Finding Love With Someone Else

Four hours later, I received a message from Olivia with a photo attached. "Guess what I found in Mr. Felton's clothes?" The photo showed the ring Shawn had given me.

I stared at the picture, feeling as though my heart was being tightly squeezed.

Then, Olivia sent another message, "This is the ring that Mr. Felton gave you, right? Too bad. I just played around a bit, and now it's mine."

My vision went dark, and I felt like I was suffocating. I was trembling so much that I could barely hold my phone. In the end, it slipped from my hands to the floor.

Shawn had claimed that this ring was mine alone, yet he'd still given it to someone else. I couldn't help but feel the irony of it all.

After all these years, the love we shared was no longer mine.

My phone lit up a few more times, but I no longer had the courage to look at it. I numbly washed my face, trying to erase the last trace of affection I had for him.

By the time I woke up the next morning, Shawn had already returned.

He was beaming with satisfaction, and I could see several faint red marks on his neck.

I stared at him in silence.

Quickly, he guiltily averted his gaze. Then, he edged closer to me. "Anna, I'm really sorry. There was so much happening at the company. I just couldn't get away." His warm breath brushed my skin as he leaned in, but all I felt was a coldness that cut straight to my heart.

A wave of bitterness rose within me. I gently pushed him away and nonchalantly said, "I've changed my mind. The ring is the tangible symbol of our love." Then, I turned to him and demanded, "Shawn, where's my ring?"

Shawn froze for a moment, his expression flickering between guilt and uncertainty.

At that moment, it felt as if I had been plunged into an icy abyss. I already knew what his answer would be.

After a brief pause, Shawn pursed his lips and said, "Anna, I think the ring's design was too old-fashioned. It didn't suit you.

"Why don't we pick a new one? I know a place with some nice, modern designs…"

I shook my head and cut him off, "Forget it. It's useless now."

Though I had expected this, the reality stung harder than I'd expected.

A flicker of panic flashed across Shawn's face as he grabbed my hand and frantically said, "Anna, are you mad at me? How could it be useless? We're getting married soon. Don't scare me like this. I'll have a new one made right away."

Upon listening to his words, all I felt was disgust.

"It's fine. I'm not angry. How about you make it up to me by taking me out to dinner?" I suggested.

Shawn immediately seemed relieved and replied, "I'll take you to dinner right now."

I looked at his relaxed expression and wondered if he would still be so calm if he knew I had already decided to leave him.