After All

Marie says yes

Marie stood outside Innovare Headquarters, a warm evening breeze teasing the strands of her hair as she checked the time on her phone. It had been exactly a month since her first date with Brian, and what had started as a casual companionship had quickly blossomed into something more.

Late-night phone calls, laughter-filled walks, and long conversations about their dreams and ambitions had cemented their bond. Now, their relationship was no longer uncertain—it was real, official, and growing stronger every day.

She smiled, tucking a stray hair behind her ear as she spotted Brian walking toward her, his grin bright and unmistakably joyous.

"There you are!" Brian called, picking up his pace.

Marie pretended to check her watch, raising an eyebrow. "You're late."

Brian chuckled as he reached her, lifting her hand to his lips in a playful kiss. "Traffic, sweetheart. You know how it is."

Marie rolled her eyes but smiled. "Excuses, excuses."

Brian leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. "But I'm here now. That's what matters, right?"

She looked up at him, her gaze warm. "Yeah, and that's all that matters."

Hand in hand, they turned to walk toward their usual after-work café, ready for another peaceful evening together—until a cold, sharp voice shattered their moment of tranquility.

----

"So it's true."

Marie froze, her stomach tightening instinctively. She knew that voice.

Turning slowly, she found herself face-to-face with Vanessa, Brian's ex-girlfriend. She stood just a few feet away, arms crossed, lips curled in contempt, and eyes burning with barely contained fury.

Brian immediately tensed, his fingers tightening around Marie's hand. "Vanessa, this isn't the time—"

"Not the time?!" Vanessa's voice rose, her glare snapping between them. "I think it's the perfect time! So, you're actually dating her? After everything we've been through?"

Marie stepped closer to Brian, feeling the weight of Vanessa's anger directed at her. She had heard about Vanessa before, but she hadn't expected to confront her like this, nor had she anticipated such raw hostility.

"Vanessa, we broke up," Brian said firmly, his voice calm but resolute. "It's been over for months. You need to accept that."

Vanessa's eyes flashed with pain, but the emotion quickly twisted into something uglier—resentment.

Her gaze snapped to Marie, assessing her with disdain. "And you." Her voice dripped with venomous sarcasm. "Do you actually think you're some kind of upgrade? Please. You're nothing compared to what Brian and I had."

Marie's stomach clenched, but she refused to shrink away. She opened her mouth to respond, but Brian stepped in front of her protectively, his voice turning icy.

"That's enough, Vanessa. You need to back off."

Vanessa let out a bitter laugh, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Oh, I'm not done, Brian. You think you can just replace me? With her?" Her glare hardened. "You think you're going to live happily ever after with this... nobody?"

Marie's jaw clenched, but before she could speak, Brian's patience snapped.

"I don't owe you an explanation." His voice was cold as steel. "Marie and I are together now. I suggest you move on."

Vanessa scoffed, eyes burning with righteous fury. "You think this is over?" she spat. "You think you're just going to erase me from your life? We'll see about that."