Marry Now, Not Later

For her younger boyfriend's birthday, Celeste books the city's most luxurious hotel. But the cake arrives iced with "Marry Me" instead of a greeting, and Jeff flips it over in fury, accusing her of forcing his hand. He has promised marriage for seven years, always deferring it—now until she turns forty. His protégée Amanda, who changed the cake's message, clings to his arm and mocks Celeste's age while he comforts her instead.

Celeste met Jeff at twenty-eight, when the eighteen-year-old begged her to cover his dying father's medical bills. She paid, and he became her boyfriend. Now she shoulders every responsibility while he lives as her pampered partner. Left standing in the rain, feverish and forgotten, she looks at her calendar and finds a lucky day early next month—perfect for a wedding.

Two weeks later, Jeff brings a crowd of friends home to celebrate their seven-year anniversary, calling it a surprise.