Chapter 1

1 The day before my engagement to Chad, I saw him and his secretary making out through the window.

I didn't cry or make a scene; I just tossed the ring I was holding.

He walked in and the first thing he said was, "Tomorrow's engagement is off."

"I know."

This time, I didn't ask him why.

He seemed surprised, unusually explaining, "Something came up at work. I have to go overseas."

He took my hand. "Katie, I'll make it up to you."

His assistant chimed in, "Ms. Summer, where's Mr. Collins' luggage? I'll take it down. I won't disturb you."

She glanced at Chad, her eyes practically glued to him.

"It's in the bedroom. Take your time; I'm going home to get a few things."

Chad didn't try to stop me, only asking me to come back soon.

He left the next day, and I booked a flight overseas.

...

Chad thought I'd wait for him unconditionally, like always.

This was the third time he'd told me our engagement was postponed.

Chad and I had been together for eight years, since college.

He promised to marry me after graduation, but always used work as an excuse.

"Katie, I'll only marry you. You can't escape me."

The first time, a company emergency came up―someone stole our product patent―right as I was putting on my dress in the dressing room.

"The engagement is postponed," he'd said.

The second time, he claimed a worker had an accident, and he had to go handle it to save the company's reputation.

Work was always his excuse.

This time, the night before the engagement, he said, "The engagement is off."

Chad, I really wanted to marry you, but I'm not desperate.

This morning, Chad and I were supposed to go try on wedding outfits.

I put on the dress, but he wasn't on the couch.

I found him on the balcony, on the phone.

"You're really going to marry her?"

I leaned against the wall; the voice on the phone was crystal clear, and incredibly harsh.

Chad rubbed his temples. "Who? Katie? Of course not."