She Regretted It When I Got EngagedChapter 1
My girlfriend, Odessa Wilkerson, had secretly planned a dazzling fireworks display, and I naively thought it was a surprise meant for me.
Inspired by what I believed was her romantic gesture, I bought a ring, ready to propose on that very day.
But my excitement turned to confusion when, instead of receiving a heartfelt surprise, she handed me a plane ticket—a solo trip she’d planned for me without any prior discussion.
Canceling the flight, I went to the fireworks site instead.
Amid the vibrant lights of the fireworks, Odessa stood with another man, locked in a passionate kiss. They looked like a couple straight out of a fairytale, illuminated by the glow of explosions painting the sky. Tears of joy streamed down their faces as if they were celebrating a love they couldn’t contain.
Later that evening, scrolling through social media, I stumbled upon the man’s post: “Fireworks fade, but her love for me will forever burn bright!”
The comments were filled with blessings, congratulating their love, while I lay shattered, struck by the drone she had been operating. Losing my footing, I plummeted from the mountaintop.
When I regained consciousness, Odessa was sitting by my hospital bed, immersed in her phone with a radiant smile lighting up her face.
“Who was that?” I asked weakly, my voice barely above a whisper.
She looked up, startled, quickly suppressing her smile as though she had just remembered something serious. “It’s good to see you awake. I’m your neighbor. Get well soon.”
Before I could respond, she hurried out of the room. Turning away from the door, I reached for my phone.
“Leah,” I said, addressing my older sister, “about that arranged marriage you mentioned before—I’m ready to go through with it.”
——
My sister was stunned. After confirming I wasn’t joking, her voice brimmed with relief.
There was a long pause on the other end before Leah replied, her voice a mix of surprise and relief. “It’s about time you moved on! A girlfriend who keeps you in the shadows for five years? She was never serious about staying.”
“When can you come back? The family you declined before hasn’t given up hope for the arrangement.”