He Left Me At Our Engagement

Chapter 3

The next afternoon, Callum returned to the apartment.

As soon as he opened the door, the familiar silence washed over him. However, he quickly noticed that something was different.

A pair of white sheepskin flats he often wore was missing from the entryway.

He frowned slightly and glanced at the shoe cabinet, where he spotted a sealed brown paper envelope.

Callum walked over, picked it up, and tore it open.

The contents spilled out with a clatter, landing on the cabinet. There was a building access card, a set of car keys, and the pink diamond ring.

His expression darkened instantly.

"Avenelle!" He called out, his voice echoing through the empty living room.

No one answered.

Callum took out his phone and dialed my number.

"The number you have dialed is currently busy . . ."

He tried three times, and each time, he heard the same automated female voice.

That was when he finally realized I had blocked him.

He loosened his tie and immediately called Breccan.

"Where is Avenelle?"

Breccan sounded confused. "Your fiancée? I don't know. She left the hotel yesterday, and I haven't heard from her since. Isn't she at home?"

"She moved her things out," Callum said through clenched teeth.

Breccan fell silent for two seconds before speaking carefully, "Callum, I think Avenelle is genuinely heartbroken at this time. Hundreds of people were watching, and you abandoned her for Nyra. Anyone would have a hard time accepting that."

Callum let out a cold laugh. "She didn't understand a damn thing. Do you think I went there to save Nyra? I went there to deal with that con artist.

"And look at her now. She's getting more and more unreasonable. Before, she'd just pack her things and threaten to leave. This time, she's even blocked me."

"So what are you going to do now?"

"Let her throw her tantrum."

Callum walked over to the sofa and sat down, tossing the pink diamond ring onto the coffee table.

"She doesn't even have a decent job. Where could she possibly go?"

He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. He could still smell the disinfectant on his sleeve, mixed with the overly sweet perfume Nyra wore.

The scent only made him more irritated.

"Forget it. Help me book a restaurant and reserve the entire place." He suddenly changed the subject.

"Huh? Why do you need a restaurant?"

"To make up for the proposal ceremony. Make it big, and invite the media, too."

He opened his eyes and stared at the river view beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"She's just upset because I embarrassed her yesterday, isn't she? I'll give her an even grander moment."

After hanging up, he leaned back against the sofa, firmly convinced that I was only doing this to get his attention.

*****

At the same time, I was attending an online interview for a planning position at an international company.

"Ms. Vexley, your resume is impressive, but you haven't worked for three years. Could you explain why?" the interviewer asked from the other side of the screen.

"For the past three years, I have been managing a rather complicated private project. Now that the project is over, I'd like to return to work." I smiled politely at the camera.

The interview went smoothly, and the company asked me to start next month.

After closing my laptop, I picked up the warm milk on the table and took a sip. The warmth spread through my stomach.

At this time of day, I used to be making porridge for Callum. He was always getting stomachaches after being upset by one of Nyra's endless emergencies.

I had to keep warm food ready for him so he could eat as soon as he came home. Now, I finally don't have to wait for him anymore.

My phone screen lit up with a text message.

Unsaved number: Avenelle, tomorrow night at eight. Starwave Rooftop Restaurant. I'll give you the grand ceremony you deserve.

The message came from an unsaved number.

I looked at it, pulled out a tissue, and wiped the milk stain from the rim of my cup.

Then I tapped the screen and calmly replied.

Avenelle: Okay. Since it's going to be such a grand ceremony, I should prepare a big gift, too.

The following evening, Starwave Rooftop Restaurant was completely cleared out.

9,999 red roses stretched from the elevator all the way to the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Callum stood by the windows in a custom-made designer suit.

Breccan and several of his close friends sat in a nearby booth, holding confetti cannons and party poppers.

"Callum, you've really gone all out. Avenelle is going to be so moved when she gets here," Breccan teased him with a grin.

Callum glanced down at his watch. 7:55 p.m.

"She'll fall for it," A faint smile tugged at the corner of Callum's mouth. "All she needs is a little room to save face. She's always been reasonable once she gets that."

At exactly eight o'clock, the elevator gave a clear chime.

Callum turned around, straightened his tie, and arranged his mouth into a perfect smile.

The elevator doors slowly slid open . . .