Page 127 of The Substitute Fiancée

Despite her casual tone, we can sense her hesitation. Emelyne and I exchange a look.

“Is it because of us?” Emelyne asks.

“What? No!” Mara protests too quickly.

Emelyne places her hand over hers.

“Mara, you’ve spent years taking care of us. It’s time you thought about yourself.”

She pauses, then adds teasingly, “And besides, at thirty, you’re not exactly young anymore. Your ovaries are going to shrivel up if you’re not careful.”

I burst out laughing.

“Bitch!” Mara exclaims. “Keep it up and I’ll show Sam that picture of you drinking from a baby bottle at seven.”

“Hey, it was great. You should try it.”

I love these girls.

“Don’t put your life on hold for us,” I add gently. “You deserve to be happy.”

We can feel her wavering.

“I know. But I love the life we have together,” she says.

“So do we,” I say softly. “But we’ll always be here.”

“You’ll come visit us, or invite us over,” Emelyne adds. “And we’re counting on you to introduce us to lots of hot guys. I need something to dream about. My love life is a desert right now.”

Mara bursts out laughing.

“I’ll think about it.”

The rest of the meal unfolds in a lighter mood. We laugh, already planning future Sundays.

On the subway ride home, my phone vibrates.

Alexander.

I freeze for a second before opening the message.

Please, Sam, don’t block me.

I know I have no right to ask this. You don’t owe me your attention or a reply—just keep this channel open. Every time you see a notification from me, you’ll know I’m still thinking about you. I’m fighting for us.

I’m sorry.

For dragging you into my story with Kristel.

For not making you my priority.

For hurting you.

I’m doing real work on myself to change.

I want to become someone present.

Someone who expresses doubt instead of accusing.