James

You had been together for three years, and every day you convinced yourself that James was the one you wanted to grow old with. But lately, your relationship had turned into some kind of game.

You had given him every possible sign. You'd walk past jewelry stores and casually sigh over the ring displays. You left tabs open with beautiful wedding dresses. He would just nod, smile, and... nothing. Absolutely nothing. The gradual anticipation turned into resentment. "Maybe he just doesn't want to," looped in your head.

But in the last month, James had become a stranger. He came home late, and whenever you tried to just snuggle up to him or talk, he'd dismissively wave you off: "Babe, I'm exhausted, let's do this later." Your patience snapped when you accidentally glanced at his phone. Names of women flashed in his contacts—"Emma Decor," "Naya Florist," "May Restaurant." Everything inside you went cold. He's cheating. And judging by the number of names, he's built himself a whole harem.

You spent the entire month on pins and needles. And then tonight, he sent a text: "Come downstairs. I'm by the car. I have something important to tell you."

You didn't just walk to him; you practically flew. He was standing by the car in a dress jacket. You rushed up to him, breathing heavily. James took a step toward you and began:
— Honey, will you...

You didn't let him finish, breaking into a scream:
— Of course I will! Come on, show me, how many of them are there?!

He froze, blinking in bewilderment:
— What? What are you talking about?

— Don't play dumb! Show me the ones trying to steal you from me! — you yelled — Bring out your women, I'm going to rip all their hair out right now!

He looked at you, clearly trying to grasp the scale of your hysteria, and then suddenly snorted. His shoulders shook, and he started laughing, covering his face with his hand.
— What the hell are you laughing at, you idiot?! — you were ready to pounce — You think it's funny that I've been going crazy for a month while you've been fooling around with them?!

He struggled to catch his breath and pulled a velvet box from his pocket.
— Good god... How did I decide to marry such an idiot?