Chapter 2

2

"I just treat the chat with her like a memo pad. Don't overthink it." He spoke as if he were discussing the weather.

I let out a helpless laugh. He looked at me, seemingly convinced that I'd accepted his ridiculous excuse, and he smiled.

"Babe, look at this one. Does it look good?" He grabbed my hand and gave it a playful tug.

He rarely acted so affectionate or needy. It made me want to believe him, but the images of those texts were burned into my brain.

I shoved his hand away and forced myself to stay composed. I looked at the man who once made my heart race with a single glance.

"Silas, we're done."

Silas froze. He looked genuinely stunned, as if the idea of me ending things was impossible.

In his mind, I was the one who loved more. I was the one who would never be able to let go of this relationship.

While the shock was still fresh on his face, I turned and walked out of the boutique.

He didn't even bother to change out of the tux. He ran out into the street after me.

He grabbed me from behind, wrapping his arms tightly around my chest.

"Taya, don't be like this. I can explain everything. It's not what you think." He sounded like he was on the verge of tears.

I pried his hands off me and turned around to look into those beautiful, deceitful eyes.

"Explain? What is there to explain? Do you want to explain why you'd rather be at the altar with someone else?"

I felt a surge of anger. Looking at the tux he was still wearing, I couldn't help but laugh bitterly.

He claimed he wanted another woman, yet here he was, standing in the suit he was supposed to wear to marry me.

The sunlight felt incredibly piercing today.

"It's really not what you're imagining, Taya."

"Stop making a scene. Let's go home and I'll explain everything properly. We shouldn't fight in public like this."

I watched as a tear escaped his eye and rolled down his chin. We had been together for seven years, ever since our freshman year of college.

I had always made sure he never felt hurt or slighted. I had never let him cry.

Silas hugged me again, even tighter this time, as if he were terrified I would vanish. Just like Winnie had.

"Silas, let go. It's over," I said, my voice as cold as ice.

He began to sob openly, his voice turning raw and raspy.

"I won't. I don't want you to disappear too."

There it was. I really was just a replacement, wasn't I?

I pushed him away with all my strength and walked off. I didn't look back this time.

Right as I turned the corner, his phone started ringing loudly.

"Are you at the airport already? I'm coming right now. I was busy and missed your text. I'm so sorry."

Silas's voice echoed behind me. The tiny shred of hope I didn't know I was holding onto finally died.

I walked aimlessly through the city. I had no destination; I just wanted to get as far away from him as possible.

Somehow, I ended up at the place where Silas and I had our very first date.

It wasn't exactly a specific spot, more like a starting point for our story.

It was a park near our university. We had met there one evening as the sun was setting.

Back then, I was shy and had zero experience with guys. When I saw him standing there, my face turned bright red.

I still remember the first thing he ever said to me.

"You look so beautiful today."

Later, I suggested we walk around the campus and see the local sights. Our university was famous for being one of the most beautiful in the country.

We wandered aimlessly. We started at the park, crossed the scenic bridge, walked along the beach, and finally headed back into campus.

He walked slowly, often trailing a few steps behind me.

Finally, we reached his dorm. The path was lined with maple trees, and the ground was covered in golden fallen leaves.

I gathered every ounce of courage I had. My heart was pounding in my chest as I spoke.

"Maybe... could we take things a step further?"

"What do you mean by a step further, Taya?"

My face burned. I didn't even have the courage to look him in the eye anymore.

"I mean... will you be my boyfriend?" I whispered, using up the last bit of my bravery.

I finally looked up at his handsome face. He was flushed from the walk and looked so soft. I desperately wanted to reach out and touch him.