Chapter One

Chapter One

Valerie's POV

I should be happy for Gina. But all I felt was envy.

Gina twirled a bouquet beneath the soft glow of the florist’s lights, her engagement ring glinting every time she moved her hand.

I stood beside her, clutching my purse a little too tightly, pretending to study the roses. But really, I was wondering when it would be my turn for an engagement ring to grace my finger like this.

“What do you think?” she asked, her voice slicing through my thoughts and dragging me back to reality.

I cleared my throat, searching for my voice as I stepped closer. “They’d make the roses pop,” I said, brushing my fingers lightly over the petals.

She beamed, but my chest tightened.

It was a Saturday morning and I was with my younger sister—Gina at a florist shop helping her pick the flowers for her wedding which was only three weeks away. I had turned her down the first time she asked me to accompany her, not because I was busy but because I had a tiny tinge of jealousy that she was getting married before me. In my defense, she already hired a wedding planner who was doing a perfect job.

It was a last-minute decision to come along. I’m her big sister, after all—and I should be here, supporting her, making sure her big day turns out perfect.

Relief washed over me as my phone rang. Grateful for the distraction, I stepped aside to answer the call from my boyfriend. "Hey babe"

"Hi Val, let's meet at Skyline by four", Damian said flatly.

"Sure thing babe. Anyways, how's your....".

Mid way into the conversation and he cut the call. No pleasantries. No I miss you, just a time and venue. I shoved the creeping unease aside and put my phone back into my purse. I turned and nearly jumped when I found Gina standing right behind me.

"Was that Damian?," She asked softly, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes,” I replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.

"He's still coming to the wedding…right?,” she pressed.

“Of course,” I snapped, brushing past her as I headed toward the attendants. “Let’s just wrap this up. I’ve got other ‘important plans’ for today.” I made sure to stress the last word.

“Fine,” she muttered, falling into step behind me.

Was I being mean? No.

You can't really blame me because my parents—especially my dad, has been on my neck to get married because he sees marriage as a marker of success and stability. He has a very traditional mindset and believes a woman's crown is her husband. Although I have the perfect job as a top-tier interior decorator in New York City and have built a name for myself, we still have a slight shift in our relationship.

I recall sitting beside him at my cousin Sophia's wedding last year and he whispered, "Maybe next year it will be your turn – if you stop being too picky".

I felt disappointed at myself knowing that regardless of any of my achievements I could never make my father proud unless I upgraded my relationship status.

After that wedding, I decided that I had already attended enough weddings and promised myself I would stay away from any more. Gina was the exception—family comes first. Still, each bouquet and smiling couple reminded me of what I was missing, the one thing that could have made me feel complete.

I arrived at my apartment at one o’clock. Perfect timing—it gave me just enough time to rest before getting ready for my date

Since morning, all I’d had was a cup of coffee, and helping Gina had kept me so busy I hadn’t even thought about food. Now my stomach growled loudly enough to make me wince.

I could have ordered takeout, but I decided to make a small bowl of noodles, saving my appetite for dinner with Damian—wanting the meal I actually looked forward to to be worth it.

Three hours later, I had eaten, taken a well-deserved nap, showered, and now added the finishing touches to my makeup, pausing for a final glance at the full-length mirror—impressed by the reflection staring back.

Realizing I was running late for my date, I rushed to meet the Uber I had booked before starting my makeup. Moments like this made me wish I had used my savings to buy a car instead of renting an extra office space

Immediately I stepped into Skyline restaurant. I spotted Damian at a corner booth and smiled, but he did not smile back.

It's probably because I'm late.

I hurriedly walked up to where he was sitting and positioned myself opposite him. "I'm sorry I kept you waiting, babe. I was—"

“It's fine," he cuts in flatly, his voice laced with icy indifference

I pause, blinking.

Suddenly, I felt uncomfortable because this was the second time he was cutting me short today. I waved off his attitude as I picked up the menu to select a meal.

As if on cue, a waiter walks up to our table to collect our orders.

"We would like some champagne before the main course," Damian said to the waiter before I placed the order for both of us. This was a ritual we did whenever we hung out–eat the same meal.

As the waiter left, an awkward silence settled over us. I caught Damian glancing at his wristwatch every now and then, as if he had somewhere urgent to be.

A few minutes later, the waiter returned with two glasses of champagne.

“Thank you,” I said, lifting a glass and taking a sip before he set the other on the table.

With the waiter gone, Damian looked me in the eyes for the first time that evening. His wine sat untouched.

“Valerie,” he began, his gaze locking with mine. “I’m no longer interested in this relationship.”

I nearly choked on my wine. It suddenly tasted bitter on my tongue.

I should have seen it coming. But still, I stayed—hoping I could be enough. And now, here I am, dumped a few weeks into my younger sister's wedding, with nothing to show for all the love I gave.

I stared into my half-full glass, blinking back tears.

This time, I had no excuses left.