Seeing Caesar again was completely unexpected. My parents were back home, and I couldn't stay in Snowcall forever. I always knew I'd run into Caesar eventually.
However, I never imagined that someone like Caesar, a spoiled rich heir who was used to being worshipped, would actually come looking for me.
I was in a great mood that day. I was wearing beautiful makeup and shopping with Elvis.

I was holding onto Elvis's arm, laughing as we walked out of the mall, when I suddenly spotted Caesar.
I stopped dead in my tracks, and Elvis gently squeezed my hand. Caesar's face was etched with exhaustion he couldn't hide, complete with dark circles and bloodshot eyes.
Caesar walked toward us, and Elvis instinctively stepped in front of me.
He glared at Elvis with obvious hostility but spoke to me with a gentle voice. "Miranda, I'm here to take you home."
His eyes settled on my face with incredible tenderness, just like when we'd first gotten together years ago. I couldn't remember the last time Caesar had looked at me that way.
"Miranda, let's go back and get married. I've already planned our wedding. You love garden ceremonies, right? I've already reserved the estate by Lake Cosmos. You'll be the happiest bride in the world!"

Caesar was so convincing that I almost believed him. But just weeks ago, he'd been telling Molly he wanted to give her a real relationship.
Elvis looked jealous and cut Caesar off. "She will be the happiest bride in the world, but not yours!"
After saying that, Elvis turned to look at me. "Miranda, so you like the estates by Lake Cosmos? I happen to own one there too. If you want, we can go stay there tomorrow. No one will bother us!"
Caesar snarled through gritted teeth. "Elvis, shut up!"

I looked at him and shook my head. "It's too late, Caesar. Some things can't be undone. I've already given my heart to someone else."
Caesar's eyes instantly welled up with tears, and he stepped forward.
"Miranda, I never touched Molly. We broke up after just a few days. None of them were as good as you.
"I even had your wedding dress repaired, and I kept your ring safe."
Caesar's voice trembled as he held out an elegant ring box, dropping to one knee in front of me. His eyes were full of hope, and his movements were incredibly careful.
Seeing Caesar so humble made my heart ache a little. But that's all it was—just a little ache. I grabbed Elvis's hand and held it up.
"Caesar, I already have a boyfriend."
I moved closer to Elvis's side, not letting go of his hand. Caesar's face went pale, and his jaw was clenched tight.
"Miranda, are you serious right now? You think he actually gives a damn about you? He's been trying to one-up me since prep school, and now he's after you. This isn't about love!"
"He'll get bored and dump you just like I did! What makes you think it won't end the exact same way?"
Elvis wrapped his arms around me protectively, glaring at Caesar. "I should have taken Miranda away from you years ago. Maybe then you wouldn't have screwed her up so badly!"
Caesar let out a bitter laugh. "Elvis, you're dating my leftovers. What makes you think you can lecture me? Do you actually want Miranda, or do you just get off on taking my things?"
That was the last straw—Elvis's fist connected with Caesar's face before I could even blink.