I stood silent for a long time.
But this time, there was no anger, no desire to confront her or hysteria.
Calmly, I put the ring away and thanked the clerk.

Leaving the store, I hailed a cab straight to Vivian's company.
Vivian was a workaholic, and her whole team often worked late.
When I arrived, a group of female colleagues was buzzing with office gossip.
"I bet Vivian's hooked up with that new guy, Leo!"
"Duh! I saw them going home together last night!"
"Leo's really something else. Hooking up with Vivian after just a few days!"

I stood there, listening for a while, until the elevator behind me dinged open and Vivian stepped out.
She saw me standing frozen amidst the crowd. Hearing the women's talk, she was furious and shameful.
"What the hell are you all babbling about?! Get back to work! This isn't a place for gossip!"
The group scattered, hurriedly lowered their heads and pretended to work.

Then she turned to me.
"Come with me."
I followed her into her office.
"Evan, don't listen to them. Leo and I went home together to pick up some documents. Nothing happened between us." Vivian explained.
"I believe you."
Vivian let out a sigh of relief.
She started to ask why I'd come, then seemed to think better of it and looked down.
Without preamble, I took the ring box from my bag and placed it in front of her.
Seeing it, Vivian's head snapped up guiltily.
"How did you get this?"
"Did you open it?"
I gave a faint laugh.
"No. Leo said you asked me to pick it up, so I did. But judging by where it was from, I'm guessing it's a gift for someone very important."
Vivian blinked, then gently took the box.
She nodded softly, a tender smile spreading across her face.
"Yes. It's for someone very important."
Even though I had already decided to detach myself, hearing those words still sent a sharp pang through my heart.
I didn't want to stay any longer.
I was afraid I might break down and cry.
My voice was thick.
"It's late. I should go."
But Vivian seemed oblivious. She just stared at the ring box, smiling faintly, and murmured, "Mm-hmm."
The walk home wasn't far, but I dragged my feet.
I desperately wished Vivian would appear behind me, wrap her arms around me, and whisper softly,
"Evan, all this... it's just to give you the most perfect wedding."
But by the time I reached my apartment building, Vivian hadn't sent another message or called.
I took a deep breath.
In that moment, I knew.
It was over between us.