I wore a tiny sleeveless gown with a slit that teased up my thigh. A sleek coat hung over my shoulders, framing the elegance I was trying to wear with confidence tonight.
This evening, I was going to talk to Sean—finally tell him what I wanted for both of us. Maybe... maybe it was time to take the next step. If I married him, maybe I could slowly fall for Sean and out of love with Adrino.
My hair flowed freely down my back, untouched by curlers or sprays. I wore no makeup except for a bold red lipstick that dared to say what I couldn't.
As the driver opened the door for me, my phone buzzed.
Adrino.
Hey Princess, how are you? Where are you? I'm not feeling too good... please, be safe.
I quickly typed back.
I'm good, Adrino. Just going out for a bit. Sean's got a surprise for me.
His reply was instant.
What does that mean?
I don't know... but I guess I'll find out soon, I answered.
Send me your location.
Okay, I replied, sharing the address.
I'll be there in a few minutes—on standby.
Blackout.
I gasped as I stepped into the venue.
Lights twinkled, soft music hummed through the air... and then I saw it.
A spectacular proposal setup—white roses, fairy lights, champagne, and... Sean, on one knee.
My breath hitched.
Was this really for me?
He looked up at me, vulnerable, sincere.
"I know I'm not your ideal man," Sean began. "But for you, I can try. I love you, Aria. And I would be honored if you'd do me the honor of becoming my wife."
"Will you marry me, Aria?"
I stood frozen. This was what I thought I wanted. But in this moment—it felt... wrong.
Before I could speak, the doors burst open.
Adrino.
His eyes scanned the scene. He paused at the sight of Sean on one knee, then locked eyes with me. His gaze pleaded, begged me not to say yes.
I saw it. The shimmer in his eyes. The fear. The pain.
I looked at Sean. Then Adrino. Then back again.
Torn in two directions.
I swallowed hard.
Then spoke words I could regret for a lifetime.
"I'm sorry, Adrino... Sean, can I talk to you outside?"
Panic flashed across both their faces, but Sean stood up, nodding slowly. He followed me outside, into the quiet night.
"Sean," I said softly, "You're a good man. One of the best I've ever known. But sometimes... good things don't fit perfectly with other good things."
He just stared.
"I like you. A lot. But I don't love you. My heart... it belongs to someone else."
His jaw clenched. "Let me guess. It's Adrino, isn't it?"
I froze.
"How do you know his name?"
He chuckled darkly, shaking his head. "Stupid girl. I'm Sean Walton. Roger—Jamey Walton—is my older brother. Didn't that ever cross your mind?"
My heart dropped.
"But why?" I whispered.
He didn't answer. Just leaned in and said, "Save that question for later. Goodnight, baby."
Suddenly, a cloth covered my mouth.
A sharp chemical smell filled my nose.
My vision blurred.
My body weakened.
And the last thing I saw as my knees buckled was a figure sprinting toward me.
Adrino.
Blackout.