Your Love Is Laughable

Even though I was the one who broke my ribs in the car accident, my boyfriend Jared decided to take care of his drunk ex-girlfriend instead.

When I called to ask him to spend time with me in the hospital, he berated me. “Why are you so clingy? Can’t you tell that Isabelle needs me right now?

“You’re a nurse, aren’t you? What, you can’t even take care of yourself now?”

Heartbroken, I suggested we break up, only to be met with anger. “I was going to propose to you, you know? Considering how influential my family business is, I need to make sure I choose my wife wisely.

“Today was a test to see if you have what it takes to be the next Mrs. Carter. I thought you would be independent and selfless. I expect my future wife to have my back no matter what.

“Look at yourself now. You can’t even take care of yourself over something so insignificant! I’m disappointed, Charmaine.”

The next day, he posted a picture of himself and his ex-girlfriend on social media. The image’s caption was targeted at me: [You’d better think twice and apologize, Charmaine, or I’ll just date someone else.]

I did not apologize. I had had enough of him, so I left the city.

Three years later, I saw him again in the lobby of the Financial Tower.

I was wearing a heavy onesie costume and sporting a full face of cosplay makeup, while he was wearing an expensive suit and had Isabelle hanging delicately from his arm.

He recognized me immediately and laughed. “I knew you never moved on from me, Charmaine! Does it hurt to know I’ll be marrying someone else?

“That’s what you’re doing here, right? You’re trying to cosplay as my favorite Marvel character to get my attention.

“Maybe I’ll consider taking you back if you kneel and apologize.”

I did not deign to reply.

I had indeed loved him once upon a time, but today was my son’s birthday, and the cosplay was my surprise for him...

My husband had been very busy with work recently. We did not want him to miss out on his son’s birthday, so we decided to celebrate it at his office.

I decided to cosplay as my son’s favorite Marvel character as a surprise, which required me to put on a heavy and stuffy onesie.

The moment I stepped foot into the office lobby, I saw two familiar figures—Jared Carter in an expensive suit, with Isabelle Jenner hanging delicately from his arm.

He did not seem to have changed over the past three years.

The receptionist smiled at Jared. “Mr. Carter, our CEO is occupied at the moment. Please take a seat first. He’ll come to meet you once he’s available.”

They must be here to discuss business with my husband.

Someone around seemed to have recognized Jared and commented on Isabelle’s beauty.

“Is she your wife, Mr. Carter?”

Isabelle smiled. “Not yet, but we’ll be married soon.”

Jared seemed occupied by his thoughts. After a while, he replied, “Hmm, yeah. Soon.”

I was surprised to hear that they had not tied the knot sooner.

When I broke up with Jared three years ago, he had not waited long before buying Isabelle flowers and necklaces and professing his love for her.

He had told me, “I only agreed to date you because of how much you liked me.”

He had texted me; [You’d better think twice and apologize, Charmaine. I won’t forgive you so easily this time.]

Before I left him, Isabelle had posted a photo on social media, showing Jared on one knee, holding a ring to propose to her.

Three years went by, and they still didn't get married.

When it was my turn, the receptionist’s tone changed. “You shouldn’t be here, Ma’am. This is an office, not a place for street performers. Please leave.”

She did not recognize me and assumed I was some street performer.

I had been to my husband’s office with him before, but I understood her confusion considering my cosplay and extravagant makeup.

I tried to explain, “Your CEO and I are close. I don’t need an appointment to see him.”

She shook her head. “Ma’am, I know you’re lying. Our CEO is busy, so please leave.”

The security guard was about to push me out the door when Jared reached out to stop him with a wad of cash. “Sorry, she’s here for me.”

He had recognized me. Then, he grabbed Isabelle’s hand and stood in front of me.

“I knew you were still in love with me, Charmaine.

“You’re here because you heard that I was getting married, aren’t you? Haven’t you been throwing this tantrum for long enough by now?

“Look, I’ll go easy on you since you’re cosplaying as my favorite Marvel character for me. Apologize to Isabelle and promise you’ll be nice to her, and then I’ll forgive you.”