He Set Rules for Me but Broke Them All for Her Chapter 04

He Set Rules for Me but Broke Them All for Her Chapter 04

After work, I walked to the bus stop like always.

Remy’s car pulled up right in front of me.

He didn’t waste words. “Get in. I’m taking you to try on the rings.”

I opened my mouth to refuse.

But back when he’d finally agreed to the engagement, I’d been so thrilled I’d secretly ordered a pair ahead of time and I still hadn’t returned them.

After a moment’s thought, I got into the passenger seat.

And suddenly, I almost laughed.

All those times I’d begged him to pick me up from work, but he always said no. His excuse? “Your office is out of the way. It’s not convenient.”

Out of the way meant a single turn. It wouldn’t have taken more than a few minutes.

But in five years, he’d never done it once.

Now, the only time he ever showed up was after we’d broken up.

Soft instrumental music played through the speakers. I recognized the playlist. I’d heard it on Cora’s profile. Now it was on his.

He turned his head awkwardly. “I was too harsh yesterday. Don’t be mad.”

I blinked.

He let out a breath, pulled out his phone, and the bluetooth audio started playing.

Cora’s teasing voice filled the car. “Told you this trick would soften her up. Don’t forget that bottle of red wine, yeah?”

“Got it. I’d never forget anything when it comes to you.”

They’d bet on whether I’d get mad.

I wanted to be angry. But all I felt was exhaustion.

Remy realized the voice note had played out loud, his laugh still frozen on his face. I cut him off. “Just drive.”

He didn’t move right away. Just looked at me. “You’re not mad?”

I shook my head. What was the point?

He’d never taken my feelings seriously anyway. He’d never cared if I was upset or angry.

At the jewelry store, a sales associate came up to greet us.

Remy opened his mouth to speak, but his phone buzzed. It was Cora.

He stepped aside to take it.

I told the associate what I needed. She walked me through the paperwork quickly.

I stared at the rings in the display case and was about to turn around when she called me back. She was holding an open box with a diamond ring inside, the stone catching the light.

“Ma’am, this is a custom piece your fiancé ordered earlier. Would you like to try it on?”

“May I ask for the size?”

“Of course. Circumference fifty-five millimeters, diameter seventeen point two.”

That wasn’t my size.

It was Cora’s. I remembered it from when we’d gone to get custom friendship rings years ago.

I shook my head. “No, thanks. Please just hand it to him when he’s done.”

When I turned, I saw Remy still on the phone, a small smile tugging at his lips.

I didn’t say goodbye. I caught a ride and left the store.

That night, I left the three-way group chat.

Three days passed. I heard nothing from either of them.

On the third day, my company team dinner was at a restaurant.

I arrived early, intending to head straight to our private room until I passed the next door over and heard a voice I knew.

Remy’s.

He was steadying Cora, her face flushed pink. “Cora, slow down. You’ll get another headache.”

“Come on, today’s different. I’m happy.”

Their eyes met, and there it was, bare, unmistakable affection.

I meant to walk past, but my legs felt like lead.

A round of teasing cheers broke out. The bottle stopped spinning right at Cora. “Cora, it’s you! Truth or dare, pick one!”

Her face went even redder. She stood up. “Truth.”

She gave a bitter laugh, gripping Remy’s hand tighter. “We almost got together back then. But he was being petty and asked some other girl out.”

“Then this is your perfect shot. Don’t miss it!”

“Get together! Get together!”

The crowd roared. Neither of them pushed back.

My heart ached again.

The relationship I’d treasured so much… it had all started from nothing more than a petty rebound. And what had I ever done wrong?

The tears pooled in my eyes, but didn’t fall.

Now it all made sense. Remy’s coldness. His stiffness around me. Because I’d never been the leading lady in his story.

“Marnie?”

Cora’s voice cut through the noise. Her face had gone pale. “You heard everything?”

Remy’s tone was unreadable. “Following us here? Really?”

I pulled my wrist free from his grip, ignoring his startled look. “I’m not following you. We’re broken up.”

His face went completely dark. His lips parted.

From outside the door, a warm, unhurried voice cut through. “Sorry I’m late.”