Chapter 1

I stood there like the punchline of a cruel joke, surrounded by Elliot and his friends.

One of them mocked, "Daniella, have some self-respect! Eli already has someone he likes, yet here you are, desperately trying to be his backup plan. We've never seen anyone as shameless as you."

Another voice chimed in, "All these years, and Eli hasn't even given you a second glance. How can you still dream about being with him?"

Someone else added, "I'm so sick of watching her follow Eli around like a lost puppy."

Their harsh words echoed around me as I kept my eyes fixed on Elliot Coleman, desperately searching for even a hint of hesitation or sympathy in his expression. Sadly, I was left disappointed.

Elliot stood with his arms crossed, wearing that signature smirk I once found irresistible. "Come on, Daniella. It's just a joke. You're not going to get upset about it, are you?"

He paused before adding with a mocking tone, "Honestly, I didn't expect you to dress up and come here like this. Are you that desperate to be my girlfriend?"

I used to find his nonchalant attitude cool, but now, it just made my stomach turn with disgust.

Taking a deep breath, I finally asked, "What if I said I am upset?"

Just as I said that, someone shoved me from behind. "You don't get to be upset! You've been clinging to Eli for years—you deserve to be messed with. If you've got any dignity left, don't come crawling back to make up with him this time."

Elliot's eyes met mine, filled with nothing but contempt. "Playing the victim after being a clingy little puppy all these years, huh? Daniella, have I been too nice to you?"

My heart clenched painfully as I realized the boy who once promised to protect me and never let me get hurt had become the one who wounded me the deepest.

Elliot and I had known each other since we were kids. Back in elementary school, when the other kids bullied me, Elliot jumped in and fought them off.

He ended up with a black eye, but he still managed to smile and comfort me, saying, "Don't cry, Dani. I've got you."

That protection lasted for over a decade. Though we never officially dated, everyone knew there was something between us.

For the first 20-something years of my life, Elliot was my whole world. However, his heart now belonged to someone else. Well, I did not want him anymore, either.

I announced firmly, "Don't worry. I'm getting married. I won't bother you anymore from now on."

I took a deep breath before adding, "Elliot, you're free."

Someone snickered. "What's she talking about—marriage? Who's she trying to fool?"

Another chimed in, "Didn't she swear she'd only marry Eli? What happened?"

"Daniella, if you're trying to get Eli's attention, you could at least come up with a better excuse," someone else taunted.

Elliot looked at me with disdain. "Oh, you're getting married? Where's this guy? Bring him out so we can all see. If he's real, I'll give you a nice wedding gift—consider it a thank you for finally leaving me alone."

"Yeah, same here! A big celebration like this calls for fireworks, right?"

Seeing their confident expressions, I let out a cold laugh and reached for my phone.