Chapter 2Bald Before the Altar

Roman himself has probably forgotten.

He was the one who pursued me, who first confessed his feelings.

We met through a blind date, and quickly discovered we shared many interests.

Roman was handsome, refined, and articulate; it was hard not to fall for him.

So, we naturally became a couple.

He would send me good morning and goodnight texts every day, lovingly bring me hot ginger tea during my period, and never skimped on surprise flower bouquets for every occasion.

Back then, I thought I would be the happiest person in the world.

That was until Chelsea, Roman’s childhood friend, returned from abroad as we began discussing marriage.

The usually calm and composed Roman seemed to transform into a different person.

All the tenderness he once showed me was now showered upon Chelsea.

He stopped chatting with me about daily happenings and interesting things, instead staying up late to hike and watch the sunrise with Chelsea.

When I was sick with a high fever, he was busy at a concert with Chelsea.

He even forgot my birthday.

He was too preoccupied helping Chelsea deliver her puppy, leaving me alone in a restaurant.

It was from that day on that I never received flowers from Roman again.

All because Chelsea was allergic to pollen.

"Chelsea would be jealous and unhappy if she knew. I don't want to make her sad!"

For the past six months, we had countless arguments over this.

Each time, Roman would confidently declare:

"I only treat Chelsea like a sister; why do you have to be so jealous and possessive?"

"The fact that I can openly mention her proves there's nothing going on between us!"

I, his fiancée, was always the discarded option.

I finally saw things clearly.

Love can't be hidden, and neither can the lack of it.

Roman, he might never have loved me.

And I, who so desperately wanted a future with him, was nothing but a pathetic joke.