The same image on the cake appeared above us, larger and impossible to miss.
Stephanie made a sound I hadn’t heard before, like something cracking.
I turned back to the mic.
“I’m calling off the engagement.”
The shock had some of the guests crying, especially those who’d believed Stephanie and thought we were a “forever after” type of couple.
Stephanie made a sound I hadn’t heard before.
Stephanie shook her head, tears running now. “Nick, please—”
I cut in, calmly.
“You can keep the engagement ring. It seems you and your man really need the cash.”
Some people shifted uncomfortably.
I looked around the room.
“Enjoy the food and drinks, everyone. I have some packing to do.”
No one laughed or clapped.
I set the mic down on the stand, then walked away and didn’t stop.
***
“I have some packing to do.”
The air outside felt freeing.
I stood there for a moment, letting everything settle.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I didn’t check it.
***
Later that night, I started packing a bag for Stephanie.
Just the basics.
Clothes. Documents. A few things that mattered. I left the rest for later.
I didn’t check it.
I sat down on the bed afterward, and for the first time in a long time, I felt something clear.
Not anger.
Not even relief.
