Page 294 of The Heart You Kept

“My god, congratulations.”

“I have a problem now.”

“What?” He listens. “So….”

“On the way to work this morning I ran into my ex, Pascal.”

“Is this the guy you ran into in Paris?”

“Yes.”

“Why is this guy running into you everywhere?”

“I don’t know. But he said that he thinks that Edward only asked me to marry him to cover up a scandal.”

“Oh, fuck off,” he scoffs, “Jilted lover much.”

“You think?”

“He’s such a fuckwit. Do not listen to this asshole.”

“It’s really upset me.”

“Why would he say that to you? Even if you thought it, you would never say it unless you were purposely trying to hurt someone’s feelings.”

“You think?”

“I know. Alora, let’s break down what he actually said…he thinks that the only reason someone would ask you to marry them is because of a scandal.”

“I guess.”

“And that someone like Edward Prescott couldn’t possibly love someone like you.”

“Basically.”

“Fuck. Him.”

I smile, feeling better. “You think?”

“Babe, if Edward Prescott didn’t want to get married, not even the devil himself could make him do it.”

“You’re right.” I feel a weight lift off my shoulders. “God, I’ve had the worst day.”

“Honestly…. This ex of yours is a narcissist. You dodged a bullet with that one.”

“Yeah, perhaps you’re right.” I smile. “Thank you, I feel like I can’t talk to anyone. You have such a great perspective on things.”

“Lucky you’ve got me as a friend, then, isn’t it?”

“It is. When do you get back?”

“I fly in on Friday. I’ve got the weekend off; do you want to grab a coffee or something?”

“Sure.”

“Hey, congratulations, babe. I’m so happy for you. Enjoy this special time and don’t let anyone steal it from you.”

He’s right.