Living with her boyfriend Nathan for several years, Sarah felt a growing distance between them. While tidying up one day, she stumbled upon an engagement ring hidden among his belongings. Her initial joy turned to disbelief when, a week later, she spotted the same ring on her friend Emily’s finger. The fiancé’s name? Nathan.
Sarah was by the door, watching Nathan prepare to leave for work.
Morning sunlight streamed through the window, accentuating the strain in the air. Nathan, busy with his shoes and tie, finally glanced up.
“I’ll be home late tonight,” he announced in a detached tone.
“Another late night? You’ve been so busy,” Sarah responded, her voice laced with concern.
She noticed his dark circles and the fatigue in his posture.
“These are challenging times, darling,” Nathan sighed, avoiding her gaze as he fumbled with his belongings.
“Maybe take some time off? We could use a break,” she suggested, attempting to meet his eyes.
“I might… I need to get going now. Bye,” Nathan quickly dismissed the idea, grabbing his briefcase and heading out.
“Wait, your lunch. I love you,” Sarah called out, offering him a packed lunch.
“Thanks,” he replied mechanically, taking the bag and departing without a backward glance or a goodbye kiss, leaving Sarah in a mix of sadness and confusion.
Feeling disheartened as the door shut, Sarah decided to distract herself with cleaning. She started in the living room, moved through the kitchen, and ended up in the bedroom.
Noticing Nathan’s clothes piled on a chair, she sighed and began folding them. Suddenly, a small box fell from a pocket, hitting the floor softly.
Curious, Sarah picked it up. It was a small velvet box, clearly for a ring. Her heart raced as she opened it to find a stunning engagement ring inside. Joy filled her, tears brimming in her eyes.
She carefully placed the box back, not wanting Nathan to know she’d found it. Imagining a proposal, she continued cleaning, her heart full of anticipation.
That evening, Nathan returned to a special dinner Sarah had prepared. Despite the romantic setup, Nathan seemed perplexed and exhausted.
“Thought you’d enjoy a nice dinner after work,” Sarah said, trying to lighten the mood.
“I’m not hungry. Ate at work,” Nathan replied, shrugging off his coat and retreating to the bedroom, leaving Sarah puzzled and alone at the table.
A week later, Sarah met her friend Emily at a local café.
“It’s been too long,” Emily remarked as they settled with their coffees.
“Sorry, just been so busy at home. I found something last week,” Sarah confided, lowering her voice.
“An engagement ring in Nathan’s things,” she whispered.
“Congratulations! When’s the big day?” Emily’s face lit up.
“He hasn’t proposed yet. Bought the ring but nothing,” Sarah shared, her confusion clear.
“Maybe he’s just nervous,” Emily suggested, then gleamed with news. “I’m engaged too! Maybe a double wedding?” she joked, showing off her ring.
Sarah forced a smile, but her heart sank. It was the same ring she had found. “Who’s the lucky guy?” she asked, dread filling her.
“Nathan,” Emily beamed. “We’ve been together six months. He’s amazing.”
“Nathan!?” Sarah exclaimed, attracting glances.
“He proposed at a restaurant. It was perfect,” Emily continued, oblivious to Sarah’s shock.
“My Nathan!?” Sarah raised her voice, the realization dawning.
“Your…?” Emily frowned, confusion setting in.
“That’s my boyfriend! The ring I found!” Sarah cried, tears forming.
“Are you sure?” Emily asked, shaken.
Sarah showed her a photo of Nathan on her phone. Emily paled.
“That’s him…you two broke up?” she asked, hoping for some explanation.
“No, we live together!” Sarah replied, both women stunned.
“That explains why he never stayed over,” Emily realized, her own anger rising.
“How could you!?” Sarah confronted, hurt and furious.
“Sarah, I didn’t know,” Emily apologized, equally upset.
“What do we do now?” Sarah asked, distraught.
“We end this. I’m not marrying a liar,” Emily declared, already formulating a plan.
They whispered together, a plan taking shape.
That evening, Nathan returned home to find Sarah waiting, the room tense.
“Hi, darling. How was work?” she asked, voice steady despite her turmoil.
“Tough day, stayed late,” Nathan responded, visibly tired.
“You were at work?” Sarah pressed, suspicion in her voice.
“Yes, where else?” Nathan grew defensive.
“I called your boss. He said you called in sick today,” Sarah countered coldly.
“I…I took off to spend tomorrow with you,” Nathan stumbled over his words, caught off guard.
Sarah’s sarcasm was palpable as she watched him squirm.
Suddenly, Nathan dropped to one knee, presenting the ring, “Sarah, will you marry me?”
“No,” she responded firmly.
“Why?” Nathan looked up, bewildered.
“Because that ring’s been proposed with before, maybe more than once,” Sarah accused, anger flaring.
“What are you talking about?” Nathan’s confusion turned to fear.
“Just wait,” Sarah said as the door swung open and Emily entered, determined.
“Didn’t expect this, did you?” Emily confronted him.
“I don’t know her. Don’t listen!” Nathan was desperate.
“Get out,” Sarah demanded, resolute.
“Please, let me explain,” he pleaded, panic evident.
“And Mr. Peterson might want to discuss your ‘sick days’ that were actually dates,” Sarah added coldly.
“You told him!?” Nathan was horrified.
“Both of us did,” Emily chimed in, satisfaction in her voice.
“Yes, he mentioned something about firing you,” Sarah concluded with a smirk, opening the door.
“Goodbye, Nathan,” she said, closing it on his stunned, defeated expression.
Nathan realized too late that neglecting what he had could cost him everything—a lesson he would not forget.
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