Go to Hell, Ex! I Deserve Someone Better than You

"Please give me one more chance, Bri. I'm sorry I disappointed you. I shouldn't have proposed to her. I just realized that you're the best girl for me," Xander said as he knelt before me. His hands clasped together. His face was pleading, as if he couldn't live without me. However, I still glared at him. "Why are you just realizing it now? Isn't it too late? You've been married to Carrie for five years, Xander. Five years! And you already have a child." "No, Bri. It's not too late. I'm divorcing her soon. We can get married and live the life we once dreamed of. I promise to make you happy, Bri," Xander nodded reassuringly. "Make me happy?" I crossed my arms. My voice rose even higher. "How? You've given Carrie all my dreams. A wedding on the beach, a honeymoon in Lofoten, an apartment with a beautiful rooftop. You even named your child the name I chose." "That's exactly it, Bri," Xander shook my leg, "you can think of him as our son. I gave him that name because I couldn't forget you. I wanted our memories and hopes to live on in him. And now, we can be together again. We can make our dreams come true." I sighed in disbelief, and pulled my feet back, away from Xander's touch. "Do you think I was that desperate after breaking up with you? My world doesn't revolve around you, Xander. I've moved on and have a new boyfriend. Why would I go back to someone who dumped me?" "I didn't dump you, Bri. I was just too stupid. I didn't realize that I truly loved you back then. I-" "If it's love, why did you only realize it now?" I interrupted with a sour face. "Is it because I already have a career and achievements to be proud of? So you don't have to be embarrassed to be with me in front of other people? Or is it because you think I won't betray you like your wife did?" Before Xander could answer, I continued, "I'm not a garbage collector, Xander. Just because your wife dumped you doesn't mean I have to pick you up. Moreover, I've found a man who accepts me for who I am, and he is much better than you. Therefore, just dream that we can go back to how we used to be." Xander shifted forward and shook my leg again. "No, Bri. That's not true. I came back to you because I realized I love you. You still love me, right? You once said I was the man you loved most in the world. Your dream was to marry me. Let's make that happen now!" I snorted. My cheeks twitched in disgust. I can't understand what's inside Xander's brain. How could he repeat a promise he had clearly broken? How dare he apologize as if I wasn't hurt that much? Had he forgotten his sins against me? Whereas .... Five years ago, I thought our relationship was perfect. He loved me, and I loved him. He supported my dreams, and I supported his. I even did everything in my power to help him start his business. Yes, he dreamed of becoming a successful entrepreneur, and he had many beautiful promises to fulfill. "If I have been successful, let's build a harmonious, happy, and prosperous family. Let's have a wedding on the beach. Just like what you've always imagined." "Let's honeymoon in Lofoten. That's your dream, right? Don't worry about the cost. My savings will definitely exceed that." "One day, I'll be able to afford that apartment. We'll decorate every room with love. I'm sure our home will feel warm and cozy." He made all those promises to me, and I believed them. I patiently waited for them. But as it turned out? When he had succeeded, he dumped me in front of everyone. He was supposed to propose to me, but instead, he offered the ring to my best friend who had just returned from Europe. "Wait!" I interrupted his proposal. Confusion clouded my mind. "Is this a prank? I'm standing right here, Xander. Why are you kneeling in front of Carrie?" Xander stared at me coldly. For the first time, I caught the hatred in his eyes. "You weren't even invited to this event, Bri. Why should I kneel before you?" His tone was cold as well. I gasped. My tongue felt numb, my chest starting to feel tight. "I heard you were planning to propose to someone today. Who else would you propose to if not me?" I replied, still trying to laugh. However, Xander just snorted. "Did I tell you to come here?" My smile completely vanished. "No, but ... I'm your girlfriend. We were planning to get married, and that pink diamond ring is the one you promised me. You couldn't possibly give it to anyone else, could you?" I couldn't pretend to be okay anymore. My eyes were starting to redden. Furthermore, Xander's mother was grabbing my arm roughly. "Hey, you country girl! You weren't invited here. How dare you come here and ruin my son's proposal?" "But ...." My throat tightened. My eyes grew hot. "Xander, please stop joking. This isn't funny." Xander finally got up. He stood right in front of me, whispering, "I'm not kidding, Bri. I've decided we can't be together anymore. I choose Carrie. She's better for me. So get out of my sight and never come near me again." My breath hitched. Tears began to fall. "But why? We're still fine-" "You're so shameless, I see. You dare ask why?" Xander's mother snorted. Her tone was full of contempt. "My son is now a successful businessman. He deserves to be with a woman from high society, too. Not with a parasite like you, who can only depend on your uncle's family for your entire life!" The middle-aged woman pushed my shoulder with her index finger. Her strength wasn't much, but the pain I felt was immense. Moreover, Xander continued to propose to Carrie. He didn't care about the people who jeered at me. He didn't even turn his head when I was dragged out and collapsed in front of the door. That day was the worst nightmare of my life. I could only sob, knowing that his promises were just words, and my dreams were just fantasies. I had no choice but to keep living with the pain I hoped would disappear soon, with the loneliness I considered a curse. But now, just as I'd let go of my grief, Xander returned. He knelt before me, begging for forgiveness and a chance. All because he realized he'd chosen the wrong woman-the woman who cheated on him and abandoned their child. Should I pity him? No. I once loved him sincerely, and he paid for it with betrayal. I gave him the best of me, but he wasted it. I didn't want to be dumped again. No matter how he tried to persuade me, I wouldn't return to his embrace. He's no longer the most important man in my life. I dumped him long ago. So now, should I kick him, curse him, and spit on him like he and his mother did? Or, should I run to my lover and kiss him passionately on the lips? Was there another, more subtle, but painful way to get revenge? To be continued ....