The End of a Hidden Love Story

I've been in a secret relationship with Declan Gibson for five years, and I've tried to seduce him more times than I can count.

Yet, when I stand in front of him in my birthday suit and a pair of bunny ears, all he does is worry that I'll catch a cold and wrap me in a blanket.

I used to think his restraint came from being the mafia don, that he was saving our first time for our wedding night.

However, one month before the ceremony, he secretly plans the city's grandest fireworks show to celebrate his childhood sweetheart's birthday.

They hug and share a slice of cake in public. That night, they check into a hotel.

…

The next morning, I watch them leave together. That's when I realize Declan is not restrained. He just doesn't love me, so I walk out of the hotel.

I call my parents. "Dad, I've broken up with Declan. I'll marry into the Sullivan family as planned."

My father is stunned. "I thought you were madly in love with Declan. Why did you break up? I heard Bryson can't have children. You've always loved kids. What will you do once you marry him?"

"It's fine," I reply, disheartened. "We can always adopt."

For five long years, Declan Gibson and I kept our relationship hidden. I had tried to seduce him more times than I could count.

Yet, one month before our wedding ceremony, he quietly organized the city's grandest fireworks display for his childhood sweetheart's birthday.

After they embraced in public, they shared a slice of cake. They even checked into a hotel together later that night.

…

I watched them leave the hotel, side by side. That was when the truth hit me—Declan wasn't showing restraint. He just didn't love me.

As I exited the hotel, I rang my parents. "Dad, I'm done with Declan. I'll marry into the Sullivan family as planned."

Shocked, my dad replied, "I thought you were madly in love with Declan. How did you two break up? I also heard that Bryson is infertile. You've always wanted a family, so what are you going to do once you marry him?"

"It's fine," came my voice, laced with resignation. "There's always adoption."

My words left my dad stunned. Then, he pressed, "Do you know that Bryson was in a car crash last year? He suffered nerve damage to his lower body. He can't have kids anymore! If you marry him, you'll be a widow in all but name!"

My hand holding the phone shook slightly. So what if I was a widow in all but name?

"Dad, Mom, I've made up my mind. I'm flying back in three days to get engaged to Bryson," I replied. "Whatever happens after that, good or bad, I'll live with it."

And with that, I hung up. I knew they loved me, but they didn't know what Declan had put me through.

For the past five years, I was always the