Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

52. A Date In Secret

My friends knew everything-how disappointed I was, how much I wanted to escape from this engagement. They could see the turmoil I was going through. Somehow, they managed to get the phone number of my to-be-groom, hoping it might help. But despite their efforts, I never contacted him. Something held me back, whether it was fear, pride, or just the exhaustion of fighting against something I felt powerless to change.

Three days before the engagement, Krystal called me, asking to meet at The Burger King place. I had no idea what to expect, but when I arrived, I realized she had arranged for me to meet my fiancé before the engagement. My heart raced, and I could feel myself trembling as I sat down, facing a complete stranger who was supposed to become such a huge part of my life. The reality of it all felt overwhelming, and I wasn't sure what to say or how to act.

He looked at me with curiosity and asked, "So, what do you prefer -- coffee or tea?"

"Anything is fine," I replied, trying to sound casual, though my heart raced.

Just then, a familiar voice cut through the moment. "She definitely prefers coffee." I turned to see Ryan dragging a chair over and plopping down beside me, his presence both surprising and unsettling.

My fiancé looked taken aback, his brow furrowing in confusion. I quickly attempted to explain, "He's-"

But Ryan interrupted, a teasing grin on his face. "Her best friend. We've been inseparable since kindergarten."

The man's expression darkened slightly as he processed this new information. "Well, you're even prettier than I imagined," he said, forcing a smile.

Ryan leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, and scoffed, "You really think she's pretty? Nice joke."

Frustration bubbled within me as I glared at Ryan. "Why are you here?" I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended.

He shrugged nonchalantly, the corner of his mouth lifting in a smirk. "How can I miss this? My best friend is about to get engaged. I need to know who this guy is and what he does for a living. Sure, you won't find a doctor like me, but he should at least have a decent job."

"Ryan, stop this nonsense," I snapped, feeling a mix of annoyance and desperation wash over me.

The man, clearly uncomfortable, muttered an excuse and walked away.

I turned to Ryan, frustration spilling over. "Ryan, I know you treat me like an enemy, but this isn't school anymore, and we're not in our uniforms. Please stop interfering in my life. I've had enough. Just stay out of it. You might think this is all a joke or a prank, but it's not. This is my life, and I need you to understand how serious this is."

My voice quivered with a mix of anger and desperation, and I could see a flicker of surprise in his eyes. I hoped he could grasp the weight of my words, but deep down, I feared he might not fully understand what I was enduring.

The next night, Ryan bombarded me with calls at midnight. I kept my phone on silent, hoping he'd give up. When I finally checked my messages the next day, I saw a text from him: "Come to the hospital to pick up your dad's report."

Without giving it much thought, I made my way to the hospital. But when I arrived, I was met with his casual grin as he said, "I just needed you to make me some of that amazing coffee you make."

Frustrated, I stormed out of the hospital, my heart racing with anger and disbelief.

Back at home, Shriya showed me a picture of Ryan and me, the kind of candid shot that made my stomach turn. "Where did you find this?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"Ryan made it his profile picture," she replied, a hint of anguish in her eyes.

I felt too drained to fight with him about it.

The day before the engagement, my fiancé texted me, asking to meet outside. A wave of anxiety washed over me as I wondered what he wanted to discuss.

At the café, my fiancé leaned closer, his curiosity evident. "Well, I didn't get a chance to ask you much in our last meeting. What are your hobbies?"

I hesitated, then asked, "If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?"