Hotter Than Hell

"Please give me one more chance, Bri. I'm sorry I disappointed you. I shouldn't have proposed to her. I just realized that you're the best girl for me," Xander said as he knelt before me. His hands clasped together. His face was pleading, as if he couldn't live without me.

However, I still glared at him. "Why are you just realizing it now? Isn't it too late? You've been married to Carrie for five years, Xander. Five years! And you already have a child."

"No, Bri. It's not too late. I'm divorcing her soon. We can get married and live the life we once dreamed of. I promise to make you happy, Bri," Xander nodded reassuringly.

"Make me happy?" I crossed my arms. My voice rose even higher. "How? You've given Carrie all my dreams. A wedding on the beach, a honeymoon in Lofoten, an apartment with a beautiful rooftop. You even named your child the name I chose."

"That's exactly it, Bri," Xander shook my leg, "you can think of him as our son. I gave him that name because I couldn't forget you. I wanted our memories and hopes to live on in him. And now, we can be together again. We can make our dreams come true."

I sighed in disbelief, and pulled my feet back, away from Xander's touch. "Do you think I was that desperate after breaking up with you? My world doesn't revolve around you, Xander. I've moved on and have a new boyfriend. Why would I go back to someone who dumped me?"

"I didn't dump you, Bri. I was just too stupid. I didn't realize that I truly loved you back then. I-"

"If it's love, why did you only realize it now?" I interrupted with a sour face. "Is it because I already have a career and achievements to be proud of? So you don't have to be embarrassed to be with me in front of other people? Or is it because you think I won't betray you like your wife did?"

Before Xander could answer, I continued, "I'm not a garbage collector, Xander. Just because your wife dumped you doesn't mean I have to pick you up. Moreover, I've found a man who accepts me for who I am, and he is much better than you. Therefore, just dream that we can go back to how we used to be."

Xander shifted forward and shook my leg again. "No, Bri. That's not true. I came back to you because I realized I love you. You still love me, right? You once said I was the man you loved most in the world. Your dream was to marry me. Let's make that happen now!"

I snorted. My cheeks twitched in disgust. I can't understand what's inside Xander's brain. How could he repeat a promise he had clearly broken? How dare he apologize as if I wasn't hurt that much? Had he forgotten his sins against me?

Whereas ....

Five years ago, I thought our relationship was perfect. He loved me, and I loved him. He supported my dreams, and I supported his. I even did everything in my power to help him start his business. Yes, he dreamed of becoming a successful entrepreneur, and he had many beautiful promises to fulfill.

"If I have been successful, let's build a harmonious, happy, and prosperous family. Let's have a wedding on the beach. Just like what you've always imagined."

"Let's honeymoon in Lofoten. That's your dream, right? Don't worry about the cost. My savings will definitely exceed that."

"One day, I'll be able to afford that apartment. We'll decorate every room with love. I'm sure our home will feel warm and cozy."

He made all those promises to me, and I believed them. I patiently waited for them.

But as it turned out?

When he had succeeded, he dumped me in front of everyone. He was supposed to propose to me, but instead, he offered the ring to my best friend who had just returned from Europe.

"Wait!" I interrupted his proposal. Confusion clouded my mind. "Is this a prank? I'm standing right here, Xander. Why are you kneeling in front of Carrie?"

Xander stared at me coldly. For the first time, I caught the hatred in his eyes.