---- Chapter 8 "We should call off the engagement." The words had barely left my lips when Theodore's fountain pen froze mid-sentence, its ink bleeding out into a dark blot on the page. "You said I shouldn't love you," I continued. "And I've been thinking-feelings can't be one-sided. If that's the case, maybe I should just be with Benedict instead. "He's leaving for Windhaven, so I'll go with him." I turned and walked away, my exit crisp, clean, and final. Behind me, Theodore shot to his feet and shouted, "wait!" I stopped in my tracks, inwardly giving Benedict a silent high-five. That reverse psychology trick? Surprisingly effective. "So... when are you two leaving? I'll see you off." ---- See us off? What the hell? Who on earth volunteers to send off his own fiancée and her new man to another country? My face darkened instantly as I turned and said coldly, "In a couple of days. I'Il let you know once it's set." That night, I lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Was Theodore really going to stand there and watch me leave with Benedict? I should never have listened to Benedict's stupid plan. At least before this, I had a shot at getting married. Now? Things had spiraled completely out of control. I pounded the bed in regret when a sudden knock broke the silence. It was Theodore. ---- I scanned him from head to toe-he was still wearing the same suit from earlier that afternoon. Just like me, he clearly hadn't slept a wink. "What do you want?" I asked. Theodore still wore that solemn, unreadable expression. "Have you told Grandpa about you and Benedict?" he asked. "Did you get in touch with the overseas branch already? This all feels too impulsive. Maybe you should slow down and reconsider." "Grandpa Alexander said the company doesn't matter," I replied flatly. "He'll treat it like a honeymoon for me and Benedict. Anyway, if you've got nothing else to say, I'm going to bed." As I moved to close the door, Theodore finally dropped the stoic act and looked slightly flustered. "Wait! I..."