1

That necklace is not worth you.

I stared at the screen of my phone in confusion. What this anonymous person sent unnerved me. 

My hand instinctively touched the jewellery on my neck. My boyfriend gifted it to me on our fourth anniversary and I've worn it ever since. Why would someone taunt me with this message?

“Babe, what are you looking at?” 

I looked away from my phone to my best friend, who held up a beautiful burgundy dress. Her trademark measuring tape hung from her neck. “Oh. It is nothing, Vickie.”

“Alright then. Come, try out this dress.”

With a wide smile on my face, I snatched the dress from her and hurried to the changing room.

I stepped out of the changing room and came face to face with a tall mirror. The long-sleeved, short cocktail dress fitted my figure and made me appear taller than I actually was. I turned and got a glimpse of my bare back. 

Her golden blonde hair bounced as she hopped with excitement. “Brie, you look absolutely yummy. Hardin won't be able to keep his hands off you.”

I giggled at the comment. “It's all thanks to you. You are the best designer in the entire world.”

Flipping her hair, she said with a smug smile, “Thank you.”

“It is amusing, though. I mean, he rarely books down a date for us. I always do that and today is our fifth anniversary.”

“Oh, my goodness! Do you think he might going to propose?”

A silly grin spread across my face. It would be a dream come true. Hardin was probably planning a really romantic proposal at the moment. The musicians would be in place singing and playing the violin, red and balloons on the floors, and a rose in his hand. I squealed and jumped in delight. 

“Why are you two making so much noise?” Travis, Vickie's husband, walked in. Five years old Summer, their daughter, held on to her father's hand while licking a chocolate ice cream. Summer took a resemblance to her mother with the generic blonde hair and bright blue eyes, unlike her father's brown eyes.

“Hey, Summer.” I waved at the little girl. She gave a cheeky grin and went on licking her ice cream.

“Brie is going on a date tonight,” Vickie said to Travis.

“One would think you are the one going on a date.” I hurried back to the changing area to dress in my office attire.

“Tonight is a special date,” She hollered.

“Why? What's happening?” I heard Travis ask.

“You'll see.”

I stepped out in my blue shirt and short white A-line skirt. “I promise to tell you all that happens tonight.” Putting on my stilettos, I said, “Thank you so much for the dress.” With an enormous smile, I hugged Travis, Vickie and little Summer. 

“I will have it delivered to your apartment.”

“Thank you so much. Sorry, I can't stay long. I have to get back to the office.” I blew kisses in their direction.

“Bye!” Said Summer with a wave.

“Love you!” 

I exited the dress arena and made for the elevator. I could hear high-pitched squeals and hushed whispers from each dress arena. 

Pressing the ground floor button, I checked my wristwatch. The board of directors meeting would start in forty-five minutes. The other occupant stared at his phone with a smile on his face. Perhaps it was a girl or boy or a game that made him so happy. You never know!

I spotted my bright black Renault Clio in the parking lot as I stepped out of LUXXE, Vickie's fashion house. 

Minutes later, I navigated my way through the giant lobby of Atlantis in a hurry. I took the elevator with several other people, who greeted me with a nod. 

With a short wave to the people, I disappeared into the hall once the elevator stopped on the eighth floor. 

“You're early?” I felt a hand on my shoulder as the person asked. The smell of rose assaulted my nostrils. Only one person (I knew) used a rose perfume in the office and that was Theresa. We have known each other from the beginning of this company which Hardin's dad started.

Rolling my eyes, I said, “Yes, Theresa. You should encourage me more. I might arrive early for all the following meetings.”

She scoffed, a smile playing on her lips. We stepped into the meeting room together and sat beside each other. Once everyone had settled in, Hardin arrived with his secretary. We locked gazes and shared a secret smile. 

“Shall we begin?”

Changed into the dress Victoria made, I arrived at the restaurant in my car. The sky had turned dark blue, and the moon shone. This was a perfect setup for a proposal. Keeping my car keys in my purse, I spotted two plane tickets.

I remembered the anniversary gift I made for us prior Hardin's unexpected dinner date. I had planned for us a four days’ holiday in Cuba. It was a perfect setup since our first hotel institution would open a day after our holiday.

I can't wait to see the look on his face!

Giddy, I flounced in. 

“Reservation for Thompson, please,” I said. 

Guided by a server, we made for our reserved private seat. Hardin sat, a solemn look on his face, nursing a glass of white wine.

As I sat, I held his hand. “Hey, what's wrong?”

He gave me a sad smile which was not what I expected. Tonight should fill the moment of a proposal with mischievous smiles. Did something go wrong with work? He could have told me if it did!

“Why don't we eat first? I ordered—” 

“Forget the food, Hardin.” I pursed my lips in thought. “Did something happen to Big T again?” 

Hardin's dad, who we call Big T, retired three years ago. He'd recently got into a fishing accident at sea. 

“No. No, he is fine. We talked this morning.”

“Oh. So, what is wrong?”

His shoulders slumped as he sighed. “Brianne, I'm sorry. Let's break up.”