Chapter 1
907 Words
"Eric, were you serious about what you said at the awards show? That you could propose to Barbara whenever she wants?”
I froze mid-step, quickly slipping behind a pillar beside the VIP booth. I set the tray onto a nearby barstool.
I wasn't trying to eavesdrop. But considering I was the person being discussed, it seemed more polite not to suddenly walk over.
I glanced down at the waitress uniform I was wearing and peeked at my boyfriend's back from behind the pillar. The corners of my lips curved upward. I couldn't wait to see his reaction to the surprise.
"Are you kidding me?" Eric Hills shot a lazy glance at the coach who'd spoken first. Under the dim amber lights, his sharp jawline looked even more striking.
He took a slow drag from his cigarette and exhaled. "I only dated her to get some experience."
The dance floor pulsed with music and laughter, but I felt like I'd been dropped into an ice cave. A chill seeped into my bones.
The smile on my face stiffened. My mind went blank.
I thought, 'What was Eric talking about? He had to be joking. Right?'
Just this morning, the highly anticipated Galaxy Open finals had wrapped up, and Eric had claimed his third consecutive championship.
During his interview, standing in front of millions of viewers with the trophy in his hands, he'd looked straight at me and confessed loudly,
"The person I owe this victory to most is my coach and girlfriend, Barbara Collins. If she's willing, I can propose anytime."
But the voices drifting over shattered every excuse I'd made for him.
"Experience in what?"
"Dating experience, obviously."
Greg Wood, another professional tennis player and Eric's closest friend, grinned wickedly.
"Five years ago, Eric confessed to Lena Ward. He'd been crushing on her forever, but she turned him down. Said she liked mature, dependable guys. So our boy Eric figured he'd date an older woman like Barbara and learn how relationships work."
Greg smirked. "And maybe pick up a few skills about keeping women happy in bed too."
The entire booth erupted in laughter.
I repeated the words over and over in my head until one truth finally settled in.
I had never been Eric's girlfriend. I had only been his training ground.
From twenty-four to twenty-nine.
Five years of my youth and wholehearted devotion. All of it had been nourishment for the woman he truly wanted.
My vision blurred. Cold tears streamed down my cheeks. My teeth chattered uncontrollably.
Leaning against the pillar for support, I covered my mouth tightly, terrified that my broken sobs would give me away.
"Oh, now I remember," the coach suddenly said. "Back then, you and Lena were basically the golden couple among rookie tennis players. The height, the looks, your chemistry in doubles, you guys looked perfect together. So you dated Coach Barbara just because of Lena? Damn, man. That's dedication."
Greg nudged Eric's shoulder. "I heard Lena's coming back next week. So when are you dumping Barbara?"
Eric lifted his glass and drained half of it in one gulp. He stayed silent.
"What? Don't tell me you're not planning to break up with her."
"Of course I am." Eric stretched out the words lazily.
"It's just... She's spent her best years on me. From twenty-four to twenty-nine. I honestly don't have the heart to be the one who says it."
He waved his hand dismissively and raised his glass.
"Forget it. Today's for celebrating. Bottoms up!"
"Cheers!"
Glasses clinked. Laughter echoed throughout the bar.
No one noticed me curled up on the floor in the shadows, crying until my makeup was ruined and my hair was a mess. I'd never looked so pathetic in my life.
By the time I finally calmed down, I realized my phone had been vibrating nonstop.
I quietly slipped outside and answered the hotel manager's call.
"Miss Collins, the mock-up for the Starlight Hall decorations is ready. The schedule is tight, so we'd appreciate it if you could review it soon. Otherwise it might affect your proposal plans..."
Yes. After hearing Eric's public confession that morning, I'd been over the moon. I'd immediately contacted my best friend Carlin Reed, whose family owned several luxury hotels, and started planning a proposal.
Carlin had nearly lost her mind. "You chased him first, and now you're proposing too?"
At the time, I was floating on cloud nine. I hadn't listened to a single word she said.
"None of those traditions matter. What matters is that I love him, and he loves me. Besides, who says the man always has to propose first?"
Carlin had pinched the bridge of her nose. "You're hopeless. Completely love-brained."
She was right. The woman who thought she was bravely pursuing true love was nothing more than an i***t.
I closed my burning eyes and took a deep breath. "Manager, cancel the entire proposal setup."
"Of course. Wait... Miss Collins... cancel it?"
My voice was still hoarse, but my tone grew steadier. "The ballroom will be used for something else. I'll let you know the details later."
The bar had been rented out by the club for the celebration. No guests came in or out. The noise inside was shut away behind the doors.
I sat at the front desk for a long time. Then, finally, I dialed a number.
"Mr. Clark. About the marriage alliance you mentioned before... I'm very interested."
- Writer
