Chapter 1
Ewing’s first love, Magnolia, fixed her eyes on him and asked, “If Irene Fowler weren’t in the picture, would you take me back?“%
He didn’t even hesitate. “Yes.“%
Yeah, I am Irene Fowler, and Ewing is my fiance.%
Everyone in the room was stunned, turning to stare at me as if expecting me to fly into a rage and flip the table.%
But I surprised them all. With a calm smile, I said, “Well, since we haven’t signed the papers yet, why not? I’ll step aside and let you two be together.“%
ㄧㄝ
A week ago, Magnolia Mills returned from overseas, and Ewing Nicholson went out of his way to welcome her home.%
That same day, my father was diagnosed with coronary heart disease and scheduled for bypass surgery.
I lost my composure on the phone, yelling at Ewing for not knowing what really mattered.
He turned it around on me, accusing me of making a scene for attention.
His voice was raw with anger and humiliation–he didn’t bother to hide it.
After I hung up, he blocked my number.
In that moment, it was as if I didn’t know him at all.
I was the first time Ewing and I had a real standoff.
Usually, after a fight, I would rush to apologize, terrified of upsetting him.2
But this time, seeing I was blocked, I felt strangely calm.
Three days later, my mother called. She told me Ewing had gone to her to complain.
I knew what he was doing–giving me a way to patch things up.2
It was always like this. Ewing never said sorry first. He’d always find some way–ordering takeout, suggesting dinner, or, if all else failed, running to my parents to play the victim.
As soon as I softened and reached out, he’d smirk as if he’d won: “See? I told you I could handle you.“2
And at night, he’d pounce on me like a hungry wolf, not letting up until I surrendered.”
It had always been this way, ever since I started dating him.2
I gave him my whole heart, but could never expect the same in return.2
With Ewing, I learned to swallow my pride, to fit myself around him, to walk on eggshells–like I couldn’t breathe without him.2
But yesterday, when he said, “Even your mom says you’re in the wrong. Stop being so dramatic,” something inside me cracked.
He didn’t understand how scared and helpless I was, pacing outside the operating room that day.”
I might be hopelessly in love, but I’m still someone’s daughter.
More than anything, I wished he’d been there–just to hold me for a moment.2
But all I got was blame and indifference.
And then, as if nothing had happened, he texted me: “Hey babe, remember what tomorrow is?“%
Our third engagement anniversary.
Of course I remembered.
Every year, I’d spend weeks planning–choosing the best restaurant, buying him the latest sneakers, designer clothes, gaming gear &
None of it ever seemed to impress him. My gifts never measured up to a single well-timed birthday post from Magnolia.
When I didn’t reply, Ewing assumed I’d forgotten.
He playfully scolded, “Fine, just stay home and wait for me. I’ll make it up to you.”
I sent back one word: “Okay.”
Then I put down my phone and went back to reviewing the legal documents on my desk. In the past, I’d have been giddy with anticipation. This time, I felt nothing!
After work, Ewing reminded me to pick up a bottle of red wine and some candles.
“Be good and wait for me,” he messaged at six
So I waited. Like an idiot, I waited until midnight, but he never showed.
Worried something had happened, I called him over and over, but he never answered.&
Finally, desperate, I opened my phone to message one of his close friends.
That’s when I saw Magnolia’s post on social media:
“To a lifelong soulmate”
