Chapter 1

Cole missed another engagement dinner because Sierra cried over something trivial.

He told me to stop complaining.

He told me to “understand their bond.”

When I confronted him, he defended her before he even looked at me.

That was the moment my patience ended.

I took off the ring, placed it on the table, and walked out.

If he can show up for her every time, he can lose me.

My boyfriend has a buddy who he treats like a sister, and they’re practically inseparable.

On the day we were supposed to get engaged for the ninth time, he ditched me at the venue.

Why? Because it was their 20th “friendship anniversary.”

“It’s just a delayed engagement. No need to rush. Are you really worried that no one will marry you?”

Her latest Instagram Story popped up, and it felt like a thorn in my eye.

“Twenty years of friendship. How could someone like you ever compare?”

They hugged, looking way too cozy for “just friends.”

I tossed the ring into a trash can.

A cab driver waved me over and asked, “Where to?”

“Just drive,” I replied. “Anywhere but back.”

When Cole Delaney’s calls started coming in, I turned my phone off.

It stayed off for three days.

The night breeze by Santa Monica Pier felt calming, lifting the hem of my red dress. It reminded me of the first time Cole told me he loved me.

He had been so young and awkward, his feelings written all over his face, impossible to hide.

I had fallen hard for 20-year-old Cole.

I even left my hometown of Austin, Texas, and moved to the unfamiliar Midwest for him.

I quit a job I loved to become his secretary, a role I held for nine years.

Fate sure has a twisted sense of humor. We got engaged nine times.

And each time, she got in the way.

Her name is Sierra Stokes. We fought about her more times than I can count.

“I’ve told you, Sierra and I are just friends. Why are you so insecure?”

“We’ve shared everything since we were kids—even baths. Do you really think it’s anything more?”

“Skylar Quinn, you’re acting like a jealous maniac! Sierra’s already forgiven you for stalking us. What else do you want?”

Cole’s expression darkened during those arguments.

After each fight, I’d pick up my feelings, wipe my tears, and apologize.

I was terrified of losing him, so I always gave in first.

But this time, I felt nothing. No anger, no sadness—just a calm desire to stay by the ocean, doing nothing and feeling at peace.

Cole found me without much trouble.

I forgot that the hotel I booked was one of his. He burst into my room without warning.

“Skylar Quinn, running away is such a childish move.”

“It was Sierra and I’s 20th anniversary as friends. We were just celebrating! Can’t I have friends besides you?”

Friends. Right.

Friends who kiss?

I kept that thought to myself. I knew he’d dismiss it as “just a game.”

Not like it would be the first time.

“Sierra and I have nothing going on. Stop sulking, okay?”

His furrowed brows softened as he looked at me, almost concerned.

“I’ll make it up to you with a bigger wedding. Sierra can even be your maid of honor. Will that make you happy?”

His voice had a soothing tone.

I remained silent, making his brows knit together again.

“Skylar, if you don’t—”

“Fine,” I interrupted.

The old me would’ve argued until I caved and apologized. But now? I just smiled faintly.

My unexpected compliance caught him off guard, but he quickly masked it with a relieved smile. He reached for my hand. “Let’s go home.”

I pulled my hand away coldly and walked ahead of him.

Cole paused, stunned for a moment.

No fight? He didn’t know how to deal with that.

When I reached his car, Sierra was already waiting.

“There you are, Skylar! Cole’s been freaking out trying to find you!” She pouted, playfully scolding him. “I told you we should’ve brought her to the anniversary, but nooo. Look what happened—she’s jealous again!”

“Skylar, I’m really sorry for him. Don’t be mad, okay? If you are, I’ll hit him for you!” She pretended to punch Cole’s chest but ended up in his arms.

“Still the charmer, huh?” Cole smirked at her.

“Ugh, stop holding me like that!” Sierra blushed and squirmed, glancing at me. “Skylar’s watching. Are you trying to scare her off again?”