Ex vs. Next: A Heart's Dilemma

I’d been by Julian’s side for thirteen years.

He had a never-ending parade of women by his side, while I lived in a desolate, lonely bubble for years.

Everyone said I, a new-money nobody, was out of my mind to even *think* about an old-money dynasty like his.

I never uttered a single word in response to their gossip.

Until, suddenly, a woman who looked exactly like me appeared by his side – she was about to become his fiancée.

A strange calm washed over me. And finally, I blurted out the words I’d held back from Julian for so long:

“I want to get married.”