I Chose to Say Goodbye

I was about to get married, but my boyfriend of nine years had no idea.

Why? All because his recently divorced ex-girlfriend waltzed back into town, and he threw himself into her life without hesitation. The knight in shining armor was back, ready to save the day.

The moment they saw each other, it was like a scene from a bad romance novel. Their gazes lingered, sparks flying, the kind that screamed, “Oh, we’re soulmates reunited.”

To welcome her back, he had 9,999 Juliet roses flown in to decorate her room.

Why? All because it was a promise he had made to her long ago.

How sweet.

Except for one small problem: I’m severely allergic to pollen.

When I woke up in the hospital after an emergency rescue, I didn’t cry, yell, or demand answers. No, I pulled out my phone and texted my parents, "Please help me arrange a marriage. I’m done."

My parents acted with astonishing efficiency.

Even before I was discharged from the hospital, they had already sent me dozens of profiles of eligible bachelors, along with over ten wedding plans. The earliest of these plans had been prepared years ago.

Finally, my mom left me a message.

"Sweetheart, as someone who’s been through this, I know what it’s like to truly love someone. If Sean really loved you, he wouldn’t have let you wait this long. Leaving him is the right choice. I’ve always been keeping an eye out for you, and I started planning your wedding early on. My daughter’s wedding must be perfect."

So, it turned out Sean never loved me—it was that obvious to everyone else.

I was the only one foolishly clinging to the flawed dream he had woven, unwilling to wake up.

"Thanks, Mom. Keep the wedding simple. You can decide the man for me. I’m fine with anyone."

"The heir of the Quinn family is exceptional. Let’s go with him. The wedding will be in five days. You just need to come home; I’ll handle everything else."

"What wedding are you talking about?"

Sean had just walked in from outside.

I didn’t want him to find out, so I turned off my phone and placed it face-down in my hand.

When he reached out to grab my phone, his own phone started ringing.

The night was quiet, and I could hear the voice on the other end clearly—a girl, trembling and choking on her words as she said,

"Sean, after you left, my ex-husband dropped by. He’s banging on my door like crazy. I’m so scared."

The moment Sean heard her sobs, his brow furrowed.

"Serena, don’t open the door. Go to your bedroom and lock yourself in, then call the police. Don’t be afraid. I’m coming over right now."

He didn’t even finish speaking before he turned and ran out, leaving me with nothing but his retreating figure. He didn’t even bother to close the door.

Once again, he abandoned me in the quiet of the night.

I thought