I looked up in shock and saw Lance smiling sweetly as he pulled her into his arms.
Ariana took out the massive diamond ring she had prepared in advance and slipped it onto his ring finger, then lovingly kissed his fingertip amid the cheers of the guests.
I had seen that ring on TV a few days ago, it was worth two million.
I looked down at the cheap, now-yellowing ring on my own hand. It was a gift from Ariana on our one-year anniversary.
It wasn't expensive, just a few hundred dollars, but back then I was as happy as a fool.
Even though it wasn't even pure silver and had already faded badly, I couldn't bear to take it off. I hid in a corner, like a shameful voyeur, watching them hold hands and toast with the guests.
The toasts were meant for both of them, but Ariana took every glass on Lance's behalf, then handed him a cup of juice, saying gently, "You're allergic to alcohol, drink this."
Lance looked like a pampered little prince, shy and happy as he hugged her shoulders, "Ariana, you're the best."
Ariana had a weak stomach. Back then, if she had a drinking engagement, I was the one who drank for her. Even if it meant drinking until I bled from my stomach, I wouldn't let her have a single drop. I protected her that carefully for three years.
But now, to protect another man, she didn't even care about her own health.
Ariana seemed truly happy today, I had never seen her drink this much. Very soon, she was drunk and Lance helped her upstairs to a guest room.
I knew that leaving at this point was the wise choice, but before I realized it, I was already standing outside their room.
The door wasn't fully closed. From inside came sounds that made one blush.
With trembling hands, I called Ariana. It took over ten seconds for her to pick up.
Her voice was hoarse, her breathing heavy, "Ernest, what's wrong?"
"Ariana, let's get married," I said through tears. "I don't need a dowry. I'll work hard and support you. Come back now and let's go register our marriage, okay?"
I knew how pathetic and shameless I sounded, but love sometimes makes people throw away their dignity.
As long as you stop now. As long as you come out. As long as you come back to me. I can pretend none of this ever happened.
Ariana paused, then laughed helplessly, "Silly, why are you crying? I never said I wouldn't marry you."
She continued, "But my mother is still in the hospital. I'm not in the mood to get married right now. I don't want you to shoulder everything alone. Once she's better, once I've earned more money, we'll buy a house and a car and have a grand wedding. Be good and wait a little longer, okay?"
"My part-time job will keep me busy late tonight, so I won't be coming back. Lock the door and wait for me. I'll bring you something tasty." She suddenly let out a muffled gasp and hung up quickly.
At the same time, the sounds from the room grew louder and more unbearable. I numbly lowered my phone, letting my tears fall freely.
On the way home, a torrential downpour began. Rain hit my face, only to be replaced again and again by tears.
I suddenly felt exhausted. My head grew heavier and heavier. Before I lost consciousness and collapsed, I thought ... Ariana, I won't wait for you anymore.
When I opened my eyes again, it was the evening of the third day. I was lying in a hospital bed. A nurse told me it was a kind passerby who brought me in.
I opened my phone. Ariana hadn't sent me a single message.
In the past, no matter how busy she was, she would always text goodnight and remind me to eat breakfast.
The nurses whispered while looking at their phones, full of envy in their tone.
