The fifth time we went to the courthouse, James Ceasar and I still weren’t officially married. We had picked a good day for it, but right before it was our turn, he got a call and rushed off in a hurry.

With my eyes turning red, I pointed at the screen showing the waiting numbers, trying to stop him.

“We're next. It won't take more than ten minutes. We can get it done fast. Once we’re officially married, you can go and deal with whatever’s so urgent. It won’t take long.”

James was the CEO of his company, so he had full control over his schedule. That was why I said it like that, not thinking it would be a big deal. However, he just glanced at the screen, handed me the ticket with our number on it, and looked annoyed.

“I can marry you anytime,” he said. “But right now, I’ve got something I need to take care of. Don’t make a fuss.”

I kept my head down and tightened my grip on the number ticket. In the end, James left, leaving me alone at the courthouse.

A voice from the loudspeaker called our number, informing us that it was finally our turn to register our marriage. My eyes stung with tears as I crumpled the ticket and tossed it into the trash.

James and I had been together for five years. He proposed two years ago, but somehow, we still haven’t made it official.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Mom, her voice filled with excitement and hope.

“Well? Have you and James gotten married?”

Mom was diagnosed with cancer the year before last, and her health had been declining fast. More than anything, she wanted to live long enough to see me walk down the aisle, happy.

I sniffled and mumbled some excuse. There was a pause on the other end, and when she spoke again, her disappointment was painfully clear.

“James is busy with work… I understand, I really do…”

When I got home, I barely had time to set my keys down before my phone buzzed with a message from our old college group chat.

Paris Taylor had posted a picture and two lines of text.

[It’s Christmas today. I told him I wanted my present early, and he dropped everything to come and see me. 'I'll be right there. Just say the word.' Those words always ring true with him.]

The picture showed James leaning over, carefully putting a gold necklace around her neck.

The group chat lit up right away.

[Ugh, how sweet. Childhood friends are the real deal.]

[Who says exes can’t stay friends? This is the perfect example.]

It was our college group, and they weren’t wrong.

James and Paris had dated back then. She even had an abortion for him. Ever since, every holiday, James would spend the day with her, then see me the day after.

I used to argue with him about it, but he always looked annoyed when I brought it up.

“She had an abortion for me. No man’s going to want her after that. I have to make it up to her before she gets married. And seriously, it’s just one day. It’s not like I’m skipping the holiday altogether.”

That was what he said, but anyone who had ever had to celebrate after the fact knew that it came with a bitter aftertaste.

Quietly, I posted a photo of my lonely dinner and left a message. [Happy holidays, everyone.]

It didn’t take long for people to notice James wasn’t with me.

[Wait, what? I thought Casey was out of town, but as it turns out, James ditched his girlfriend to be with his ex, and on Christmas at that, too.]

[Ugh. I’ve always said Paris is no good.]

[Poor Casey. Doesn’t her mom want her to get married this year? God, is this gonna mess everything up?]

My phone buzzed again. It was a priority notification from James.

[I’ll go and visit your parents’ place with you tomorrow. We’ll talk about the wedding.]

We’d been together for five years. Other than the proposal, James had never once visited my parents.

He always said he was too busy, so busy that he couldn’t spare even a day. Yet, the moment Paris called, said her stomach hurt from “abortion side effects” or told him she missed him, he’d show up within thirty minutes, no matter what.

I knew he was trying to make it up to me. If this were before, I would’ve smiled through my tears and rushed to pack the gifts for my parents on his behalf, but now? I was tired.

[We’ll see.]

[What now? Why are you acting up again?]

He replied instantly, cold and impatient like always.

Oh, right. I wasn’t allowed to be upset, not in front of him. Only Paris got to throw tantrums and still be adored.

Seeing that I didn’t reply, he followed up again. [Hello?]

I hesitated and then thought of my mother, of how much it meant to her. With that, I put down the bathrobe in my hands and typed back.

[Okay.]

The next day, I took the day off and headed home early. James said he’d meet me there.

When Mom heard James was coming, she dragged her frail body out early to shop for groceries at the farmer’s market. Despite the pain from her tumor, she cooked a full table of delicious food, smiling the whole time.

However, James never showed up. I called him over and over. Every call went unanswered.

Mom, worried about how I was feeling, kept trying to come up with excuses for him. By the time we cleared the table, James still hadn’t replied.

The next afternoon, I’d just gotten back to work when my supervisor, Grace Abrahms, called me into her office.

“Have you made up your mind?” she asked. “The assistant general manager position in Springdale is still open. With your skills, you’re more than qualified. If you want it, I’ll personally recommend you.

“Think it over carefully, Casey. This is your last chance.”

I stood there, caught off guard.

Two years ago, when the company opened its first branch in Springdale, Grace, one of the senior managers, immediately offered me a position.

Back then, James hadn’t started his own company yet, so I wanted us to move to Springdale and settle down there. After all, this was just a mid-sized city, while Springdale was on the coast and ranked among the top-tier cities. There were more opportunities there. However, James said there was no need to move so far or live in a city.

Just like back when he proposed, he only showed up with a simple ring. There were no decorations or romantic setup—nothing.

When I asked him why he didn’t plan something special, he just brushed it off and said, “There’s no need. You were going to say yes anyway.”

Yet, when it came to Paris’s birthday party, he went all out, saying that it was worth the effort.

This time, I decided I’d finally live for myself.

“My family's in Springdale, Grace. Please put in a referral for me. I’ll get all the application documents ready.”

Grace gave me a warm, encouraging smile. “Good. I’m glad you’ve made up your mind.”

Two days later, I passed the virtual interview and got the job. The boss told me to wrap up my work here and head to the Springdale branch as soon as possible. Therefore, I spent New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day holed up in the office, tying up loose ends.

Monday came, and I was still working late. Just as Grace was about to leave, she turned around and walked back with a smirk.

She leaned in and whispered, “Casey, your man’s here.”

I stood up and slowly made my way outside, where James was sitting by the door.

“Are you still working?” he asked. “I thought I’d spend the holiday with you.”

“Oh… yesterday was New Year’s, huh?”

I glanced at the calendar. I’d been so swamped I’d lost all sense of time.

James took the bag from my hand and pressed the elevator button.

“I heard from Grace that you’re transferring to the Springdale branch?”

“Yeah,” I replied flatly.

His expression shifted, clearly unhappy. “That’s a big decision. Why didn’t you talk to me about it first?”

I gave him a side glance. “I called you the day before yesterday. You didn’t pick up.”

James frowned and opened the passenger door for me. He looked down as he said, “Let’s celebrate New Year’s today instead. How about that farm-to-table place you liked? You said the food was great.”

“Sure.”

He then set the GPS, and we got on the freeway. However, not long after, his phone rang. It was Paris, again.

“James, my stomach hurts so bad. I can barely breathe… Can you come and stay with me? It won’t hurt if you’re here. Please, hurry…”

Just as I expected, a flicker of panic appeared on James’s usually composed face. He looked over at me.

“Paris’s stomach is hurting. It’s probably a complication from the miscarriage. I need to be there for her.”

I closed my eyes and nodded. “Go ahead.”

James let out a quiet sigh of relief. He pulled into the nearest freeway rest stop and dropped me off without a second thought before speeding away.

Half an hour later, my rideshare finally arrived.

The driver looked at me, standing alone with nothing but a bag, and asked, “Miss, what are you doing here all by yourself at a freeway rest stop?”

I stared out the window at the endless traffic and said softly, “Someone left me here.”

In the past, getting left behind would’ve shattered me. I would’ve screamed, cried, and lost control, but now I just felt calm.

Not long after I got in the car, Paris posted in the group chat.

[My stomach hurts so much, and I'm out of painkillers. What should I do?]

James replied instantly. [Don’t worry. I’ll be there in five minutes.]

I smiled to myself. Honestly, if those two didn’t end up together again, it’d be a disservice to everyone watching from the sidelines.

In the middle of the night, James actually came back. Before, whenever he went to Paris’s place, he’d always stay overnight.

This time, he slid into bed beside me, wrapped an arm around my waist, and whispered, “Baby, your birthday’s the day after tomorrow. I’ll spend it with you.”

I frowned and quietly moved his hand away.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you want me there for your birthday?” he asked.

“You’re going to leave again.”

“No, I won’t,” he said seriously, like he meant it.

Then came my birthday, and to my surprise, James didn’t bail for once. He actually planned something.

“Baby, open your gift. It’s the first time we’re celebrating your birthday together.”

I bit my lip. So he did know this was the first time.

In front of me was a giant gift box, almost as tall as my thigh. My heart fluttered a little.

The moment I lifted the lid, a fluffy little Alaskan Malamute jumped out and barked excitedly.

My face went pale.

“This puppy has amazing genetics. It’s show-level. It took me forever to find it.”

James leaned in, looking pleased with himself.

The dog had been thoroughly groomed, and someone had tied a pink bow around its neck. It was clear James had put in a lot of effort for this. However, it seemed he had forgotten that I had a deep fear of dogs.

Back in middle school, I was mauled by one. It ripped two chunks of flesh out of my leg. Even now, I panic when I see one.

It was Paris who loved dogs, and her whole house was filled with them.

“Do you like it?” James asked, holding the puppy up again, his eyes full of hope. “Paris loves–”

I took two steps back, trembling. “James, I was attacked by a dog when I was younger. I have trauma. I can’t be around them. Please, keep it away from me.”

James froze, confused for a few seconds. A flicker of surprise crossed his dark eyes.

That dog tried to jump on me the moment he let it loose. I was so scared I bolted straight back into the bedroom and slammed the door shut behind me.

It took a while before James finally came in. He slipped his arms around me from behind and whispered, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were afraid of dogs. I’ve sent it away.”

“Mm.” I gave a quiet, indifferent response.

It was only then that I realized James didn’t know me at all.

We’d been together for five years, and I could list every one of his preferences without hesitation. However, when it came to me, he knew nothing.

On the contrary, he had broken up with Paris eight years ago, and he could still list all her likes and dislikes like it were yesterday.

“Don’t be mad, okay?” he said gently in the dark. “I’m free tomorrow. Let’s go get married then.”

His voice was soft and affectionate.

I had told myself I’d be strong this time—that I wouldn’t give in, but my heart betrayed me again. I thought I’d give him one last chance.

The next morning, I did my makeup and put on my prettiest outfit. James, too, changed into a sharp suit and drove me to the courthouse. This time, he even turned his phone to airplane mode and used mine for navigation.

We didn’t speak the whole ride there, but it wasn’t awkward. When we arrived at the courthouse, we took a number and waited in line.

Just then, James’s phone suddenly started buzzing. I looked at him, calm and composed. I already knew he couldn’t resist checking it.

Noticing my gaze, James guiltily stuffed the phone into his pocket, but it kept vibrating.

I glanced at the screen overhead. Only one more couple ahead of us, and then it would be our turn.

“Go ahead and answer it,” I said. “You’re so distracted, you’ll probably sign the wrong name anyway.”

He hesitated for a couple of seconds and then nodded. When he answered, a weak female voice came through the speaker.

“James, my stomach’s bleeding. I’m at the hospital. The doctor said it’s a complication from the abortion. Can you come? Please?”

“I’m getting married,” James replied, visibly tense. “I can’t leave right now.”

He kept glancing at me with nervous eyes, and I stared at him coldly.

Then, another voice came on the line. It was sharper and familiar. It wasn’t Paris. It sounded more like her best friend, Alisa.

“James! Paris is in critical condition! She said if you don’t show up, she’s not going through with the surgery. Do you want her to die? You can get married anytime. She had an abortion for you! And now you won’t even show up for her when she’s bleeding out?”

James lowered his phone. He opened his mouth a few times, trying to speak, before staying silent again.

“Go to her,” I said quietly, lowering my eyes.

He let out a deep sigh and launched into a long explanation, trying to justify himself, but in the end, he left. Before going, his handsome face was filled with guilt.

“I don’t want to go,” he said, looking torn. “But she really needs me right now. Just give me one hour. I swear, I’ll be back in an hour, okay?”

Instead of responding, I just stared at him, expressionless.

James sighed again, frustration flaring in his voice as he ran a hand through his hair.

“You know she had an abortion for me…”

I nodded calmly. “Go. But this time… I’m not waiting for you.”

I watched him walk away and then dropped the number slip into the trash. My chest ached again.

Coming here with him today had taken all the strength I had. If we had gotten married, I would’ve forgiven him and taken him home to meet my parents. Now, I guess I was going to Springdale alone.

That night, James didn’t come home. However, he called, and we talked for over half an hour.

When I hung up, I felt confused. Normally, whenever he was with Paris, she would never let him call me. She hated it when he even texted me, so why was tonight different?

The next day, I went to the office to pack my things. I planned to leave for Springdale in three days.

After I finished packing, everyone came to see me off. I stood by the front doors, eyes red, waving goodbye to old colleagues and friends.

“Congratulations on the promotion, Casey! We wish you the best!”

I smiled, a little reluctantly. “Come visit me in Springdale if you get the chance!”

One of the more gossipy coworkers gave me a wink and asked playfully, “Isn’t it weird though? Your husband actually agreed for you to transfer to Springdale?”

I smiled faintly and replied, “He’s not my husband. We didn’t get married. We broke up.”

The moment I spoke, I felt a heated, panicked gaze on my back. I turned around to see that James was standing right behind me.