The Real GoodbyeChapter 1
I had been Keith's fiancée for six years. He doted on me relentlessly yet never once mentioned marrying me. I mustered up all my courage and proposed to him at my birthday party, but he silently left me. Then someone took a photo of him kissing the girl next door.
He was annoyed that I acted alone and accused me of being suspicious. Yet, I later overheard him laughing with his friends. "Zoey only holds onto me because of her parents' kindness in saving my life. After all these years, I suppose I've repaid that debt."
I smiled bitterly and left the country.
Later, Keith finally agreed to marry me. Of course, I rushed back home without hesitation. It wasn't to rekindle our engagement but to end it.
***
I clutched an umbrella and ran lightly down the hallway, my steps bouncing excitedly. Keith always called me clumsy, saying I couldn't even care for myself and that it made him worry about me. However, I wanted to show him that I could take care of myself and protect him.
It was raining and if Keith saw me bringing him an umbrella, he would surely praise me for being thoughtful and considerate, right? I rehearsed my words in my head over and over again. "Keith, it's nothing. Once I become your wife, this is just what I should do."
Listening to the lively conversation in the private room, I slowed my pace. Keith valued his pride, so I didn't want to barge in recklessly.
"Keith, we all saw the photos from that night. What's going on?"
"I heard Sadie Simpson came back just for you."
"You've been stringing that little girl along for six years. Why not just do the right thing and marry her?"
I froze, startled to hear that familiar yet distant name. Sadie Simpson, the girl, who used to live next door to Keith's house.
She had gone abroad before I moved into Keith's house. I had assumed they were just close like siblings, but hearing it from others made it sound different. So, the woman from that night was her.
Then Keith's deep, teasing voice rang out. "Don't make things up. Sadie and I are just friends. There's nothing between us like you're imagining."
The storm of emotions inside me began to settle. The corners of my lips lifted unconsciously. How could Keith be involved with another woman? He loved me. Sadly, my confidence was shattered in the next moment.