Chapter 1Marry Now, Not Later

For my younger boyfriend’s birthday, I booked out the most luxurious hotel in the city to celebrate.

But when they wheeled out the cake, the spot where "Happy Birthday" should have been was instead iced with the words, "Marry Me."

I thought it was his surprise proposal to me.

I never imagined that the moment he saw it, he would violently flip the cake over.

"Celeste, didn't I promise I'd marry you when you turn forty? What is this? You bring out a cake like this in front of all my friends—are you trying to force my hand?"

Seeing the fury twisting his features, a sudden sense of calm washed over me. I was finally free.

If he was so against marrying me, then I supposed I could just find someone else.

* * *

The cake sailed through the air and splattered directly across my face. A wave of laughter erupted from the surrounding tables.

Jeff’s little protégée, Amanda, was draped over his arm, laughing so hard she could barely stand.

"Oh, ma'am, you look just like a sad, wet puppy."

I pulled a napkin from the dispenser and began wiping the cream from my cheeks. "Amanda, isn't it? If I remember correctly, I'm only twelve years older than you. Calling me 'ma'am' seems a little rude, don't you think?"

Amanda was still giggling. "Sorry, Celeste. I guess I just assumed you were at least twenty years older."

"You should really get your eyes checked," I said, my voice smooth as glass. "Because from where I'm standing, I actually look younger than you. All that time in the lab must be taking its toll. Stress does age a person."

Amanda's smile tightened, though she tried to keep it in place.

"Well, I guess that’s the difference. My face is all-natural. Not like yours, a masterpiece of science and scalpels."

I laughed, a light, airy sound. "I'm just grateful that at my age, I have the financial means to maintain my appearance. Not everyone will have that luxury when they get to be my age. You, for example."

That struck a nerve. "What's that supposed to mean? Jeff, did you hear what she said to me?"

The sliver of guilt Jeff might have felt for smashing a cake in my face vanished, replaced by irritation.

He slammed his hand on the table. "Celeste, we're talking about you trying to pressure me into marriage! Why are you attacking Amanda? She made a simple mistake with how she addressed you. Do you have to be so vicious?"

"Don't try to change the subject by dragging her into this," he continued, his voice rising. "We need to deal with this stunt you pulled tonight!"

"I didn't pressure you! I didn't change the words on the cake!"

"You ordered the cake. You arranged for the hotel staff to bring it out. Who else could it have been?"

"Then check the security cameras!" I shot back. "This hotel has cameras covering every public space. I guarantee we can find who did it."

At the mention of cameras, Amanda's bravado faltered.

"Jeff," she mumbled, "it was me. I changed the message on the cake."

Jeff stared at her, shocked. "What? Amanda, why would you do that?"

"I just... you and Celeste have been together for seven years. I thought I could give you a little push on your birthday," she said, her eyes welling up with tears. "I had no idea you didn't want to marry her at all. I'm so sorry, Jeff. I messed up."

Her performance was flawless. Jeff's anger melted away, replaced by pure, unadulterated sympathy.

"It's not your fault," he said softly, all his attention on his wronged little protégée. "You don't know the whole situation."

He was so busy comforting her, he didn't even glance at his girlfriend, standing there humiliated and covered in frosting.

In that moment, I felt like a complete and utter fool.

I turned without another word and walked out.