Caught My Fiancé And Best Friend Of 20 Years On My Couch. They Mocked My Career Success While They Cheated. Now I’m Marrying The Billionaire Who Bankrupted Him.
She added.
She turned to Alexander, her expression sympathetic.
“You have to understand, Sophia’s always been so focused on her career. It’s admirable, really, but it can make relationships difficult. She works such long hours.”
She said.
I felt heat rising in my face. She was trying to undermine me in front of Alexander, to make me seem like damaged goods—a workaholic who couldn’t maintain relationships.
Alexander’s voice cut through the tension, calm and pleasant.
“Actually, I find Sophia’s dedication to her work incredibly attractive. She’s passionate, talented, and brilliant. I’m lucky she makes time for me between projects.”
He said.
Christina’s smile faltered slightly.
“Oh, of course. I didn’t mean…”
She said.
“And we’re not dating casually.”
He continued smoothly.
“I’m in love with her. Have been for weeks. I’m just waiting for the right moment to tell her properly.”
He added.
My heart stopped. He just said he loved me in front of Christina and Ryan at this gala.
Christina’s face went through several emotions: surprise, disbelief, then something ugly and petty.
“How sweet.”
She managed.
“New love is always so intense, isn’t it? I’m sure it feels very real.”
She added.
“It is real.”
Alexander said quietly.
His hand moved from my back to take my hand, interlacing our fingers.
“Now, if you’ll excuse us, I believe they’re calling everyone to their tables.”
He said.
He guided me away, leaving Christina standing there with her mouth slightly open.
A Declaration and a Proposal
We made it to our table before I could fully process what had just happened. Alexander pulled out my chair, then leaned down to whisper in my ear.
“I meant every word.”
He said softly.
“I was going to tell you over a private dinner this weekend, but seeing her try to tear you down…”
He said, shaking his head.
“I couldn’t let her think she had any power over you. Because she doesn’t, Sophia. You’re extraordinary.”
He added.
I turned to look at him, this man who’d somehow slipped past all my defenses.
“I love you too.”
I whispered back.
His smile was radiant. The rest of the gala was a blur—dinner, speeches, and the charity auction.
I was hyper-aware of Christina watching us from across the room. Every time I glanced her way, she was staring.
Ryan looked increasingly uncomfortable beside her. During the auction, Alexander bid on and won a vacation package to Tuscany.
“For our honeymoon.”
He said casually, then froze.
“I mean, that was presumptuous. I haven’t even…”
He started.
“Ask me.”
I said.
“What?”
He asked.
“Ask me properly later, with a ring and everything. But I’m saying yes now.”
I said.
He kissed me right there in front of 200 people. I heard someone gasp and heard the whispers starting, but I didn’t care.
The Bathroom Confrontation
When the auction ended, I excused myself to use the restroom. Christina was waiting in the lounge area.
“I need to talk to you.”
She said.
Her confident facade from earlier was cracking.
“Alone?”
I asked.
“I don’t think…”
I started.
“Please, Soph. 5 minutes.”
She said.
Against my better judgment, I nodded. She waited until we were alone before speaking.
“Alexander Chen. You’re dating Alexander Chen.”
She said.
“I’m engaged to him, actually.”
I said.
Her face went pale.
“Do you have any idea who he is? My fiancé… He’s worth hundreds of millions of dollars, Sophia. His company just went through a series C funding round. He’s one of the most eligible bachelors in Silicon Valley.”
She said.
Her voice rose.
“And you just found him at a coffee shop?”
She asked.
“Yes, that’s…”
I started.
She laughed, but it sounded desperate.
“That’s not fair.”
She said.
“What’s not fair?”
I asked.
“You were supposed to be alone! You were supposed to realize what you lost! You were supposed to…”
She said, as she cut herself off, pressing her fingers to her temples.
“God, do you know what my life has been like? Ryan’s firm is hemorrhaging clients. We had to postpone the wedding twice because of money. He’s stressed all the time. Angry. He takes it out on me.”
She added.
“That’s not my problem, Christina.”
I said.
“I know.”
She said, with tears in her eyes.
“I know it’s not, but I just… I thought I was getting everything. The successful man, the money, the life I wanted. And instead I got…”
She said, gesturing helplessly.
“This. And you got Alexander Chen. How is that justice?”
She asked.
“Justice?”
I asked, as I stared at her.
“You destroyed a 20-year friendship and stole my fiancé. You don’t get to talk to me about justice.”
I added.
“I didn’t mean for it to happen.”
