Promised Enough, and Thats That
Is that a ring on your finger? Jennifer caught hold of my hand before I could tuck it away.
I couldnt help myself, I beamed and stretched out my hand so she could get a proper look. The delicate gold band with its small sparkling stone glimmered under the sitting room lamp. Honestly, Id barely been able to take my eyes off it for the last two days.
Jen, he finally proposed! Five years I waited, hoped, nearly gave upbut two nights ago, Simon finally did it!
About time too, Jennifer snorted. My Daniel proposed after six months, and theyre brothers! Same family, same upbringing, yet you wouldnt think so, would you?
I pressed my handwith the ringagainst my chest and gave an involuntary laugh, happiness bubbling up inside me.
You cant imagine how much its been weighing on me these last few years! I kept dropping hints, sometimes even asking outright where he thought things were going, what he expected from us. All my friends are married already, have childrenmeanwhile Ive been stuck as the perpetual girlfriend, with no prospects. Sometimes I even thought Simon was just stringing me along because it suited him, as if he had no reason to change anything or commit.
And what did Simon say?
Oh, saving up for a wedding, wanted to pay off a loan first, then work was up in the air I flicked my hand dismissively. Always a new excuse! I actually intended to give him an ultimatum, honestly, I was ready just last month.
But you didnt?
Didnt need to! Simon finally realised it himself. I was glowing again. He told me he couldnt imagine life without me, that he wanted to wake up beside me for the rest of his days.
Jennifer shook her head, laughing.
Well, fair play. Lets forgive him those five years of dithering; the main thing is you got there in the end. So whens the date?
I shrugged, but my face must still have been shining.
We havent even talked about a date yet. But in my head, Ive planned the whole wedding down to the last detailthe dress, the venue, the flowers, the guest list. Havent told Simon any of that, or hell run for the hills!
He wont run, dont worry. Jennifer drew me into a hug. If he survived five years of hints and cross-examinations, hes ready for anything.
Jennifer pulled on her coat in the hallway, promising to ring me during the week to talk more. After she left, I leaned against the door, gazing at my ring. The gold glimmered warmly, the stone caught the light, and I stroked it with my thumb. My wish had come trueI was a fiancée. Soon, I would be a wife.
I pushed myself off the door and headed for the living room, mentally running through my evening to-do list. Unload the dishwasher, iron some shirts, wipe the shelves, get dinner started for when Simon got home. But the chores didnt bother me tonight, quite the oppositeI wanted to float around the flat and hum something cheerful. I kept glancing at the ring, smiling to myself. The wedding was ahead, a new chapter, and I was certain this would be the happiest year of my twenty-eight.
…The week after Simon proposed flashed by in a happy blur. I was still twirling around the flat, admiring the ring at every opportunity. But once the euphoria calmed a bit, I decided to bring up some practicalities. Over dinner one evening, I nervously broached the subject of the wedding.
Simon, should we at least pick a month? I slid the plate of fishcakes towards him. Autumn or spring maybe? I need to know when to start looking for a dress.
Not now, love. Simon barely looked up from his phone. Things at work are crazy. Justcan we talk about it later?
I nodded and let it go, not wanting to push. But a week went by, then two, then an entire monthand Simon never brought it up again. Every time I tried, picking my moment, waiting for him to be in a good mood, it was always the same response.
Later, love. You can see Im knackered. Dont get on at me about it.
As the second month ended, my nerves wore thin. The ring still glistened on my finger but brought less and less joy. I realised I was constantly twisting it, scowling instead of smiling.
That Friday, I decided to make a special dinnerset the scene, create the right mood for a proper conversation. The roast chicken was in the oven with some veg, a homemade cake sat ready on the counter, and the flat was filled with cosy smells. While setting the table, I realised Id forgotten to buy bread.
Grabbing my purse, I dashed out in my slippers, planning on a quick dash to the corner shop. But outside the building, I stopped deadId heard Simons and Daniels voices.
I thought you were never keen on marriage, mate, Daniel drawled. Whats changed?
Nothings changed, Simon replied with a low chuckle. I only proposed, didnt I? Doesnt mean were actually having a wedding. Let her cook, clean, look after me for a while. Ill end things after. No wedding. At least shes stopped nagging mesaw the ring and settled down.
Daniel snorted approvingly.
My heart it just stopped. I stood, petrified with grief. Five years of waiting, two months of happiness it had all been a farce, a cheap trick so Id go on washing his socks and making his teas.
The brothers kept talking, each word stabbing deeper.
I wasnt a loved fiancée, wasnt even a cherished girlfriend. Just a convenient passenger, with no thought of a future together.
I stood there a few more minutes, pressing into the cold brickwork. Then I heard Simon say
Just dont tell Jennifer, alright? Shell run straight to her pal, you know what theyre like.
No worries, nothing to do with me, Daniel replied.
That was the last straw. I couldnt help myselfI marched over, pulse hammering.
So Im just here to cook, clean, and generally be your maid? I glared at Simon. I waited for you for five years! Five years I believed every word you said! Was I just a free housekeeper to you?
Oh come on, Millie, youve got it all wrong! Simon went pale.
Ive got it exactly right! I yanked the ring off and threw it in his face. Take your ring, and dont you dare come home! Its my flatremember? Ill put your things in a cab. Dont ever let me see you again!
I spun around and headed up to the front door, my heart knocking in my throat.
Hang on! Simon rushed after me. Dont do thislet me explain!
Leave me alone! I called out, not stopping. Do you hear me? Its over!
I slammed the door behind me and slid the bolt straight across. No one was coming in unless I wanted them to. Not into my flat, not into my life.
In the kitchen, I threw out the chicken, veg, and cake. There was no appetite left, and I couldnt bear to look at anything Id prepared for Simon with love.
My life was shattered by one overheard conversation.
A month later, I was sitting on the same sofa where Jennifer had once admired my ring. Now my hands were bare; Jennifer sat across from me with a mug of tepid tea.
I was so blind, Jen. I shook my head. All those years, letting him get away with anything, just because I wanted to be a wife. I was so desperate for that wedding, I didnt see what was right in front of me.
Jennifer set her mug on the table.
Daniel said Simons never been any better in his past relationships. I honestly thought things would be different with you.
Didnt change a bit, I said, smiling wryly. But you know what? Im actually grateful to him. My eyes are open now, and Ill never let anyone treat me that way again. Never.
I promised myself I would never be a victim again. No more clutching at dreams of family, of being a wife. From now on Id think of myself firstmy own happiness. Everything else would follow. I was certain of it.
