After the Fall: A Love Renewed

Tonight was meant to be special. Rheymond Charles, my boyfriend, was going to propose to me, as he had promised. But he never showed up .

What was even more difficult for me to accept was that I tried to contact him in various , but I couldn't get through to him at all.

Later that night, my phone buzzed.

Rheymond's childhood friend Darla Schwartz posted a new social media message.

I stared at the screen, disbelief washing over me. There she was, laughing in the snow, wrapped in Rheymond’s arms. They were at the Alps Snow Festival.

The caption read, [Snow in the Alpine wonderland and endless bliss :love: #AlpsDream #LoveFest]

The video went viral, and the comments were full of envy. Other influencers were even jealous of her dreamy life, the perfect boyfriend, and the luxurious trip.

But they did not know, it was my boyfriend she was stealing.

The moment Rheymond returned to our home, I shoved the engagement ring into his hand. I said coldly, “We are done.”

I walked out that door, leaving behind everything.

he broke down, sobbing and begging on his knees for me to stay…

***

After taking a sip of my wine, which tasted more bitter than usual, I dialed Rheymond’s number again. But as expected, the call didn’t go through.

Frustrated, I decided to try his assistant.

As soon as he picked up, I asked bluntly, “Do you know where Mr. Charles is right now?”

“He’s on a business trip, Miss Hawkins,” he hesitated, his voice soft and unsure.

After listening to his answer, a sarcastic smile formed on my lips as I responded, “Oh, a business trip. How convenient. Thanks.”

I didn’t wait for his response.

Hanging up, I ordered a taxi and headed back to our Penthouse, my face blank and emotions numb.

I already knew the truth. What Darla had posted on her social media was not just for show. Rheymond had chosen to accompany her to the Alps, using a business trip as an excuse, completely forgetting the promise he made to me just days ago.

“Rheya, how about we get married next year?” Rheymond had asked, his voice filled with sincerity and conviction.

I had nearly choked on the piece of steak he had cut for me.

“Oh my God, are you that surprised?” he laughed, rubbing my back and handing me a glass of water. “Okay, maybe this wasn’t the best proposal,” he added with a playful grin.

After taking a sip, I asked, “Are you serious? I thought you wanted to focus on your business first.”

“I’m serious. I have grown the company fifteen fold since taking over from my father. I think now is the right time to focus on us,” he said, smiling sweetly.

His words had made my heart soar, and I said yes without a second thought. He promised to plan the perfect proposal, to make it special.

But on the night he was supposed to propose, the truth hit me like a punch to the gut. I was not his priority. It was always Darla, his childhood friend who had always come first.

Back at the Penthouse, my phone buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. It was Darla’s latest Instagram post, flaunting their ‘business trip’ once again.

The caption read, [Thank you for granting my wish to go to the Alps Snow Festival. This place is perfect for a romantic getaway, couples, grab your tickets now! :kiss: #UnbreakableBond #MyEverything #BusinessAndPleasure.]

Above the caption was a video capturing the lively festival atmosphere. Rheymond was beside Darla, laughing and chatting with foreigners. They looked like the perfect couple.

I was stunned. I had never seen him laugh like that before. I never even knew he could.

Rheymond had always been the epitome of seriousness, his cold charisma captivating everyone around him.

Even when he bantered with his mother, the most he would show was a sharp glare, a raised eyebrow, and perhaps a serious word, accompanied by a faint smile.

But never a hearty laugh like that.

Darla’s followers gushed over their chemistry in the comments, admiring the perfect ‘power couple.’

[@glamour_girl87: OMG, you two are relationship goals! When is the wedding?]

[@travelbug999: Alps Snow Festival looks amazing! You guys look so happy together. #CoupleGoals #FairyTale]

[@darla_daily_fanpage: I knew it! You and Mr. Charles are made for each other! So happy to see you both enjoying life. Don’t keep us waiting too long for the official announcement!]

[@wanderlust_ashley: I was at the festival today and saw you two together! You’re even more gorgeous in person. I hope I can find a love like yours someday. :love:]

[@darling_fanclub: Thank you for sharing your happiness with us, Darla! You’re such a radiant couple. Praying for your everlasting love!]

[@theinsider247: Rumor has it there is a big announcement coming soon! Can’t wait to see what it is! #Excited]

As I read the endless stream of adoration for their fabricated romance, I felt my heart sink deeper.

The rumor between them was growing bigger, while the relationship between me and Rheymond was getting weaker and weaker every day.