Chapter 3

Olivia' s hand hovered, her expression a mix of hope and feigned vulnerability.

"Ethan, will you marry me?"

The words, once a source of joy, now echoed with deceit.

I saw her clearly now. The slight swell of her belly, hidden by her dress. The desperation in her eyes, masked by tears.

The knowledge of forty years of lies burned in me.

I pulled my hand back, gently.

The crowd around us buzzed, some tables glancing over, sensing a moment.

"Olivia," I said, my voice calm, much calmer than I felt.

Her smile faltered.

"I can't."

A gasp from a nearby table. Olivia' s eyes widened in genuine shock.

This was not in her script.

"Ethan? What... what do you mean?"

"I mean no, Olivia. I won't marry you."

I stood up. "We want different things from life. I wish you all the best. Truly."

I looked pointedly towards the stage where a local band was playing. Jake Riley' s band.

"Perhaps you should pursue what will make you truly happy."

Her face went pale, then flushed with anger.

"How can you do this to me? Here?" she whispered, her voice tight.

"I think it' s for the best," I said, keeping my tone even.

I turned and walked away, leaving her stunned amidst the Oktoberfest revelry.

Each step was lighter than the last.

My sister, Chloe, found me by the brewery tent I' d set up for the festival.

Her eyes were wide. "Ethan! What happened? Someone said Olivia was crying and you walked off!"

I looked at Chloe, my sharp, loyal sister. The one who never fully trusted Olivia.

"I said no, Chloe."

Her jaw dropped. Then, a slow, wide grin spread across her face.

"You... you finally saw it?"

I didn't explain the rebirth. How could I?

"I just realized we weren't right for each other," I said.

Chloe threw her arms around me. "Oh, Ethan! I am so happy! You have no idea!"

I did. I had forty years of an idea.

"Let's get a beer," I said. "A real one. To celebrate my freedom."

She linked her arm in mine, beaming.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I felt a flicker of hope. A real one.