To Love You, Never Again
“Mr. Caldwell, were you serious when you said we’d get the marriage certificate next week?” Callie Dodson’s voice was steady, but her fingers tightened around her phone.
“Of course,” came the reply from the other end, after a brief pause. “But Miss Dodson, don’t you have a boyfriend that’s deeply in love with you? Even though this is an arranged marriage, your personal relationship—”
Callie’s gaze remained fixed on the incriminating video playing on her laptop screen. Her boyfriend of eight years, Reid Matthews, entwined with another woman. Her voice grew colder. “Don’t worry. I’ll stick to the agreement. A week from now, I’ll break up with him. Sever all ties.”
——
The moment Callie ended the call, Reid walked through the door, loosening his tie as he stepped into the living room. His ears perked up at her last few words.
“What agreement? Who are you cutting ties with?” Reid leaned in, the faint scent of a woman’s perfume clinging to his clothes as he hovered close to her neck.
Callie recoiled instinctively, her brow furrowing at the unfamiliar scent. “Nothing important,” she replied, her tone indifferent. “Just work. I’m tired, Reid. I need to rest.”
Reid froze, his hand move to rest on her waist. His brows knitted together in confusion. Normally, Callie would greet him with warmth and affection, eager to cuddle and chat about her day. But tonight something was off. Unease pricked at him as he instinctively checked his appearance for anything out of place. Finding nothing amiss, he chalked it up to her workload.
“If work’s wearing you out, why not quit? Let me take care of you,” Reid offered casually.
“You will take care of me…” her voice laced with sarcasm, “like taking care of a mistress, hiding her in pension?”
Reid’s face drained of color, panic flashing in his eyes. “What? Have you heard people gossiping? It’s not what you think, I mean—”
Callie cut him off with a laugh, though there was no humor in it. “Relax, I’m just messing with you.”
Her fingers cupped his face as she studied him intently. She studied him intently, searching for any flicker of remorse, any sign that he might admit the truth. But Reid only looked back at her with wide, desperate eyes, his facade of innocence crumbling under the weight of her scrutiny. How could the man she’d loved for eight years deceive her so flawlessly?
Reid exhaled in relief, leaning in to press a kiss to her forehead. “You’re my world. I swear on my life, I will love you and only you. Don’t believe what people say, okay? I love you, Callie Dodson. More than anything.”
Her heart clenched painfully, but she shoved the feeling down. Love. It had been love once.
Reid used to be the kind of man who would cancel million-dollar meetings just to hold her when she had cramps. He’d orchestrate elaborate surprises for every anniversary, making her feel like the most cherished woman on earth.
He’d even gone so far as to replace all his female assistants and drivers with men, just to ease her insecurities. Back then, he would call her from business dinners if there was so much as a woman at the table, reassuring her with a transparency that had felt unshakable.
And when she’d needed a liver transplant, Reid hadn’t hesitated for a second. He’d undergone compatibility tests and given her a part of himself, quite literally.
That wasn’t just love—it was devotion.
But now? Now, all of it felt like a lie.
Callie’s faith had shattered the moment she received the message. The woman Reid had been seeing wasn’t just anyone—it was a young intern he’d been hiding for three years. Three years of deception so flawless she hadn’t seen a single crack in his façade.
For all his grand gestures, for all his claims of undying love, Reid had been leading a double life with the skill of an award-winning actor.
Callie’s gaze hardened as she locked eyes with him. “Reid,” she said slowly, her voice steady and deliberate, “if you’re lying to me, I’ll marry someone else. I will never look back and you will never have a chance to fix it.”
A flicker of unease crossed Reid’s face, but he pulled her tightly into his arms. “You know it won’t happen. I’ve talked to your parents about the proposal. What if we tie the rope, get married?
Chapter 2
Callie’s lips curved into a bitter smile. The moment Reid betrayed her, she’d accepted her family’s proposal for an arranged marriage. While Reid had been tangled up with Geneva Vega, Callie had met her prospective fiancé—a reserved and distant man. Perhaps in her next life, living for nothing but mutual benefits might not be so bad. At the very least, she wouldn’t have to endure the soul-crushing pain of betrayal.
“Reid,” Callie said softly, her tone calm but unreadable. “Would you like to go to a wedding next week?”
She deliberately withheld the rest of her words: “To my wedding.”
She wanted to keep him in the dark so that, when the time came, he would understand how it felt to be betrayed.
“Of course!” Reid replied enthusiastically, his face lighting up with excitement. “Why don’t we go to a bridal shop tomorrow and pick out a wedding dress for you?”
Callie slipped out of Reid’s embrace, lying down and turning her back to him. Exhaustion laced her voice as she said, “Let’s talk about it tomorrow. I’m tired.”
Reid carefully tucked the blanket around her, his movements tender. When her breathing evened out, he silenced his phone and began furiously typing away on its screen.
Callie wasn’t asleep. She watched out of the corner of her eye as Reid lost himself in his messages. One notification caught her attention:
“Reid, you promised to take me stargazing and make a wish. Why aren’t you here yet?”
“Sorry, something came up. I’ll come get you now, babe. Don’t forget to wear that outfit I bought you.”
“Got it, Reid. Stop being such a flirt!”
Before leaving, Reid meticulously prepared everything—he soaked the wheat in the pot and scheduled it to cook into porridge for the next morning.
Once he was gone, Callie stood in the quiet kitchen, staring at the pre-set cooker. A bitter smile tugged at her lips.
There was a time when she’d been moved to tears by Reid’s thoughtful gestures, like making her breakfast every morning. Now, she saw these actions for what they really were: a convenient cover for his lies.
Picking up her phone, she dialed her parents. “Mom, Dad, I’ll be coming home next week. Everything’s been arranged with Tommy Caldwell. We’ll have the wedding as soon as I get back.”
“Cal, are you sure about this?” Her mother’s voice trembled with excitement. “Your father and I have been so worried Reid would waste your best years. You’re thirty now. How many more eight-year relationships can you afford to gamble on?”
Tears welled up in Callie’s eyes. She used to believe that as long as two people loved each other, a piece of paper didn’t matter. Eight years with Reid and no proposal later, she had convinced herself it wasn’t important.
Now, she felt nothing but relief that she’d never married him. At least there was still room to turn things around.
Her parents were aging and all they wanted was for her to find happiness. They hoped for someone who could help her take over the family business. It was time for her to let go of her romantic illusions and return to reality.
“Yeah, I’m sure about this,” she said. “From now on, I’ll listen to whatever you and Dad say.”
After hanging up, Callie began packing. Eight years’ worth of memories with Reid filled every corner of the apartment and sorting through it all would take time.
She decided to pack only what she needed, stuffing her ID, essentials and clothes for the next two days into a suitcase. Then she called a professional cleaning service to handle the rest. Over ten workers arrived to box up everything—clothes, handbags and jewelry—all destined for donation to charity.
As they worked, one of the staff hesitated, holding up a sparkling necklace. “Miss Dodson, this piece is made of fine diamonds. Are you sure you want to donate it?”
Callie glanced at it. It was the necklace Reid had won at an auction for an exorbitant sum, all because she’d once casually remarked how beautiful it was. He’d spent two million dollars on it without a second thought.
“Yes,” she said firmly.
Chapter 3
“How about this?” Another worker held up a rare, limited-edition Hermès bag. “This is one of the latest models.”
“Donate it,” Callie said without missing a beat.
“You’re donating this bracelet too? I’ve seen this bracelet before,” someone else asked hesitantly. “It’s worth millions. Are you sure you want to give it away?”
Callie didn’t even look. Instead, she slipped off the handmade ring Reid had crafted for her and tossed it into the donation pile. “Put everything in this box. Every item in this pile is going to donation. Got it?” she said coolly. The housekeeping staff exchanged uneasy glances, murmuring amongst themselves. However, they carefully packed up all the items as instructed, their reverence evident in the way they handled the expensive belongings.
By the time Reid returned, the cleaning service had already cleared out everything.
That night, Callie curled up on the sofa, her phone buzzing incessantly with messages.
It was from Geneva.
She was bragging about her time with Reid.
“Callie, the meteor shower was stunning tonight. Reid booked an entire venue just for us. He made a wish under the stars—he said he’ll love me forever.”
“Do you know what else he said? He said you’ll turn thirty this year and marrying you doesn’t seem worth it anymore. Honestly, I agree. What man doesn’t prefer a younger, more energetic woman? Someone who can bring new excitement into his life?”
“We had everything happening tonight under the stars. Reid was amazing. Tell me, has it been a while since you’ve been with him like that?”
Every word felt like a slap, leaving Callie trembling as she read.
The texts kept coming, but Callie had seen enough. She switched off her phone and hugged a pillow tightly, retreating to the guest room for the night. She suddenly felt that the bedroom she had once shared with Reid felt disgusting and refuse to sleep in it.
***
At dawn, Callie was awakened by the sharp ring of her phone. Before she could answer it, Reid burst through the door, pulling her into his arms. His heartbeat hammering against her.
“Callie, you scared me! I thought you were gone. If I hadn’t heard your phone I would…” His voice wavered, betraying his anxiety. “Why are you sleeping in here?”
Callie pushed him away, forcing herself to stay calm and keep last night’s messages out of her mind. She gave him a faint smile. “I must’ve sleepwalked. I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t find you. Where were you?”
Reid ran a hand through his disheveled hair, his expression instantly smoothing out as if he’d rehearsed his response. “There was an emergency at the office. I had to step out for a bit, but I came back as soon as I could.”
Callie nodded, her lips curling into a faint smile. She could almost admire how seamlessly he lied. His explanation was polished, like he’d rehearsed it over and over. To back up his story, he casually placed a folder next to her, making sure she could see the documents inside.
What a performance.
Callie’s fingers grazed his cheek as she looked up at him, her eyes brimming with a mix of bitterness and resolve. “You work so hard, Reid.”
“For you, it’s worth it,” he murmured, kissing her forehead. “Callie, I finally feel like I’m in a position to give you the life you deserve. I’ve even set up a meeting with the designer. Let’s go look at wedding dresses after breakfast, okay?”
“Okay.” She nodded, playing along. If Reid wanted a show, she’d give him one. She wondered if he’d applaud her acting when the truth finally came out.
At the bridal shop, Reid asked the designer to bring out their most expensive gowns for Callie to try on. His enthusiasm seemed genuine, but every time she went to change, his phone buzzed nonstop.
By the time she walked out in the final dress, Reid didn’t even notice her. His eyes were glued to his phone, a grin plastered across his face.
That smile—Callie knew it well.
It was the same look Reid used to give her when they were deeply in love, back when she’d wear something special just for him.
Chapter 4
Sure enough, as Callie approached, Reid quickly swiped across the screen, switching to a different interface. In the brief moment of transition, Callie caught a glimpse of Geneva’s black stockings. No wonder he was so absorbed in staring at the screen.
Feigning ignorance, Callie casually asked, “Reid, what do you think? Does it look nice?”
Reid couldn’t resist pulling her into his arms, his face lighting up with a smile. “It’s beautiful. But that’s because you look amazing in everything. So, should we go with this one?”
“Perfect!” Callie replied, trying to sound enthusiastic.
Without hesitation, Reid swiped his card, paying in full for the five-million-dollar wedding dress, not even batting an eye.
“I think the designer should adjust it a bit more. It seems a little big big on you,” he said, a bit too smoothly.
The saleswoman, beaming with admiration, chimed in, “You have a very thoughtful husband, Miss Dodson. It does a bit big, but it's not too noticeable. I’m amazed he picked up on such a small detail.”
“He’s not my husband,” Callie corrected, her voice cool.
Reid paused for a moment, then immediately explained, “True, because I will be soon, right?” He added with a loving kiss on her cheek.
The staff in the store watched, quietly amazed.
“Wow! This couple is so cute!” one of them whispered.
“I know right?” if I had such a considerate and generous boyfriend, I’d be waking up smiling everyday.”
Callie smiled bitterly to herself but said nothing. This was Reid—he was always the perfect boyfriend when there were eyes on him. The more people around, the more charming he seemed, as if he needed to prove he was the most loving man in the world. It was always like this in public, far more attentive than when they were alone.
Everyone knew about the famous Dodson heiress and her eight-year relationship with Reid. It was well-known enough that no one dared to set up an arranged marriage with her—except Tommy.
As they left the bridal store, Reid’s phone rang again. He glanced at it quickly and immediately hung up.
“Callie, you should head back. I’ll call a cab for you. I need to meet with a client. We have an important contract to discuss,” Reid explained.
Callie nodded obediently, but once Reid left, she immediately ordered another car to follow him.
The car parked in front of Reid’s company building, but this time, Geneva was waiting for him. Callie rolled down the car window, just in time to overhear their conversation.
Geneva handed over a contract, her finger brushing the back of Reid’s hand as she leaned in with a playful, flirtatious tone, “Mr. Reid, I think we need to take this contract to your office and discuss it in detail.”
Reid swallowed visibly, accepting the contract without hesitation, a smile on his lips. “Of course! I’ll be waiting in my office.”
Callie followed them through the employee entrance, leading directly to Reid’s office.
His office was a private space, separated from the other departments, just the way he liked it. When Reid’s company was still starting up, all the design and decor for the office had been Callie’s work, including the intimate, secluded room where she and Reid had spent countless passionate moments.
But now, standing at the door, she saw Reid eagerly pull Geneva in for a kiss, his hands firmly gripping her back.
They kissed their way through the office, all the way to the private room. By the time the door closed behind them, Callie’s hand holding the phone to record was trembling.
Chapter 5
Had he forgotten? This hidden room was where it all began for them, the place where they shared their first intimate moments. It held so much significance, a promise he made to never let anyone else step foot in this space.
Yet now, Callie watched with her own eyes as he tangled with another woman inside that very room.
The pain hit her like a wave, sharp and sudden. She pressed her hand against her chest, trying to hold herself together as she stumbled away. The place in her heart that once held warmth for him was now nothing but ruins.
Her eyes were red as she fled the scene, her steps hurried and frantic. In her rush, she collided with an employee on her way out.
The employee’s eyes widened in surprise upon seeing her. He quickly covered his mouth. “Miss Dodson?”
“Don’t tell Reid I was here,” Callie whispered, her voice tight.
“Okay…” The employee hesitated, then nodded.
But as soon as Callie stepped through her front door, Reid’s phone call came through. His voice was frantic, as if he were running.
“Callie, did you just come to the office?”
Callie wiped away the tears, forcing a smile. “Yeah, but I couldn’t find you. So I left. I just wanted to ask if we should go check out the wedding venue.”
Before she could finish, she heard the sound of a key turning in the lock. The door swung open and Reid barged in, pulling her into his arms. His heartbeat was fast, unsteady and Callie could feel the tension in his touch.
His first crack in his usual composure, Reid stammered, “You were looking for me just for that?”
“Mm-hmm. Your office door was closed, so I came back.”
Reid exhaled sharply, pulling her even closer as he kissed the top of her head, a desperate gesture like a man clinging to life. “I thought... I thought… nevermind. I’ll leave the venue style to you. I’ll go with whatever you chose.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat and said, “Since you leave it to me, let’s choose the most extravagant one. I want the world to see my wedding.”
“Of course,” Reid’s heartbeat slowed, his voice filled with affection. “Just let me know if you need more.”
“It’s okay. I don’t need you to pay for it,” Callie said, her words laced with an emotion Reid couldn’t quite place.
Her refusal made his thoughts spiral. In the past, Callie would always ask him to buy things for her, to surprise her with gifts. But now, why was she refusing everything he offered? It felt like she was pulling away, distant.
But she had agreed to marry him. In a few days, he was going to propose and they were about to have the kind of wedding everyone would envy. That couldn’t be wrong, could it? Callie loved him, surely she wouldn’t leave him.
He pushed the unsettling thoughts aside and dialed the finance department, instructing them to transfer ten million to Callie’s account.
“Callie, I know you can afford it yourself, but for something as important as a engagement party, I want to give you the best,” he said earnestly.
“The best,” Callie’s voice turned cold, her words sharp. “Did you ever give that ‘best’ to anyone else, Reid?”
Reid, holding her close, his tone unwavering, responded, “I’ve only ever given it to you.”
Callie let out a small, bitter laugh. “Only me?” she repeat to herself. Then what about everything with Geneva—the romantic gestures, the constant closeness, the video she sent just now? What were all those things?
“Why are you laughing?” Reid asked. Callie’s laugh got him warry. “Do you not believe me?”
“No, it’s..” she sighed, try to keep her tone relax. “I just remembered someone said something funny today. Well, since you love me so much, why don’t you throw me a birthday party tomorrow? In your office.”
Reid instinctively tightened his hold on the phone but eventually agreed. “Okay.”
The next morning, Callie woke up, but Reid’s side of the bed was already empty.
Chapter 6
Callie found a note left by Reid on the nightstand.
“Breakfast is on the table. Don’t forget to eat. I’ll have the driver pick you later and bring you to the office. I have a big surprise planned for you today.”
Callie made her way to the living room, where, as expected, a breakfast spread was waiting for her. This time, it was particularly lavish and it was clear that Reid had woken up early to prepare it.
Reid was a great cook, something he’d learned just for her. He had promised that for the next several decades, he would make sure she always had home-cooked meals. But Callie had no appetite. She had long since noticed Geneva’s social media posts.
Geneva had posted a picture of an identical breakfast a month ago. After Reid’s late nights, he had been staying with Geneva, preparing these same breakfasts for her every morning—always varied, never repeating, a mix of both Western and Asian.
It had been so long since Callie had seen such a rich Western breakfast. Most of the time, Reid would prepare porridge in a rice cooker to appease her.
Without thinking twice, Callie dumped the entire breakfast into the trash. Just as she was turning to leave, her phone buzzed with a message from Tommy.
[Tommy: Want to grab breakfast?]
[Callie: Be there soon!]
Another message from Tommy buzzed her phone, the location of a private high-end restaurant not far from her place.
Callie threw on her clothes, put light make up and left quickly. When she arrived, Tommy had already called over the waiter, giving instructions for the food to be served. All of dishes were already served on the table.
“There’s only both of us. Why you order so much?” Callie blinked in surprise.
Tommy set a plate in front of her, then poured her a glass of water. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I ordered everything on the menu. And don’t worry about not finish it of. I'll take the leftover to go,” he explained lightly.
Callie nodded. She knew Tommy didn’t waste time on anything that wasn’t important, so this meal had to be about more than just food.
“Mr. Caldwell, if you have any additional requests to put on our agreement, feel free to say.”
Tommy’s face remained neutral as he reached out to wipe the food crumbs from Callie’s lips before speaking in a calm voice. “We’ll be married soon, so it’s normal for me to take you out for a meal. I’ve already met with your family and discussed the wedding. They say you like traditional style, so we’ll go with that theme. The venue and invitations are already taken care of. I’ve also arranged for a cultural heritage craftsman to custom-make your wedding gown. When you have time, I’ll take you to try it on.”
Callie didn’t know what to say. After finishing the breakfast, she simply nodded and said, “Okay.”
There was nothing for her to worry about at the moment.
Before she left, out-of-nowhere Tommy handed her a bouquet. Just happen to her favorite pink rose.
“Happy Birthday,” he said calmly.
Callie thanked Tommy as she held the pink roses in her hands.
At that moment, Geneva’s message popped up on her phone—a picture of another bouquet of pink roses. She had deliberately photographed the message card, which read: “To my sweet baby, love me every day. You deserve everything others have.” The card was signed, TO: Geneva’s.
Just as Callie was processing the message, Reid’s own text arrived. Attached was a photo of a bouquet identical to the one Geneva had posted, except this one had a different message card. It simply said: “Happy Birthday.” The card was signed, TO: Callie.
Callie let out a cold laugh as she glanced at the bouquet of pink roses in her arms. She turned to Tommy and asked, “Have you given this to anyone else before giving it to me?”
“No,” Tommy answered briefly, his face serious.
Callie hugged the bouquet tightly, a small smirk curling on her lips as she walked into her office. As soon as she entered, a burst of confetti exploded around her.
Chapter 7
The sight was overwhelming and for a moment, she stood frozen, the soft petals of the roses against her chest almost ironic in the midst of the celebration.
Reid entered shortly after, his eyes immediately landing on the bouquet in her hands. His smile faltered and his brow furrowed. “Who gave you those roses?” he asked, his tone more guarded than usual.
“Oh, don’t worry about it,” she replied, her voice casual, though her eyes never left his. “It’s from a friend.
But Reid wasn’t ready to let it go. He huffed in frustration and walked out of the room, only to return moments later, dragging behind him another massive arrangement of pink roses. This time, they filled an entire corner of her office, their scent overpowering. It was clear he’d ordered the flowers from all over the city, a display so extravagant it was almost theatrical. From a distance, it looked like Callie was standing in the middle of a vast flower field.
Without missing a beat, Reid dropped to one knee in front of her, pulling out a diamond ring. “Callie Dodson,” he said, his voice full of warmth and emotion, “I love you. Will you marry me?”
The office erupted with cheers and excited shouts.
“Oh, my, isn’t Mr. Matthews so amazing? Just because he’s jealous over a bouquet, he filled the entire room with roses!”
“I got here at 7 this morning and the security guard told me he was already here at 4 AM, preparing everything just for Miss Dodson’s birthday! If my boyfriend did something like this, I’d be so happy!”
“Look at how huge that diamond ring is! It must’ve cost a fortune!”
Callie’s hand remained unmoved as she stared at the ring. Reid had to reach out to place it on her finger. But the paused, confusion and frustration growing on his face.
“Where’s the ring I gave you before?” he asked, clearly doubtful.
“I lost it,” Callie swiftly pulled her hand back and, without another word, walked over to the cake. She began cutting it, serving slices to everyone around her.
Reid stood there, a mixture of guilt and confusion written across his face. It finally dawned on him that there’s something off with. He quickly grabbed a piece of cake himself and handed it to her, trying to salvage the situation.
“Look, I don’t mean to interrogate you. If the ring is lost, so be it. But could you please, wear this one for me? If I’ve done something wrong, please tell me. Don’t give me cold shoulder. So, what have I done?”
“I know,” Callie smiled faintly as she took a bite of the cake. “Everything is fine. Reid. I know. I know everything.”
Before Reid could respond, the phone rang, cutting through the tension. A security guard appeared at the door, informing Reid of an urgent matter.
“Mr. Caldwell, your assistant, Miss Vega just collapsed outside the office. She said she has some important documents for you and needs you to come right away.”
Reid immediately put down the ring box, panic flashing in his eyes. He rushed toward the door without thinking. But just as he was about to leave, Callie grabbed his shirt sleeve, holding him back.
“Reid,” she said, her voice low but firm, “You can have someone else get the documents. It’s my birthday. Don’t leave me alone.”
Reid hesitated, torn between his commitment to Callie and his responsibilities at the office. Finally, he sighed and gently pulled her hand off his sleeve.
“Callie, don’t be silly. You heard him. It’s important file. I can’t just trust it to some random. You should know this.”
With that, he rushed out, too quickly to even grab his phone. As soon as the door closed behind him, the phone buzzed.
She looked at the screen, her gaze hardening as Reid’s phone lit up. The sender was Geneva, her contact saved under the nickname “Foxy.”
Callie’s lips curled into a mirthless smile as she tapped on the chat. The messages between Reid and Geneva spilled out in a damning cascade, a record of intimacy that cut deeper with every word.
“Are you wearing pink today? That’s my favorite color on you. Does it feel as good as it looks, Foxy?”
“Don’t be jealous when I celebrate Callie’s birthday later. I’ll make it up to you with a special surprise just for you. Be good, okay? ”
“Foxy, go to the villa first. I’ll meet you there soon. I’ve canceled the afternoon meeting to spend the whole day with you. How does that sound?”
She marked the messages as unread and placed the phone back where Reid had left it, amidst the chaos of paperwork on the desk. Her chest felt heavy, but her face betrayed no emotion. It wasn’t shock—this was a confirmation, not a revelation.
Her hand rested briefly on the desk, steady as ever. She had seen enough.
Callie stared at the messages, feeling an eerie calm wash over her. She didn’t feel anger or betrayal—just numbness, as if her heart had already prepared itself for this.
After reading the messages, she marked them as unread and placed her phone carefully among the pile of papers on her desk. Her hands didn’t tremble. No, she was beyond that.
Reid returned not long after, looking flustered. His eyes darted around the room as he rifled through the papers on Callie’s desk, only to freeze when he saw his phone lying conspicuously in plain sight. His gaze flicked nervously from the phone to Callie. Guilt was written all over his face.
Chapter 8
“Callie, I’ve got something urgent to deal with,” he stammered, attempting to mask his unease. “Let me send you home first. Once I’m done, I’ll—”
“It’s fine. Go,” Callie interrupted him coldly, unwilling to drag the charade any further.
Her tone sent a wave of panic surging through Reid. He hesitated, his feet rooted to the ground as though the mere act of leaving her would sever something irreparable. For a brief moment, he considered staying, putting off the pressing matter until after her birthday.
But his phone buzzed again and when he glanced at the caller ID, his resolve cracked. Without a word, he turned and dashed out of the office.
Moments later, Callie saw his car speed away like a shot arrow, vanishing into the distance. She sighed, the faint hope she had harbored dissipating entirely.
Her phone chimed, pulling her attention. It was a message from Geneva—a photo of a prenatal check-up report. Geneva was pregnant. Eight weeks. Reid was going to be a father, but not to her child.
Callie stared at the screen, her lips curling into a bitter smile. Unknowingly, tears streamed down her cheeks, but a hollow laugh escaped her lips instead. The people around her exchanged confused glances and one of them cautiously asked, “Callie, are you okay?”
Before she could answer, a strange tightness gripped her throat. She gasped for air, clawing at her neck as the world spun around her. She collapsed to the ground, her coworkers rushing to her side. In her blurred vision, she noticed the smashed remains of her birthday cake—speckled with peanut crumbs.
Reid had actually forgotten that she was allergic to peanuts.
Geneva had once posted that she loved peanuts. Since then, Reid spent hours peeling peanuts for her, ignoring the blisters forming on his hands to make her favorite peanut cake. Geneva had even posted about it online, calling him ‘the sweetest man in the world.’
Callie felt the cruel irony settle in her chest. This love had died long ago—she had just been too blind to see it.
When Callie regained consciousness, she found herself lying in a hospital bed. Her body felt weak and her head throbbed. As her eyes adjusted to the harsh light, she saw Reid sitting by her side. His eyes were bloodshot and his hands trembled as they clutched hers tightly.
“Callie,” he rasped, his voice breaking. “I’m so sorry. I can’t believe I forgot about your allergy. It’s my fault…”
Callie moved her finger, trying pulled her hands out of him
Reid noticed the motion and immediately leaned forward, pulling her into an embrace. His whole body trembling. “Thank God you’re okay. I was so scared. Please don’t be mad at me. I’ll make it right, I swear,” he whispered in her ears.
With the last ounce of strength she could muster, Callie pushed him away, tears slipping down her face. She turned her head, refusing to look at him. Her grief wasn’t because he forgot about her allergy, that he had stopped caring, but it was because she finally understood that the eight years she had poured her heart into were wasted.
Reid adjusted her blanket and busied himself slicing an apple, trying to salvage the moment. “You haven’t eaten anything since last night, because you’re unconscious. Your body need food. Here, have a piece,” he said, holding it to her lips. “I’ll cook something better when we get home, okay?”
Callie said nothing, her eyes closing as though to block him out. She wasn’t sure when, but eventually, she drifted off into a fitful sleep.
When she woke up again, there was a thermos on the bedside table, with a sticky note stuck to it.
The nurse entered to check her IV and started chatting cheerfully. “You have a very thoughtful boyfriend, Miss Dodson. He stayed all night long taking care of you. He made you soup over and over so that you would have fresh ones waiting when you woke up.”
Callie forced a smile but couldn’t bring herself to respond.
The nurse continued, her tone shifting to excitement. “Oh and I heard there’s one too in the maternity ward upstairs. He cooked noodles for his pregnant wife, bathed her, helped her change and even washed her undergarments. I mean, that level of attentiveness is almost too much!”
Chapter 9
Callie let out a sardonic laugh. “Very considerate of him. He’s about to become a father. That’s how he supposed to act.”
She knew the man the nurse was talking about was Reid. Not long after the conversation end, her phone buzzed from message from Geneva. She couldn’t wait to gloat. Geneva had sent videos of Reid washing her underwear and photos of him pressing his ear against her belly with a delighted smile, listening for any signs of movement. Geneva had even attached a slew of Reid’s blissful expressions from every angle, as if determined to send Callie a hundred snapshots of his happiness.
Reid had told her that when the baby was born, he wanted to name it “Reva,” to signify his devotion to Geneva. This, he said, was the embodiment of their love.
The embodiment of their love? Callie thought bitterly. Reid had a big heart and so much love to give to the point where he could share it to more than one person at the same time.
But she couldn’t do it. Her heart was small, able to hold only one person. She wasn’t the type of woman who could share her partner with someone else.
That evening, Reid didn’t return. Geneva had kept him by her side and Reid, true to form, sent another excuse through a message.
Callie didn’t care. The doctor had told her she could be discharged the next day. Perfect timing—she wouldn’t miss the wedding.
Later that night, Tommy somehow found out about her allergic reaction and sent over a bouquet of flowers. He even hired a private chef to prepare a meal to soothe her stomach. Tommy stayed for a while, urging Callie to eat before he left.
Moved by this gesture, Callie sent him a text, “Thank you.” She didn’t know what else to say apart from that words.
Tommy quickly replied, “I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”
“You don’t have to. I’ll take a cab.”
After that, Tommy didn’t send any more messages.
Callie spent the night tossing and turning, her thoughts a jumbled mess. She couldn’t understand Tommy’s motives. For a marriage built on mutual benefit, he didn’t need to go out of his way like this. Eventually, her mind grew tired of overthinking and she drifted off into a dreamless sleep—peaceful for the first time in ages.
The next morning, Reid finally appeared. His hair was disheveled and he wore the same clothes as the day before. He must have stayed by Geneva’s side all night without even going home. But Callie no longer cared. Soon, they would be strangers, each walking their separate paths with no more ties to bind them.
Reid’s gaze landed on the flower bouquet and his expression darkened. “Who sent this?”
Callie calmly packed her belongings, not even bothering to look up. “A friend.”
Reid grabbed her arm, his frustration evident. “Last time, you said the pink roses were from a friend. Now it’s this bouquet? Who is this friend who keeps sending you flowers, Callie? Are you hiding something from me? You’ve been acting distant lately, like you’re upset with me. Did I do something wrong?”
His eyes were red with desperation. He seemed genuinely anxious, as though some unseen force had taken root inside him, growing uncontrollably. Even the slightest hint of trouble now sent him spiraling.
A cold laugh escaped Callie’s lips. “Why are you so nervous, Reid? It’s just a bouquet of flowers. If I were to marry someone else, would you go mad?”
Her words made Reid’s heart skip a beat.
“If you really married someone else, I would go insane. Callie, promise me—never abandon me in this lifetime.”
Callie grabbed his crumpled shirt, her eyes lingering on the faint lipstick stain. Her voice was calm, devoid of warmth.
“Reid, as long as you don’t betray me or leave me, I won’t walk away. But if you ever lie to me, I won’t hesitate to turn my back. I told you this a long time ago.”
Chapter 10
Reid clenched his fingers and tightly embraced Callie in his arms. While she wasn't looking, he slipped the ring that he hadn't had time to give her on her birthday onto her ring finger.
“Don’t say that. I promise we’ll never be apart. You’re the only deserve to be my wife!” His voice was filled with an earnestness that once would have melted her heart.
But just as he seemed sincere, the buzz of his phone broke the moment. Reid glanced at the screen and his expression changed. Geneva had messaged him.
“Callie,” he started, hesitating, “can you wait for me? Something’s come up at the office…”
Callie let out a hollow laugh, one that held no humor. She hadn’t expected Reid to change—not really. She had long since stopped hoping for honesty. She cut him off, her tone sharp. “It’s fine. Go. Work is important.”
“I’ll be back soon, I promise!” Reid said hurriedly, already halfway out the door.
Callie watched him disappear into the corridor, his pace brisk and determined. Yet instead of heading toward the exit, which led to his car, he veered left—toward the stairs leading to the maternity ward.
Her lips curled into a bitter smile. Reid didn’t even bother hiding his lies anymore. Three years. Three years of enduring his betrayals, knowing he had already built a life with Geneva in another home. And today, despite knowing Callie was being discharged, he chose Geneva again.
“Reid, you’ve left me behind too many times. Don’t blame me for leaving this time,” she muttered under her breath.
Taking out her phone, Callie composed a message to Geneva:
“You were right. Reid does love you. He always has. We should have ended this a long time ago. I’m stepping aside. He prepared an engagement party for tomorrow. It’s yours. The ring and wedding dress are meant for you.”
With smile of triumph she wrote a reply: “I told you Reid would choose me. You’ve always been the third wheel in this relationship. I’m just being nice, giving you all the heads-up.”
To hammer the point home, Geneva posted a series of pictures on social media—of Reid carrying her, of their cozy moments together in his other home. In one, Reid kissed Geneva’s forehead, his smile soft and affectionate as he said, “We’re home, darling.”
Callie stared at the screen, her chest tightening. But instead of letting the pain consume her, she tapped on her phone, selecting all the photos and videos she had secretly gathered over the years. Evidence of their affair, of Reid’s lies. She scheduled them to be sent tomorrow—during the proposal.
By the time Reid stood before his guests, ready to pledge his love, the world would know the truth.
Satisfied, she put her phone away just as Tommy arrived. He grabbed her luggage effortlessly and draped a warm coat over her shoulders.
“Put this on. It’s cold outside,” he said, his tone steady but filled with unspoken care.
Callie glanced once more at the staircase where Reid had disappeared, then squared her shoulders. It was over.
“Tommy, let’s go get our marriage certificate. Today.”
Tommy froze for a moment, processing her words, then nodded firmly. “Okay.”
They went straight to the city hall. As Callie held the red marriage certificate in her hands, a wave of relief washed over her. For the first time in years, she felt free.
“Reid, we’re finally done,” she muttered to herself.
***
The next morning, Callie dressed in an exquisite traditional wedding gown. Her calm demeanor was in stark contrast to the storm brewing in her heart.
On the other side of town, Reid, oblivious to what lay ahead, had just emerged from a night of passion with Geneva. He adjusted his crisp suit, excitement brimming in his eyes as he anticipated the perfect proposal he had planned for Callie.
Geneva, still basking in the afterglow, leaned against his back, her breath warm against his neck. “Reid, do you love me?”
Reid placed a tender kiss on her cheek, his voice gentle yet decisive. “I love you, Geneva. But I’ve got something to take care of now. I’ll have a surprise for you later.”
Blushing, Geneva nodded shyly, her voice soft with affection. “I know. I’ll wait for you.”
On the way to the proposal venue, Reid’s car was forced to slow down as he encountered an elaborate wedding procession. The line of luxury cars stretched endlessly, gleaming under the morning sun like a parade of wealth and grandeur.
Reid turned his gaze away from the crowd, his chest tightening with an unshakable unease. But he quickly pushed the feeling aside. Soon, Callie would be his bride and everything would fall into place. The thought brought a slight curve to his lips as he stepped forward.
In the center of the stage stood a woman in a wedding gown, her slender figure facing away from him. Reid’s voice softened with affection as he called out, “Honey, I’m here. Will you marry me?”
The woman slowly turned around and in that moment, the bouquet Reid held slipped from his hands and crashed to the floor.
“Why is it you?!” It wasn’t Callie. To his shock and disbelief, the woman in the wedding dress was Geneva.
