The Proposal Plot Twist

She casually dropped the engagement bomb mid-date. Thought I misheard. I wish I had.

How it Started

We'd just started dating. Things felt good. Great chemistry, easy conversation, immediate connection. She'd been single a while, casually seeing people, occasionally catching up with her ex for coffee. She said about every two months. Vague, but nothing alarming. Early attraction has a way of dimming red flags.

Our first few dates were straightforward and enjoyable. Coffee, concerts, casual walks. Simple stuff. By the third date, she came over to mine. I had wine and good music ready. Everything lined up perfectly. Until, in an instant, it all fell apart.

"I can't do this yet," she stopped abruptly. Her mood flipped instantly from eager to anxious. "I'm not sure why I let it go this far."

I asked if she wanted to leave, hoping she'd stay. She stayed. We got past the awkwardness quickly enough, even planned a hike together for the weekend.

Saturday morning, I picked her up with almond bagels, her favorite. The weather was great, vibes easy. We spent the day hiking, talking, and kissing. Even managed a coffee stop. Wrapped up the day with dinner. Indian food sounded good to both of us. Everything felt right. But looking back, I should've sensed something was off.

The Shift

Less than an hour after dropping her off, I got an urgent text. "Something happened yesterday. It's eating me alive. Can I come over now?"

Gut feeling kicked in. Still, I agreed.

She arrived, crying and shaking. I made tea, sat her down, and waited for it.

"My ex proposed to me yesterday," she confessed between tears. "He heard I was seeing someone. I turned him down because of you."

This was news I wasn't expecting. She grabbed onto me, needing reassurance. I just started to like her. I wasn’t ready for something like this. I reassured her, trying to make some sense out of this, but internally I was falling apart.

The Fallout

"If we'd slept together earlier, this would've been easier," she said, almost talking to herself.

Easier? Felt like she was using me as an emotional anchor. I was looking at her while placed battling the urge to say goodbye first while feeling the weight of what could be. Before I could react, she moved in closer. Tears, kisses, the whole emotional rollercoaster. Eventually, I walked her to the door. She left in tears. Drama I hadn't signed up for. Drama I didn’t know would have an impact on me.

Later, it hit me clearly. This wasn't our story - it was hers. I'd accidentally stepped into someone else's unfinished business. Alarm bells rang loud and clear. I tried to be supportive, but something felt seriously off. But she seemed special still.

I texted her days later. She said she needed more time. Like this was a decision that needed debating. We met once more for coffee, and she admitted she still couldn't choose.

I left first. With regrets. As I walked home, she cycled past casually toward her place. Seemed fitting somehow. She rode easily; I moved forward, confused but happy to be done with the drama.

Note to Self

If your date feels like a soap opera, it probably is. Real relationships don't come with reruns. If you start feeling like a supporting actor, walk away - you're better than that.