Harrison's voice went soft instantly, coaxing Claudia Simmons like she was a child.

"Claudia, you are not a homewrecker. Once we get the marriage certificate tomorrow, we'll be legally married. Recognized by law."

"Don't listen to people who run their mouths without thinking. If anyone dares laugh at you, I'll shut them up myself."

But Claudia only cried harder.

"What about Tilda, though? She must be so heartbroken. I should just go get rid of the baby, and you two can have your wedding tomorrow like planned..."

Harrison's voice grew even softer, edged with panic.

"Claudia, I already worked everything out with her. She just has to wait three more years and she'll get what she wants. It's not like I'm going to disappear on her."

"Stop crying, okay? Your stomach's going to start hurting again."

"And if your eyes are all swollen from crying, how are you going to be a beautiful bride tomorrow?"

Claudia broke into a teary laugh.

Harrison let out a breath of relief. When he spoke to me again, his tone had softened considerably.

"Tilda, why aren't you saying anything? Hurry up and apologize to Claudia."

I clenched my fists, furious at myself for liking and commenting in the first place.

But I hadn't done anything wrong. Why should I apologize?

"Harrison, what if I say no?"

He faltered for a second, then raised his voice in disbelief.

"Tilda, keep this up and you're going to embarrass yourself! Claudia is pregnant. Her emotions are fragile enough as it is, and you deliberately made her cry. Do you have any sense at all?"

"Fine, don't apologize then. But you'd better make up for it with action. Go tell our friends and family right now that you're the one who called off the wedding!"

As if terrified I'd refuse, he hung up immediately.

Then he sent me a text:

Tilda, I'm begging you, please stop making a fuss. I'm just getting a marriage certificate with Claudia. It's a piece of paper, nothing more. It doesn't mean anything. Canceling the wedding is just so we can save your dream wedding for the perfect moment.

Those familiar words stung my eyes until they burned.

The perfect moment.

I'd been hearing that for eight years. Nearly three thousand days and nights, waiting for him to marry me.

And instead, I'd waited just long enough to watch him become someone else's legal husband.

Harrison, I'm done waiting for you.

Because we were never right for each other.

Harrison recalled the message.