11

11

The diamond ring on my finger seemed to pierce his very soul. His complexion paled instantly, and he struggled to speak coherently, repeatedly asking the same question.

"Why?"

The answer was clear, but it appeared he couldn't accept it.

"He never treated me as a replacement. He wouldn't endanger himself by plunging into an icy pond to recover a discarded ring meant for another woman. He wouldn't draw my blood for someone else's sake. I'm the only one who holds his heart. He remained by my side during my toughest moments."

"No, Brielle. We were a couple for six years. I've been looking for you for three years! How could you end up wed to another man?" Denver stared at us, his cheeks wet with tears. His face showed a mixture of shock and anguish.

He continued, "You said you loved me. You accepted my proposal. How could you do this? To me? To what we had? How could you be so cruel?"

He resembled an abandoned puppy, his face etched with distress.