Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 256

He took his time slipping off his jacket and laid it gently over her. Then he leaned close, his words warm against her ear. "Don’t drink so much. I know you are upset, but you can’t let yourself go like that."

Rebecca instinctively cupped her ear, her skin still tingling from the feel of his breath. She stared at him, wide-eyed, and jabbed a finger at herself. "Me? Upset? Why would I be upset?"

His eyes locked on hers, steady and a little concerned. He knew she wasn't really herself, but he still answered. "I overheard you and Sonja in the hallway. She's getting engaged to Bruce in two months."

Isn't that what's bothering you? He wanted to ask, but the words sat heavy in his heart, painful and unspoken.

Rebecca took a while to connect the dots. When she finally did, she let out a shaky laugh. "You think I'm sad about those bastards tying the knot?"

She shook her head so hard her hair flew, then leaned back in her seat, sighing. "Sad? Please. I couldn't be happier for them." She paused, a grin tugging at her lips. "Honestly, it's hilarious. Sonja came running over just to show off her giant diamond ring, like she was starring in some cheesy commercial. But I recognized it right away. It's the same one Bruce gave me, with my initials engraved inside. How's that for a joke?"

Her laughter turned watery, tears slipping down her cheeks. "When Bruce proposed, there was nothing special. No flowers, no ring, not even a proper conversation. He just tossed the idea out there, like he was ordering takeout. The ring came later, delivered straight from the store, zero romance. When we broke up, I sent everything back. I never thought he’d be cheap enough to recycle the same ring for someone else. Bruce is even worse than I thought."

For a moment, the car was completely silent. Then Rebecca groaned and lightly knocked her own forehead. "I must have been blind. How did I not see what a jerk he was? I was so stupid."

She’d never really regretted their breakup. She loved him once, and when it ended, she moved on. But today, Bruce managed to set a new low, and for the first time, she truly regretted ever falling for someone like him.

Stephen slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his chest. He reached for a tissue and gently wiped away her tears.

Red-eyed and sniffling, Rebecca looked up at him and tugged his sleeve. "Tell me honestly. Am I an idiot? Are you laughing at me?"

"Not at all." Stephen’s voice was soft, and a little smile played at his lips. He tapped her nose lightly. "You cut your losses and walked away. That takes guts. You're braver than most."

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