n's

red me. "You're one of the richest and most handsome me

n't want a bride. I didn't want anyone but Ava. She w

were like the ocean, and her long, elegant nose only added to her allure. I found myself entranced by her perfect lips, and her alluring scent still lingers in my memory. But I knew I might never have her again. I had promised myself

ote of frustration in my voice. "I shou

he best thing for you and the co

ed with doubt. "I don't know

e're going to divorce after a year," I mumbled, my

ll find you the perfect girl, and you'll get to know

d, trying to give her the rea

***

ath and dialed her number, listening to the phone ring and praying she would answer. I didn't know if I

n the air, even though we were just talking on the phone. I knew

sible. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I wa

ong pause bef

ve moved on. I don't think it's a good idea to talk

a wave of disappointment wash over me. But I knew I had to accept her decision, even if it wasn't what I wanted. I look

r before the week was over, but at that moment, I felt so weak. I promised mysel

e the fact that I had been trembling because I didn't want anyone to know how upset I was, especia

to hide the fact that I was on the verge of a br

found someone for me, I was sure of it. I braced myself for the inevitable announcement. "I've found someone for you." She was beaming with exc

a good idea to spend some quality time with the lady

y mom's suggestion was reasonable. Since I needed to be married to i

g the prospect of meeting this mystery woman. How could anyone possibly measure up to Ava? I push

*****

iscover that it was past nine o'clock. I had to

feet and headed

impress wa

ty to create a one-of-a-kind outfit for me. I would have cancelled all of my plans and taken a day off from work, just to make sure I looked my absolute best

shirt and some jeans and