome.

As I wasn't talking, Neil rambled, "Well, at least you've finally come around. Did that brat even have anything going for him? That son of a maid isn't even fit to lick your shoes, but you're dumb enough to go against our family for his sake."

His words were like a boulder crushing my heart, suffocating me.

There was no doubt that Paul didn't deserve me.

Back then, I had chosen to live independently just to avoid my family's arranged marriage.

That was also when I met Paul, whose endless affection left me falling for him right away.

I thought I found true love, and took up this marathon of a relationship over the last five years until now.

He had nothing to his name, so I emptied my savings to support his business.

He said he didn't want to be a father, so I had an abortion.

At that time, I really thought that true love would conquer all—that it was enough as long as he loved me, that I could live with the pain.

But now, I was tired and didn't want to bear with it anymore.

I was going to get married, but Paul Gibson wouldn't be my bridegroom.