Sorry, but You're Not My Groom

A video of my boyfriend proposing to his secretary makes it to the trending topics. Everyone squeals over how romantic and touching it is.

His secretary even posts on social media, "I've waited so long for you to appear, and I'm glad I didn't give up. I'll leave my life in your hands, Mr. Emerson."

One of the comments goes, "God, this is so sweet. A CEO and his secretary—I ship them!"

I don't weep or cause a fuss. Instead, I close the webpage and ask my boyfriend for an explanation.

That's when I hear him talking to his friends. "I didn't have a choice. She would've been forced to marry someone she doesn't love if I didn't help her."

"What about Vicky? She's your actual girlfriend. Aren't you afraid of her getting mad?"

"So what if she is? She's been with me for seven years—she can't live without me."

Later, I have my wedding on the same day as his. Our cars drive past each other, and I exchange bouquets with his secretary. When he sees me, he breaks down.

"I'll do it, Mom. I'll marry the guy you chose for me," I said.

In the darkness of the living room, my voice sounded stiff and melancholic.

Mom was shocked to hear that I was agreeing to the marriage alliance she previously proposed. "I thought you didn't want to do it? Why are you agreeing to it now?

"Marriage isn't a game, Vicky. It doesn't matter if you don't want to get married. I just want you to be happy. You need to be sure about what you're doing. Don't make rash decisions."

Tearing up at her words, I replied, "I've thought things through, Mom. You guys can proceed with the wedding preparations."

Mom knew I was upset. After a moment of silence, she started comforting me, saying, "Your dad and I have always known that your relationship with Isaac wouldn't last.

"You've been with him for so many years now, but he has refused to make things official between you two or even let the families meet each other."

This time, her words cut me like a knife. Alas, everyone else could see the situation clearly. I was the only clueless one.

"Your dad and I both agreed that Henry Langford would make an excellent husband for you.

"While we can't make guarantees about everything, at the very least, we can assure you that he is a fine young man of decent character and comes from a distinguished family, too. You deserve the best, Vicky."

Taking a deep breath, I replied, "Thanks, Mom. I trust your and Dad's judgment."

"Shall I arrange for you and Henry to meet each other sometime soon?" Mom asked.

"It's fine. You guys can just go ahead and plan the wedding," I answered.

Once the call ended, Isaac Emerson appeared behind me with a small cake in hand. He asked me curiously, "What wedding? Who's getting married?"

It was my wedding. I was