9th Failed Engagement, I Let Him Marry His “Buddy”
My boyfriend has a “sister–like” buddy who’s practically glued to his side.
On the day of our ninth engagement attempt, he left me alone at the venue.
The reason? It was their 20th “friendship anniversary.”
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“It’s just a postponed engagement. What’s the rush? Are you that scared no one will
marry you?”
aw Instagram Story popped up on my feed like a thorn in my eye.
“Twenty years of connection. How could an outsider ever compare?”
They hugged under the guise of being “just friends,” the pose closer than close.
I didn’t cry or make a scene. Instead, I calmly gave the post a like.
Then, without a word, I disappeared from his life.
Six months later, he called, trying to coax me back:
“I got you that wedding dress you wanted. Come back, and let’s get married!”
But the voice that replied wasn’t mine–it was a man’s.
“My wife’s expecting. What do you want with her?”
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The day our engagement was called off, I threw the ring into a trash can.
A cab driver on the street waved me over and asked, “Where to?”
“Just drive forward,” I said. “Anywhere but back.”
When Carter Delaney’s calls started coming through. I shut off my phone.
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The day our engagement was called off, I threw the ring into a trash can.
A cab driver on the street waved me over and asked, “Where to?”
“Just drive forward,” I said. “Anywhere but back.”
When Carter Delaney’s calls started coming through, I shut off my phone.
Ited off for three days.
The night breeze by Santa Monica Pier was soothing, unintentionally lifting the hem of
my red dress. It reminded me of the first time Carter confessed his love to me.
He’d been so young and awkward, his love written all over his face, impossible to hide.
I’d fallen hard for the 20–year–old Carter.
I’d even left Austin, Texas–my hometown–and moved to the unfamiliar Midwest for him.
I quit a career I loved to become his secretary, a role I held for nine years.
Fate has a strange sense of humor. We got engaged nine times.
Each time, something about her got in the way.
Her name is Brielle Stokes. We argued about her more times than I could count.
“I’ve told you, Brielle and I are just friends. Do you have to be so insecure?”
“We’ve shared everything since we were kids even baths. Do you really think it’s like that?”
“Skylar Quinn, you’re acting like a jealous lunatic! Brielle’s already forgiven you for stalking us. What more do you want?”
Carter’s face always darkened during those fights.
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After each blow–up, I’d quietly gather up my feelings, wipe away my tears, and apologize.
I was afraid of losing him. So, I always bent first.
But this time, I felt nothing. No anger, no sadness–just a calm desire to stay by the ocean, doing nothing, and feeling content.
Carter found me easily.
got that the hotel I’d booked was one of his. He opened my room door without
Warning.
“Skylar Quinn, running away is such a childish move.”
“It was Brielle and my 20th anniversary as friends. We were just celebrating! Can’t I have other friends besides you?”
Friends. Right.
Friends who kissed?
I didn’t say it out loud. I knew he’d just brush it off as “a stupid game.”
Not like it would’ve been the first time.
“Brielle and I have nothing going on. Stop sulking, okay?”
His furrowed brows softened as he looked at me, almost worried.
“I’ll make it up to you with a bigger wedding. Brielle can even be your maid of honor. Will that make you happy?”
His voice had an appeasing tone.
I stayed silent, making his brows knit again.
“Skylar, if you don’t-”
“Fine.” I cut him off.
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The old me would’ve argued endlessly until I caved and apologized. But now? I just
smiled faintly.
My uncharacteristic compliance caught him off guard, but he quickly cove relieved nile. He reached for my hand. “Let’s go home.”
I pulled my hand away coldly and walked ahead of him.
Carter paused, stunned for a few seconds.
No fight? He didn’t quite know how to handle that.
When I reached his car, Brielle was already waiting there.
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“There you are, Skylar! Carter’s been going crazy trying to find you!” She pouted, giving him a playful scold. “I told you we should’ve brought her to the anniversary, but nooo. Look what happened–she’s jealous again!”
“Skylar, I’m so sorry on his behalf. Don’t be mad anymore, okay? If you are, I’ll hit him for you!” She pretended to punch Carter’s chest but landed softly in his arms.
‘Still the heart, huh?” Carter smirked at her.
“Ugh, why are you holding me like that?” Brielle blushed and squirmed, casting a glance my way. “Skylar’s watching. Are you trying to make her run away again?”
