Their Reality Show, My Real Goodbye

The night before our engagement party, my A-list celebrity boyfriend, Liam Scott, lost a race on a reality TV show. The penalty? He had to play a couple for a day with his childhood best friend, Rina.
But he took the act a little too far. Right there, on camera, he exchanged rings with her.
Liam just laughed it off when he explained it to me later.
It was all for the show, Luna. We grew up together, practically shared a crib. You think Id ever be serious about her?
But Rina, nestled against his side, flashed the new ring on her finger.
Liams first proposal was to me, guys. Dont you think thats worth a celebration?
The crowd was full of their childhood friends, and they all started cheering.
Cmon, none of us have ever beaten Liam on the track, one of them yelled. He obviously threw the race for Rina. Hey, if Rina can beat me, Ill give her anything she wants!
The energy was electric. I stepped out from the shadows, my helmet tucked under my arm.
Every head turned in my direction, and the boisterous atmosphere immediately went cold.
I pulled the helmet over my head, my eyes locking on Liams disapproving face.
What are you all staring at me for? You wanted a celebration, right? As the fiance, I thought Id add to the fun.
1
I swung my leg over the gleaming new motorcycle.
Liams brow furrowed. He strode over, his hand clamping down on mine just as I was about to ignite the engine.
Luna, dont be ridiculous. Its Rinas birthday, everyones just teasing her. Racing isnt a game. What if you get hurt? He softened his voice. Just be a good girl and cheer for me from the sidelines.
It was always the same story. No matter what they were doing, my role was always the cheerleader.
I subtly pulled my hand free from his grasp.
Staring into those soulful eyes that could make a puppy fall in love, I contradicted him for the very first time.
I dont think Ill be cheering for you today. I jutted my chin toward Rina. Your girlfriend for the day is over there. Let her do it.
A few snickers rippled through the group. Someone joked that I was jealous, telling Liam hed better smooth things over.
A flash of embarrassment crossed Liams face.
Im just worried about you. Youve never even touched a bike before. Im scared youll get hurt. He lowered his voice, leaning in. We all grew up with Rina. Ask anyone here if they actually see her as a girl.
The glances exchanged around us were suddenly thick with insinuation.
This wasnt the first time.
They had all grown up in the same exclusive neighborhood, their families moving in the same elite circles. Whenever the seven of them got together, they created an impenetrable bubble with Rina at its center.
Because they didnt see her as a woman, theyd pass out drunk in the same bed.
Because they didnt see her as a woman, she could call him away from our date nights to help her buy tampons.
Because they didnt see her as a woman, hed ditch me on our anniversary to go drinking with her when she was in a bad mood.
I used to fight him on it, but it always ended the same way.
Once, he even snapped at me, Weve always been this close. Are you going to accuse the other five guys of sleeping with her too?
After that, I never brought up Rinas name in an argument again.
Until now.
Only this time, I wasnt here to argue.
Rina sauntered over, draping an arm casually around Liams shoulders. She grinned at me. Hes right, Luna. This is just how we are. They really dont see me as a girl. We used to have peeing contests as kids to see who could go the farthest.
She patted Liams chest. You didnt grow up with a crew like this, so you wouldnt get it. Just listen to your boyfriend like a good girl. Well let you have him back when were done playing.
No one seemed to think there was anything wrong with what she said.
Liams expression was hardening, his disapproval of my childish tantrum written all over his face.
I fought down the wave of nausea rising in my throat and twisted the throttle.
Over the engines roar, I met Rinas gaze and said coldly, Since its a birthday party, wouldnt adding one more make it even more exciting?
Lets stick to your rules, I continued. If you beat me, you can have any gift you want.
Seeing me defy him so openly, Liams face tightened. The mask was slipping.
Another guy from their group nudged his friend, smirking. Damn, Liams losing his touch. Guess he cant keep his fiance on a leash.
The warmth vanished completely from Liams expression.
His eyes on me turned to ice.
Luna Jiang.
He used my full name.
You really want to do this? Fine. But dont come crying to me to end the game when you lose.
I scoffed.
Rina saw my expression and raised an eyebrow. Well, well. Looks like I have a lot of challengers tonight.
She adopted a regal air. Alright, heres how itll be. Well do it king-of-the-hill style. You have to beat everyone who wants a shot at me. Only then do you earn the right to challenge me.
She pointed a finger at the big guy who had started the heckling. Mark, I know what youre capable of. If you go easy on her Ill double the prize!
Mark stepped forward, playing the peacemaker. Hey, Mrs. Scott, look its Rinas birthday, so she makes the rules. Maybe we should just call it a night? This bike is a beast, hard to handle.
Ill cover the double prize myself! he declared.
The crowd erupted.
The prize should come from Liam! Whats your deal, Mark? You got a thing for your friends girl?
Marks face turned bright red.
Liam shot me a sideways glance, then smirked and gave Rina a light pat. The nights not over yet. Your future sister-in-law is right here.
Rina just hopped onto the seat behind Liam, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.
A chorus of whistles went up.
I was used to it.
I revved the engine and snapped my visor down.
Enough talk. Lets ride.
2
The wind howled past my helmet. Behind me, I could hear a collective gasp of shock.
No one had expected me to actually know how to ride, let alone be good at it.
I leaned hard into a series of tight curves, steadily pulling away from Mark.
Liam shot me a look, his expression filled with something I couldnt quite read. Surprise?
The cheers and shouts didnt break my focus.
On the final turn, I calculated my entry line, planning to accelerate hard on the exit.
Just then, a blinding beam of light shot out from the side of the track, aimed directly at me.
It was Rina, holding a high-powered flashlight she must have grabbed from somewhere, waving it wildly in my direction.
My vision exploded in a wash of white.
I cursed under my breath, instinctively slamming the brakes and fighting to keep the bike balanced.
But I was going too fast. The front wheel skidded out at the apex of the turn. The bike went into an uncontrolled slide, the shriek of metal on asphalt tearing through the night.
I wrestled with the handlebars, using every ounce of my strength to stay upright, but my knee and elbow scraped hard against the pavement, a searing pain shooting through me.
Marks bike blurred past as he crossed the finish line.
I managed to push myself and the bike up, barely standing.
The throbbing in my elbow and knee was beginning to spread.
I took off my helmet, my gaze fixed coldly on Rina.
She tossed the flashlight aside and came jogging over, all feigned concern.
Oh my God! Im so sorry, are you okay? I was just so excited! You were riding so well, I wanted to cheer you on, I had no idea that youd lose control.
Liam rushed to my side, his brow deeply creased.
Serves you right for trying to show off when you dont have the skills, he muttered, his voice laced with annoyance.
Mark circled back, clearing his throat. Luna lets just say you won that round. Seriously, your technique is way better than mine.
I tried to smile, but the pull on the scrapes on my face made me wince.
The peanut gallery started up again.
Whats with you today, Mark? Playing the white knight?
Yeah, man, bad form. Liams about to get married. You cant be moving in on his girl now.
Mark fell silent, trapped.
I waved a dismissive hand. A loss is a loss. No need for charity.
I turned my attention to Rina, my voice flat. What do you want?
Her eyes landed on the necklace I was wearing.
Liam had fastened it around my neck the day we made our relationship official. It was a unique pendant, a delicate gear with a diamond at its center that spun a full 360 degrees.
Hed said it was a symbol of how inseparable we were, our love stronger than steel.
I hadnt taken it off in three years.
I reached back, unclasped it, and tossed it straight at her.
She caught it deftly, letting it dangle from her fingers.
Liams face darkened instantly. Rina, thats
She tilted her head, looking at his strained expression. Whats wrong, Liam? Lunas willing to part with it. Are you telling me youre not?
Liams Adams apple bobbed. He finally looked away. If you like it, you can have it.
Rina smiled, a triumphant glint in her eyes. She turned her back to Liam. Put it on for me.
As Liam fumbled with the clasp around Rinas neck, the other guys crowded around me, eager for more action.
Wow, Mrs. Scott, youre full of surprises! Im next!
Me too!
But Rina cut them off, her eyes sparkling with a new, malicious idea as she looked at me.
Hold on. Lunas so good, if were going to keep playing, we need to set the stakes first. We wouldnt want anyone thinking were ganging up on you.
Her gaze roamed over me, and then her face lit up. I remember, your marriage certificate was calligraphed by your grandfather, right? You know how rare his work was. Why dont we bet that?
The moment she said it, the chatter died.
Everyone stared at her, their expressions a mixture of shock and unease.
She flashed me a perfectly innocent smile. Lets make that the prize, what do you say? If you lose, you just let me admire it for a bit. Dont worry, Im not trying to steal your She paused, casting a long, meaningful look at Liam.
Liams breath hitched. He spoke in a low, placating tone. Rina, thats enough.
I had to laugh. Even he knew she was taking it too far.
But he always let her.
That marriage certificate was my grandfathers final work, the only thing he left me. On it, hed written his blessing for Liam and me, wishing us a hundred years of happiness, a life without sorrow.
Rina, however, was not intimidated by Liams tone. She stuck her chin out. What are you so nervous about? I cant even look at it? If youre going to be this stingy, I might just tell everyone about the time you
Liam clapped a hand over her mouth, the tips of his ears turning bright red.
He turned back to me, his voice coaxing. Luna, why dont you just show it to her? Then we can call it a night. No more racing.
Of course. Between them, Rina always won.
I watched their intimate little struggle, the throbbing in my knee and elbow a dull, distant ache.
My heart felt hollow, empty.
I nodded slowly. Alright.
Liam let out a breath of relief.
And then I spoke my next words.
If I lose, the certificate is yours.

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