Dodged a Lifetime Disaster

The tears finally came.

I couldn't hold them back. I broke down, full-on sobbing.

Luke just stood there, frozen. Then he grabbed my face, made me look at him.

Like he was offering some big favor, he said, "I'll stay with you a few days a week, then go back to take care of Lucas. That cool?"

When I didn't answer, he sighed hard. "Arya, this is the best I can do. Can you stop being so unreasonable?"

I took a deep breath, forcing the sobs down.

"That's too much. Just thinking about it drains me. We're done, Luke. Go be with her and Lucas. How I'm doing? Not your problem anymore."

He grabbed my shoulder, thinking I was just being dramatic. "Are you serious?"

I didn't say a word. Just turned to get in the car.

Then he shoved me—hard. "So that's it? Dropping the act now? Gonna throw your rich girl tantrum?"

My head slammed into the car roof. I lost my balance and hit the ground.

Luke didn't even flinch. Just shot me a bitter look and walked off.

At some point, Cassie showed up. Barely even tried to scold him. "Arya's from money. Isn't it normal for her to be a little dramatic? Can't you cut her some slack?"

Luke scoffed, slipping his arm around her waist like it was nothing.

"I'm human too. Why should I baby her? She's the one who chased after me. Now she thinks she can throw tantrums?"

He gave me a cold glance, then turned to Cassie with this soft tenderness.

"You're better—understanding, chill. If Arya had been the one with a baby, she'd lose it every other day. Just thinking about it annoys me."

Watching them play house right in front of me made me want to throw up. I didn't say a word.

Just got in the car and drove off.

But everything kept replaying in my head, over and over.

The pain in my chest made it hard to breathe.

My phone rang—Luke's mom.

"Arya, I heard what happened. Luke canceled the wedding. He was wrong to keep it from us. The kid's already two, but look—the whole thing was an accident. Cassie's willing to give up parental rights. As long as Luke still wants to marry you, nothing has to change. You're still his fiancée. And if it really bothers you, I'll raise the kid myself so he's not in your way."

My throat tightened. I had to swallow hard before I could speak. "Paulina, it's over. Luke and I are done."

Her voice went cold. "You rich girls are all the same. I had doubts from the start. I didn't want my son feeling small next to you. He messed up—like any man. He owned it. Can't you just let it go?"

My hands locked on the wheel, knuckles white. "It's fine. Your son doesn't have to feel small anymore. He and Cassie are perfect for each other. I'm out. For real."

I hung up, slammed the brakes, and pulled over.

Couldn't breathe.

Back then, I gave it all up—my world, my comfort—just to protect his ego. Traded everything for "simple."

He finally chose me, but the digs never stopped. One jab after another.

And I took it. Smiled. Nodded. Thought if I stayed sweet long enough, he'd finally mean it.

Then came the family party.

"I heard Luke's dating some rich girl? Where is she? Don't tell me it's that plain one next to him."

"She looks poorer than we do. No way she's from money. Luke probably made it up."

Laughter all around.

Luke?

He glanced at me like I was gum on his shoe.

***

I spaced out for a bit before finally driving myself home.