"Rosalie, isn’t this ring beautiful? Brother Gregory picked it out just for me."
Watching her saunter away, my hands balled into fists at my sides. The cold metal of my own diamond ring pressed into my skin—a ring I had worn for five years.
It was the first gift Gregory had bought me when he earned his first paycheck.
His promise echoed in my mind.
"Rosalie, this ring is my commitment to you. I’ll never marry anyone else in this life. And on our wedding day, I’ll give you a bigger, shinier diamond ring."
I slipped the ring off my finger and tossed it into the trash without hesitation.
Then I packed my bags, moved into my friend's vacant flat and left the place I once called home.
The next day, Gregory finally noticed my absence.
He called me, his tone filled with frustration.
"Where are you? Lucy found the ring I gave you in the trash. What’s the meaning of this?"
He didn’t wait for me to answer.
"I’ve explained everything to you. Can you stop being so unreasonable? It’s just a wedding and a ring! Whatever Lucy has, I’ll make sure you have, too."
He paused before adding, "You’ve already waited for me for so many years—what’s two more?"
I felt a wave of clarity wash over me. My voice was steady as I said, “Gregory, we’re over."
Then I hung up, blocked his number and cut off all contact.
I submitted my resignation the same day.
A week later, I finished handing over my work. My colleagues threw me a farewell dinner and the atmosphere was surprisingly lighthearted—until a male colleague, drunk and emboldened, decided to confess to me in front of everyone.
This man was notorious for his shameless flirting and I rejected him politely but firmly.
Feeling humiliated, he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.
"I’ve heard all about you. Your rich boyfriend dumped you and is marrying someone else. It’s a miracle anyone would want you, so why act all high and mighty?"
His vulgar tone sent a chill down my spine. I opened my mouth, ready to shut him down, when a shadow moved past me.
In a flash, a fist connected with the man’s face, sending him sprawling to the floor.
Gregory stood over him, radiating cold fury.
"Do you think a scumbag like you has the right to insult my woman?" he said icily.
The room erupted in chaos. My colleagues whistled and cheered, their voices blending into a cacophony of gossip and excitement.