Chapter 2

When Austin realized what he had said, his face went completely blank.

He scrambled to his feet, trying to reach out to me, but he still hesitated for two seconds before speaking.

"Sera, I..."

An overwhelming wave of irony washed over me.

Even in a moment like this, he still had to calculate before addressing me.

I knew exactly what he was going to say.

It was just a habit. He was too nervous.

After three years together, I was sick to death of his excuses.

I took a step back, dodging his hand.

"Save it."

"We're done, Austin. Let's break up."

"No..."

Austin tried to grab my arm.

But the commotion had already drawn our coworkers over. This was our annual company retreat, and seeing a proposal, everyone instantly lost their minds.

"Oh my god! Austin is actually proposing at the retreat!"

"Summer! I had no idea you and Austin were together! Why didn't you tell us?"

I turned around and saw Summer standing not far behind me.

My figure had been completely hidden by the trees along the pathway.

From a distance, it really did look like Austin was kneeling right in front of her.

Summer was covering her mouth, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and pure joy.

Our coworkers swarmed her, cheering and pushing her toward Austin.

Someone pushing past aggressively shoved me aside.

"Hey, they're proposing here! Why are you standing in the middle like a total third wheel?"

I stumbled.

My long dress was stepped on, and my styled hair got caught on someone's jacket zipper, ripping painfully.

I was shoved and squeezed out of the crowd, looking utterly pathetic.

By the time I managed to look up, the two of them were surrounded by a thick circle of cheering people.

Summer, wearing a white lace dress, stood in the center like a glowing bride waiting for her happily ever after.

And I, like everyone else, was just a random spectator watching their beautiful moment.

Through the gaps in the crowd, my eyes met Austin's.

His expression was incredibly complicated.

I saw his lips part, as if he wanted to shout an explanation.

But looking at Summer, who was crying tears of joy, he swallowed his words.

He forced a smile and slid the ring—the ring meant for me—onto her ring finger.

I let out a bitter laugh. I didn't make a scene. I didn't demand answers.

I just turned around silently, walking away from the celebration that was supposed to be mine.

The sky grew dark, and the wind blowing off the river was freezing.