I Only Love You, Is That a Problem?

A week before our engagement, Robert Lockman told me that our engagement ceremony would not be held at the appointed time, instead it would be postponed for another months.

He explained, "Diana told me that it's so happen that day she would be performing her first solo concert. It is a very important thing in her life and I refuse to miss it. Besides, we're getting engaged anyway. It doesn't matter if it is a week early or at a later time."

This was the third time he had postponed our engagement for Diana's sake.

The first time he did it when Diana, who was abroad, fell ill and said she was scared and missing him.

The second time when Diana wanted to go on a spontaneous trip, Robert became very worried and chased after her.

So, this was the third time. 

I put down the phone and turned to look at my childhood friend and the prince of the Royal City, Anthony Norton. Then asked, "Do you need a fiancée?" 

On the day of our supposed engagement ceremony, Robert was affectionately hugging Diana at the celebration banquet for Diana's concert when he saw Anthony's engagement with me. The event was broadcast all over the city and as he watched, his eyes turned red.

——

Anthony looked at me and asked, "Have you thought this through? Can you really forget about Robert?"

I spread my hands helplessly. “I gave him enough chances. This is the third time he’s canceled our engagement for the same woman. Maybe this is fate telling me we were never meant to be together. Even the warm feeling can't thaw a frozen heart, can they?"

Anthony smiled. "If you're sure about this, I want to hold a grand engagement ceremony. The Norton Family has quite a list of guests to invite and I want everyone to know exactly who I’m marrying.”

I looked at him, trying to peer into Anthony's heart. What I saw was unwavering determination. Summoning a courage, I didn’t know I had, I answered, “Alright.”

I went home and began packing my belongings. When Robert came back home and saw my suitcase, he sneered, "Are you running away from home again? Trudy Peyton, aren't you tired running away every time we quarrel? You've done this thing for the entire four years we are together."

"It's just postponing the ceremony! Why do you have to make a big deal out of it? By postponing the ceremony for a week doesn't mean I refuse to marry you, okay?" The irritation in his voice was evident. It seemed he wanted to slam the door and leave.

I replied calmly, "I'm not running away. I'm just organizing my things." Though in my heart I told myself that this time I would leave him for good.

Robert loosened his tie and carelessly ordered me, "On? Well, since you’re tidying up, why not prepare the guest room as well? Diana told me this place is closer to her concert venue, so she’ll be staying here for a while.”

I pushed my packed suitcase to the corner and answered without looking up, “Alright. I’ll have Julie clean the guest room tomorrow.”

My easy willingness stunned Robert. His tone softened when he talked again, "Okay, I know I made you upset. So, tomorrow, how about you go to the jewelry story and pick up a set of jewelry there. It's my gift for you. I've also been busy this day, you know with Diana back and all. What's more her house hasn't been lived in for ages, so I have to accompany her to clean and decorate it."

He added, "For now, you just have to worry about our engagement preparation. Once Diana's concert is over, I’ll make it up to you. Is that okay?”

It felt like a heavy stone was pressing on my chest, so I told him, “There’s no need to accompany me. I have plenty of things to keep me busy. I’m just sorting through some old things and doing some cleanup.”

Robert did not inquire about the reason I suddenly wanted to clear up things in a house I just moved into. Instead, he looked at me with relief. “The last time she was here, Diana mentioned she didn’t like you using the sunroom as a studio. She wanted to practice her piano there. So you’re finally ready to move all your junk away from there?”

As I took a deep breath, I replied, "Yes, I though it through. The sunroom will be hers starting tomorrow.” Silently, I added, so will you.

The next day, Diana returned to the city I had not even had the time to get out of bed when photos of her and Robert embracing at the airport went viral online. This breaking news landed them at the top of the trending charts.