---- I reached out and, as before, slowly closed the lid. Then I held up the ring already on my finger. "Benedict, we're not children anymore. We... were part of a distant, distant past. "Tm getting married." His face crumpled like a spoiled puppy suddenly abandoned, still wearing that hopeful, pitiful smile, as if begging for a final scrap of love. I pushed open the door and stepped out, only to find Theodore standing right outside. He had been eavesdropping. He smiled sheepishly. "Sorry," he said. "It's hard not to be nervous in front of a love rival." I smiled faintly and tested the waters. "You're really confident, aren't you, Theodore? Aren't you afraid I might've run off with your brother? If your fiancée disappeared, how would ---- you even hold this engagement party?" But even as the words left my mouth, regret pooled in my chest. Thad promised myself that marrying Theodore was enough. And yet, I still couldn't resist asking for more, craving just a little more proof that I mattered to him. Theodore paused for a moment, then let out a quiet laugh. "While I was eavesdropping, I thought-if you really did run off with Benedict, at least I'd be waiting right outside. "Maybe I'd catch you in time. I'd probably blame my own pettiness while being relieved. "Luckily, I bought you a mermaid-style dress- the hardest gown to elope in." Then he looked at me, calm and confident. "Did you really think," he murmured, stepping closer, "I'd settle for a bride who I don't love?"