Chapter 5
+25 BONUS
He continued, “You should come get your things and everything you gave me. Mr. and Mrs. Millar won’t let me back into their place.”
“Owen, I’m in Avendale! I just went through an earthquake!” I blurted out.
“So? You’re still alive, aren’t you?” he asked.
Before I could say anything, he said impatiently, “Vanessa has depression. She found out about our engagement, and it’s making her anxious! I want to give her some peace of mind, so can you find a boyfriend to show her I’m hers and hers alone?
“Vanessa’s not like you, Audrey. She only has me. Once she’s feeling better, everything will return to normal. Please understand, Audrey, can you?”
I wanted to laugh, but not even a smile would come. Then, I heard Vanessa’s sickly sweet voice in the background. Shortly after, flirtatious laughter rang out, and the call ended abruptly.
A tissue appeared before me, and only then did I realize tears were pouring down my cheeks. I looked up at Reuben, feeling utterly defeated.
Reuben’s eyes held a depth, and the way he looked at me was full of concern. He quietly wiped away the tears on my cheeks.
I grasped his hand. “Will you marry me?”
Reuben went still for a few moments, then slowly pulled his hand back.
My heart sank, the painful realization hitting me–no one wanted to be someone else’s substitute.
I forced a strained smile. “I’m sorry. That was a rash thing to say.”
Reuben pulled me into his arms and whispered, “I’m the one who should be proposing to you, not the other way around.”
