I asked him why.
He said nothing.
Until his assistant, using the same nickname–Tiny–sent me a photo of the two of them, all cuddled up.
That’s when I understood.
I calmly saved the photo, then opened my mom’s contact.[]
Sent her one sentence: “Mom, I’ve decided to come home and go through with the engagement.“[]
She video called me instantly: “Sweetie, then we’ll set the wedding for the end of the month!“[]
Alright.”
“That means Jace Vanderhorn and I have exactly fifteen days left.[]
“Great, sweetheart!“]]
“We’ll set the wedding at the end of the month.“]]
“I even had a spiritual coach pick the date–it’s supposed to bring good energy!”
My mom was over the moon. []
I just nodded and mumbled, “Okay.”
After we hung up, I sat there staring at my phone.[]
Jace walked out of the bathroom, towel around his neck, a little anxious.
“Did you say… marriage license?“]
He thought I was pressuring him again.]]
“It’s nothing,” I brushed him off.
“Just some paperwork I need to update.“]
! grabbed my bag to leave, but as I passed him, I caught a strong whiff of perfume.
He noticed my expression and rushed to explain,
“Some lady was spraying perfume samples on the street.“]
“I just tried one–not realizing how strong it was.
The excuse was terrible.
“0
I smiled and let out a soft “Mm–hmm,” walking straight into the bedroom.]
Jace hates shopping. He wouldn’t stop for a street sample even if someone paid him.
And that perfume?
Definitely designer–and definitely for women.
Not something he would try willingly.]
After nine years, I can read every one of his lies like a children’s book.
But the truth is, I’ve been lying to myself too.
An hour ago, I saw Zoey Calloway’s latest Instagram story.
She and Jace were smiling for the camera, surrounded by friends, standing in front of a massive birthday cake.
She had a six–carat diamond ring on her finger–the one he gave her.
Zoey
used to be a regular girl from a community college.[]
I hired her because she was from Jace’s hometown–wanted to do him a favor.]]
Big mistake.
I opened the old texts she sent me. Pure provocation.[]
“Sloane, Jace and I grew up together.“[]
“He’s always loved me.”
“You’re the other woman.“[]
“You stole nine years that belonged to me.‘
“He never loved you, and he’ll never marry you.“[]
“He never even gave you a ring, did he?“]
“How about this one–think six carats is big enough?“]
Four years of college. [
Dave years building a startup together.[]
Nine years with Jace.]]
And not once did he propose.]]
Sure, I used to bring it up–sometimes in anger.]]
He’d always say, “I want to give you the wedding of your dreams, but I’m not there yet.”
“Just give me a little more time.”
I told him I didn’t care about the wedding, we could just go get the license.
Just something–anything–to show we were real.[]
But now?
Now he has all the money and power to throw the grandest wedding imaginable.
He just doesn’t want me to be the bride.
Nine years.
And now we’ve only got fifteen days left.
