Chapter 3

I used to tell myself he was busy with work, that it was normal he hadn't gotten around to thinking about these things.

If he wouldn't bring it up, then I'd be the one to propose. We'd been together this long. Little things like that shouldn't matter.

I'd reserved the ring, planning to propose to him on his birthday this year.

And now there was no need for it.

As I was going through the process to cancel the reservation, my best friend suddenly asked, "Are you really not getting it? You've had it on hold for so long. How can you just give it up all of a sudden?"

Before I could answer, a familiar voice came from behind me.

"You break things off yesterday, and today you're in the mood to go shopping. Barbara, aren't you just doing great."

"Once you've thrown enough of a tantrum, apologize. I'll pretend I never saw that text yesterday," Herbert said, an edge of impatience in his voice.

"Right, Barbara. Mr. Harding is so busy, don't throw your little fits. Besides, if you're going to break up, you should do it cleanly. This brand isn't exactly in your price range, is it? Breaking up with him while still spending his money. Isn't that a little... two-faced?" Maxine said softly, standing beside him.

I didn't answer her. I only turned the question back on Herbert. "Weren't you in a meeting? Why are you here?"

Herbert frowned, irritated. "I'm on a business trip. Can you keep a little less garbage in your head?"

I gave a mocking little laugh. "A business trip, all the way to a department store counter?"

At that, Maxine spoke up again. "Barbara, Mr. Harding is just keeping me company while I shop. Don't misunderstand him."

"Keeping you company? You just said this wasn't in my price range, but it's even less what an intern who's barely started working could afford, isn't it? Your head's not on your job, all you think about is pleasing the boss. You certainly know how to enjoy yourself." My tone was flat.

"Barbara, how can you say that about me?" Maxine's tears spilled over at once, her voice full of hurt.

"Are you done making a scene? Does it feel good, tearing other people down? As if you're anything special. You're nothing but a piece of cheap trash I've been keeping!" Herbert's voice carried a fierce anger.

I froze. Everything I'd meant to say suddenly caught in my throat. I had never once imagined that this was how he saw me.

The words had barely left his mouth when Herbert pointed at the most expensive necklace in front of him, bought it on the spot, and gave it to Maxine. Then he looked at me and said, "It doesn't matter what she is. What matters is that I'm willing to let her spend my money, and you're not worth it."

My best friend, standing beside me, finally couldn't take it anymore and shouted at him, "Herbert, have you no shame, saying things like that? When has she ever used the card you gave her? She paid for that ring with money she saved herself!"

"You think you're such a big shot now that you've made it? If she was in it for money, why didn't she leave you back when you were starting out with nothing? It's not like there weren't rich guys chasing after Barbara!"

Herbert spoke with contempt. "That's because she knew I'd be richer someday. As for that rich boy, he'd never have looked at her twice if she hadn't thrown herself at him. She was already weighing her options and lining up a backup back then. Sharp, isn't she."

"Enough. There's no need for any of this." I cut them off.

I took my best friend by the arm and turned to leave. I pretended I didn't care, but my tears struck the floor.

Herbert was still calling my name behind me, but I never once looked back.

Once we got home, my best friend wouldn't stop cursing Herbert.

"Tell me, what did you ever see in a man like that? Back when he was starting his company, you were afraid he didn't have money, so every month, after your most basic expenses, you sent him everything you had left. You were even scared of bruising his ego, so you told him it came from his mother. And now look. You never spent a cent, and he still calls you a freeloader."