Yesterday didn't feel like it was real because there's no way I could have asked for a more perfect Christmas. I know I've said it countless of times, but I truly am blessed beyond imagination. Despite the stumble with Marquilla's hospitalization and rehab, we're in a great place in our relationship. Yesterday's events was all the proof I needed to verify how much she truly loves me.

I thought about proposing to Marquilla yesterday. I had the ring in my pocket all day and whenever she was around, I'd suddenly grow nervous. I ended up not doing it because of one reason—it'd be incredibly cliché. I like a good cliché every so often, but I wouldn't want my life to become one. They're great for stories, but not real life. Who wants to live a life of clichés, anyways? Definitely not me.

Since it's no longer Christmas, I'm going to do it. For the past six months or so, everyone's been trying to break up Marquilla and me. None of my friends like her—Sofia, Audrey, and the Goodrem sisters—and Skeeter thinks introducing us was the biggest mistake he's ever made. All they've seen is her fiery, diva side. They don't approve because she's apparently playing me, but I know she isn't.

You'll prove them wrong, Jase. They'll see how perfect Marquilla is for you, I tell myself as I drive to her place. Nobody's relationships are perfect. Just because Marquilla can be temperamental and demanding at times doesn't mean she's bad for you. You can't listen to the haters in this situation. You can't let their negativity tear you apart. You just have to follow you heart and screw everything they've ever said to you. Once they see your ring on her finger, they'll have to accept your relationship for what it is.

As i reach a stoplight, I receive a text from my mom. I smile small after a quick glance at the brief message. Leave it to her to make me feel better.

Mom: Yesterday was perfect. Loved seeing you after so long! Glad to see you happy and well.

She didn't say it, but I know Mom has finally warmed up to Marquilla being my girlfriend. She was definitely wary after I signed the contract and kept a close eye on Marquilla whenever she was with us. She didn't think it was a great idea for me to "sign my soul to some girl," but Skeeter convinced her otherwise. Funny how their attitudes towards Marquilla has shifted; Skeeter absolutely loathes her while Mom adores her.

The drive to Marquilla's continues, and her song plays on the radio. "Perfectly You" is a nice, fun, positive song because it tells people that they're perfect just the way they are. I can't help singing along because it's so goddamn catchy! If my windows were down, I'd probably be receiving a host of looks from anyone I pass. I can't imagine a guy my age bopping his head and belting out a Marquilla Guzman song unless he has sisters or a girlfriend with him.

Skylar's "Superior Vengeance" happens to play next. I have half a mind to switch the station or turn down the volume, but I let the song carry on. After what she said to me at the hospital, Skylar Rose isn't exactly my favorite person in the world at the moment. Listening to her song, especially one as vicious as this, is pretty much torture, but I'll deal. At least I'm not Josh Bohous. Gosh, imagine how he feels every time this song pops up on the radio!

"Sly snake that you are/Immediately moving on

Boy, you've got no clue/How much this is gonna hurt you"

Every time I hear that line, something inside me ticks. There's an innate feeling inside that tells me that line in particular was meant to mock me. I don't know how that's possible when Marquilla and I are a hundred percent and there's no way we're breaking up in the foreseeable future. Yet that instinct begs to differ for some reason...

"Don't you dare think about it, Jason!" I reprimand. "You'll psych yourself out! You already have cold feet; you don't want this proposal to go horribly wrong, Jason. It'll be alright. You'll make the best speech ever, she'll cry tears of joy once she sees you on your knee and the ring in your hand...it'll be perfect!"

Ten minutes later, i arrive at Marquilla's. I never had this many butterflies in my stomach as I do at present. My hands are clammy, I'm starting to perspire, and I might faint from nerves. She knows I'm coming because I called before leaving my place, so I know I won't be waiting around. Yet the thought of what I'm about to do is daunting. I'm shitting myself just thinking about how soon this will happen!

I stay seated to breathe and collect my thoughts. Three deep breaths. That's what it takes to calm myself down. I still feel slightly queasy at the prospect of proposing, but I can manage. I'm sure my nerves will disintegrate once I see her; I always feel better around Marquilla.

Once I deem myself ready enough to face the music, I exit the Tesla and slowly walk towards the door. I'm just relieved there aren't paparazzi lurking around. My anxiety would be through the roof if one of them springs up out of nowhere!

"Thank God it's the holidays!" I mutter under my breath as I ring the doorbell.

As I wait for the door to open, I rock on my heels and scope the area. There's nothing special about Marquilla's yard, but it has that "white picket fence" house vibe to it with the pristine lawn, beautiful flowers and bushes, and modest driveway. I like how quaint and homely it looks. Kinda makes me think of simpler times—before my life became a chaotic tornado.

The door opens, and my heart skips a beat upon seeing My Angel. Marquilla brightens as I shoot her a small smile, and she pulls me inside. She cups my face and kisses me tenderly for a blissful few seconds before leading me to the living room.

"You seem really happy to see me," I note as we settle on the sofa.

"Yesterday was perfect," she dreamily recalls. "I can't thank you enough for the best Christmas ever, Jason. And there was so much mistletoe at your mom's!"

"I had nothing to do with that," I claim. "I swear I didn't."

"I didn't mind, but it was kinda weird with our moms and sisters there. Now that we're alone and don't have to worry about a soul..."

Marquilla allows her hands to finish that thought, running a finger down my chest and stopping just above my jeans. A devilish spark ignites in her chocolate eyes, so they blink back at me with a lustful undertone. My heart's racing and my body temperature rises at the idea of what's to come.

She doesn't immediately strike, opting for anticipation, instead. I may be dangerously close to Marquilla, and I may be desperate for something to happen, but I can't. I came here for one thing, and I intend to see through without stalling.

"WAIT!" I shout before she can grab my collar. "There's something I need to tell you."

"You're not about to tell me you're gay, are you?" she questions disappointedly.

"No!" I sigh. "This isn't easy for me to say, but I have to do it."

Seconds later, I drop to my keens. Marquilla gasps and her eyes widen as I reveal the tiny blood red velvet box that's been hiding in my pocket for days. They grow larger at the sight of the diamond and sapphire ring inside.

"Marquilla Sara Guzman, you bewitched me from the moment I laid eyes on you. You've been my best friend and closest confidant since we met, and every day has been brighter because of you. This industry has taken its toll on me, but at least it gave me you. When you graced my presence, I just knew there was something special. I didn't know that moment would lead to my soulmate. I thought I'd do the PR thing and move on after Skeeter made the suggestion.

"I was wrong. I was so fucking wrong because you became os much more than a business partner. I opened my heart and soul to you, and you listened. You gave me hope and strength in my darkest days, and you always had my back. I can't imagine my life without you, Marquilla! You're my best friend and my entire world. Marquilla Sara Guzman, will you make me the happiest man alive and be my wife? I wouldn't want to explore life with anyone else."

Marquilla glances from me to the ring, and back. I think I'm gonna die if I have to wait for her answer for much longer! I gaze at her with all the light and love in my heart in hopes it'll render a "yes" from her.

"No," she breathes, staring straight into my eyes. "No. I won't marry you, Jason."

"Wh-what?"

"You heard me. I said no!" she adamantly spits.

"N-no. This can't be happening..."

"It is, Jason. It definitely is. Not only am I not going to marry you, but I'm breaking up with you."

I can't believe my ears! I stare at Marquilla, dumbfounded while she closes the box, grabs it, and chucks it into the fireplace. I can't bear to move an inch, so she helps me up. This isn't happening. This isn't happening. THIS ISN'T HAPPENING!

"It was fun while it lasted, but I'm through with you for good!" she wildly raves. "God, I can't BELIEVE I lasted that long with you! I should have never taken you back because you're such a whiny bitch, but I gave you a second chance out of the goodness of my heart. WE'RE FUCKING OVER, JASON! Don't come crying to me when you feel bad anymore!"

"B-but...what about what we have?" I lament. "Marquilla, please don't do this. I swear I'll pay more attention to you. I swear I—"

"I DON'T LIKE YOU, JASON! YOU ARE NOT, AND YOU NEVER WILL BE MY SOULMATE!" she shouts. "The only thing that's keeping us together is that contract. That's all!"

"B—"

"GET OUT, JASON! WE'RE OVER!"

I ball up my hands and bite my lower lip to stall the tears from falling. Hurt and stunned, I look to Marquilla for hope, but the glare says it all. Dejected, I slump my shoulders, lower my gaze, and head for the exit. I hear Marquilla following behind and nearly lose it once I reach the door.

My hand reaches for the knob, but I prevent myself from opening the door. Once you're outside, this is it. You won't have you fans or Marquilla after this. You'll be all alone. Nobody will care about you, and everyone will be happy you're gone.

"Goodbye, Marquilla," I sob as I turn the knob without a final glance. Tears are now descending at rapid speed. "Goodbye, Marquilla. You'll always hold a special place in my heart."  

A/N: 

And the award for crappiest breakup goes to... Poor Jason :(

Besides the exposed chapters, there are also going to be flashback chapters to help you with certain issues in this book. And just like the exposed chapters, these will be shorter than the typical. Thoughts?