The One That Got Away

Just as Justin proposed to me, a phone call interrupted him.

Standing close by, I clearly heard the voice on the other end of the line.

“Justin, I’m hurt. My leg hurts so much!”

Justin snapped the ring box shut and looked at me.

“Alice is injured. I’ll have to do this another time.”

With those words, he sprinted away, leaving everyone around us staring in astonishment.

I had never met Alice, but her presence lingered in every corner of our lives. 

At meals, Justin would mention her fondness for sweet desserts. 

When I dressed, I came to know her love for soft lavender hues.

I argued, I wept, I lashed out, but Justin always countered with the same line. “You’re so jealous. Everyone has their first love. She’s my past, but you’re my future.”

So, I turned to a man who had once called me his first love—Quentin—and made a bold proposition.

“Let’s get married.”

Quentin Langley flew to my side that very night.

“Did you really agree? You’re not teasing me, are you? When I first proposed the union of the Smiths and Langleys, you immediately ran off to Marina Sands, and the matter was left unresolved.”

Looking at the man before me, whose cheeks were flushed with nervous excitement, I gently patted his hand and smiled faintly.

“That one is an important matter. Prepare well for it. Once I’ve finished dealing with things in Marina Sands, I’ll return to Arcania to reunite with you.”

“Thank you for giving me another chance. I thought you wouldn’t come back after leaving.”

His eyes glistened, like those of a stray puppy longing for a home.

After parting with Quentin, I immediately called a moving company to pack my belongings.

Halfway through packing, Justin Nolan returned.

He walked into the chaotic apartment, his voice low and angry. “What are you doing, Viola?”

I set down the suitcase in my hands and gazed at the face that had captivated me for three years.

“I’ve decided to return to Arcania,” I said.

As though hearing the most absurd joke, Justin sneered dismissively.

“Is this because I interrupted the proposal? Do you even realize Alice fell down the stairs in her rush to reach my proposal? She’s a dancer! Her legs mean everything to her.”

“How is her injury?” I asked calmly.

“She’s got a large bruise. She has a performance in a few days, and I hope it won’t affect her. This is all because of my proposal to you.”

I laughed.

“She called you away from your own proposal over a bruise? Is she some princess from a land far, far away?”

Justin became furious at my words.

“It was only a proposal. She might lose out on a flawless performance! She’s not like you—she’s a privileged heiress, an esteemed dancer. Stop making a scene and just wait obediently for the next proposal!”

Wait obediently? Was I his pet?

“There’s no need for another proposal right now. I want to go to Arcania and clear my head!”

With that, I dragged my suitcase and headed straight for the door but Justin grabbed my hand firmly.

“You’re not going back this time. You must accompany me to Alice’s performance.”

“I’m not going.”

“If you don’t, don’t expect to see your cats and dogs again.”

After graduation, I had planned to open a veterinary clinic and had taken in many stray cats and dogs.

To show his support, Justin had contributed half the investment.

I didn’t need that half, but I didn’t want to reject his goodwill at the time.

Who would’ve thought that what once symbolized love had become a tool to threaten me?

Fearing he might give away my rescues, I reluctantly agreed.

It was just a few more days, surely I could endure it for a little longer.