"Enough about me. What's up with you and this mystery girl you've never mentioned?"
He scratched his head, clearly uncomfortable. "Well, uh, met her online. Things just... happened."
"Nice, man. Bring her around sometime, let the crew check her out?"
I peered through the smoke at Paul's face.
He had a brief pause before smiling nervously again.
"It's nothing serious, just hanging out."
"Oh, stepping up your game, huh?"
I kept the banter light, but my gaze was scanning the room.
Everything was closed up tight, yet something didn't add up.
"Since when did you turn into Mr. Clean?"
I pointed at the pristine ashtray.
"Guess I'm picking up some good habits."
I smirked inwardly. Picking up good habits?
Knowing him for over two decades, Paul was never the tidy type.
It was Sarah who couldn't stand a speck of dust, forcing me to smoke outside.
"I didn't really come for anything major, just wanted to see how you're doing. I'm heading out."
I got up, straightened my suit, and gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
He didn't hold me back, just watched as I headed to the elevator.
Once in my car, I didn't drive off. Instead, I parked in a shadowy corner and lit up a cigarette.
Sure enough, not 20 minutes later, the door to the building opened and a woman stepped out, graceful as ever.
My heart pounded fiercely, adrenaline kicking in.
I didn't even notice the cigarette burning my fingers.
Because that woman was none other than Sarah, my first love, and supposedly my future wife.
My fiancée, the other woman.
