Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 35

35 /90

Rebecca stood there, frozen. For a moment, she couldn’t move. She’d told herself this might happen. She’d rehearsed what she wanted to say, and honestly, she was planning to call off the engagement too. But hearing Bruce actually say the words himself still made her whole body shake. It felt like someone had stabbed her right in the heart, and she could almost feel herself bleeding inside.

She leaned back against the wall, just to steady herself. Her heart was in agony, but she kept her face composed. When she finally looked up at Bruce, she realized he must have gotten her letter, and he’d agreed to everything she suggested. Maybe that was for the best. At least they wouldn’t have to drag things out any longer.

“Okay,” Rebecca said quietly. “That’s fine with me.”

Bruce had come prepared with a whole speech. He’d thought of all the ways he could comfort her, all the promises he could make. He never expected Rebecca to just agree like that, without any fight. After all, marrying him had always seemed like her biggest dream. They’d been together since college. For most people, seven years seemed to be practically a lifetime. Even his mother had started hinting that he should settle down, which was why Bruce finally brought up the engagement.

There was never a real proposal. One evening over dinner, he just said, “Why don’t we get engaged this year, and get married next year?” Rebecca’s face had lit up like a kid getting the best birthday present, and she nodded so hard it looked like her head might fall off. “Yes!”

And now, when he told her he wanted to call it off, she just said, “Okay, that’s fine.” No tears. No shouting. She was calm, almost cold. Bruce felt a wave of panic rise in his chest. He stepped forward and pulled Rebecca into his arms, holding her tight like he could somehow keep her from slipping away. He bent his head close to hers and tried to comfort her.

“I’m sorry, I just…”

He was about to explain that it was only temporary, but before he could finish, his phone started ringing. He glanced at the screen and saw Sonja’s name. Rebecca saw it too. She pushed him away, her voice suddenly distant.

“You have a call.”

Bruce answered, turning away and covering his mouth, his voice barely above a whisper. “Hello?” Whatever Sonja said made his face tense up immediately.

“Don’t move. Stay right there. I’ll be there soon.”

He hung up and turned back to Rebecca. “Something urgent came up at work. I have to go.”

He didn’t wait for her to reply. He just ran to the elevator and disappeared down the hall, never even looking back. It wasn’t until he was in his car that Bruce realized how badly he’d handled everything. He’d just ended their engagement and left Rebecca alone without even trying to comfort her. But then again, Rebecca loved him. She’d understand, wouldn’t she?