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629words2026-01-26 11:23

At the engagement party that came three years too late, I was publicly called out by my fiancée's trusted butler.
“Mr. Liam, you're still not sincere enough. Wait another three years for Ms. Sophia.”
He took out a contract, just like he had before.

This time, I didn't accept it. Instead, I turned to Sophia Greene and asked, “Is this your idea again?”
Sophia was unsteady from the wine, then shook her head with a laugh. “I didn't plan it, but I think Jacob did the right thing.”
“He would never hurt me!”
Seeing how readily she sided with Jacob.
Seeing how careless she seemed.
I laughed at myself.

Being a doormat never pays. Guess I'll just go back to being the young master.
...
“Liam Murphy!”
“Stop dawdling and sign the paper.”

Jacob sneered, urging me in a commanding tone.
Anyone listening would think I owed him a billion bucks.
I took the document, crumpled it, and threw it in his face. “Know your place.”
Then, ignoring Jacob's furious expression, I turned to Sophia. “I waited three years for this? Even your butler thinks he can walk all over me.”
Everyone stared at Sophia, waiting for her response.
But she just rolled her eyes. “Jacob has been with my family since he was ten. He's been by my side building our career abroad these past three years. He's my most important confidant.”
“He's just looking out for me. It's only three more years—why are you making such a big deal of it?”
Everyone was stunned.
Three years, then another three.
How many six-year chunks does a person even have?
My heart felt pierced, a sharp pain spreading through my chest. Sophia's promise from three years ago echoed in my mind.
She had said, “Liam, wait for me. When I come back, the first thing I'll do is marry you!”
She had said, “Jacob always upsets you, and he almost got you killed. I'll keep him in line these three years.”
But she kept none of those promises. Instead, she protected Jacob even more.
That morning, when I went to pick her up at the airport, I ran toward her excitedly, wanting to hold her.
But Jacob blocked me.
“Ms. Sophia's public image is important now.”
“Besides, anyone who wants physical contact with her has to undergo full sanitization.”
Sophia didn't say a word to defend me. She allowed it.
Jacob then pushed further—while I was in the restroom, he took my car and left with Sophia.
Later, I confronted her angrily. She said, “Jacob has been protecting me since he was ten. He only wants what's best for me.”
“Why are you making such a big deal out of it?”
“Don't make trouble before the engagement party.”
For the sake of the party, I held back.
But then this happened.
Jacob turned his anger into a smug grin, puffing out his chest. “If you don't sign, it means you're not sincere.”
“Don't forget—there are tons of men who want to pursue Ms. Sophia now.”
He thought he could keep acting out because Sophia had his back. He thought I'd keep tolerating it and sign that humiliating document.
But I didn't.
Smack!
I slapped him across the face. “You also want to pursue her, don't you? That's why you're stirring up trouble.”
“You hit me?”
Jacob was stunned. Then his fists clenched, audibly cracking. He looked ready to strike back.
Bang!
Sophia slammed the table and shot to her feet. She pulled out a gun and aimed it between my eyes.
“What is wrong with you?”
“Hurting Jacob is the same as hurting me!”
“Apologize to him. Now!”
Three sharp commands, leaving no room for argument.
The whole room held its breath.
Jacob smirked, thinking I'd finally back down.