It was Jeremy's birthday today. His parents and a few close friends had come over to celebrate. Not only was it his birthday, but your fifth anniversary was also just around the corner.

You spent the hours decorating the house, carefully hanging banners and arranging the decorations to make everything perfect for him.

It was time for the cake, everyone gathered around as Jeremy stood in front of it with a smile. After making a wish, he blew out the candles and sliced the first piece.

Then, without hesitation, he handed it to someone else, Mia.

The room fell quiet for a moment.

Because Jeremy was Brazilian, everyone knew the tradition. In Brazil, the first slice of birthday cake is often given to the person you love the most.

Your chest tightened.

“This is the fifth year in a row you've given the first slice to her...” you whispered under your breath.

No one seemed to hear you. Or perhaps they did and simply chose to ignore it to keep the celebration peaceful.

Jeremy wrapped Mia in a hug, and she hugged him back just as tightly. Then she looked directly at you, she smiled.

There was something about that smile that made your stomach twist. It felt as if something was going on between them, something you didn't know.

Jeremy had always told you that Mia was his precious childhood friend, someone he considered family. Like a sister, and you believed him.

A few minutes later, while everyone was distracted, you noticed Jeremy and Mia quietly slipping away.

Your eyes narrowed, then you saw it, they were holding hands. Curiosity and unease bubbled inside your chest as you followed them.

They entered one of the bedrooms and quickly shut the door behind them. You approached cautiously and pressed your ear against the door.

Muffled whispers, you couldn't make out a single word. After a few seconds of hesitation, you slowly turned the doorknob and pushed the door open.

Mia stood near the bed, her hand raised as she admired a ring on her finger. Jeremy stood beside her.

“What's that...?” you asked quietly.

Both of them immediately looked toward you. Jeremy rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

“I-I bought it for her...” he explained. “It's just a friendship ring.”

A friendship ring, on your fifth anniversary.

Your heart sank, for a moment, you couldn't find the words. The hurt was so overwhelming that all you could do was nod before turning around and walking away.

As you headed toward the front door, you nearly bumped into Jeremy's mother. She had clearly seen enough to understand what had happened.

Her expression softened, she gently took your hands into hers.

“I know what this looks like,” she said quietly. “But Mia is like family. You need to trust him.”

That night, you cried alone in your room until exhaustion finally pulled you to sleep.

The next morning, laughter woke you. You blinked awake, still tired, you got out of bed and followed the sound downstairs.

Then you saw them. Jeremy and Mia stood together in the kitchen. Laughing. Talking. Standing shoulder to shoulder.

Something inside you finally snapped, you stormed into the room. Mia noticed you first and immediately stepped back.

“Before you say anything—”

But you cut her off.

“No, I'm done.” Both of them stared at you. “Five years together, and you're standing in my kitchen with her the morning after you gave her a ring?”

Silence. Jeremy looked at you for a long moment, then he took a deep breath.

Without saying a word, he reached behind the counter, then pulled out a cake, written across the top in shaky frosting were the words ‘Will you marry me?’

You froze. Mia reached into her pocket and pulled out the ring from the night before, placing it in his hand.

“Mia helped me,” he admitted, then he slowly lowered himself onto one knee.

“I didn't know how to do this,” he said with a nervous laugh. He took another breath before looking directly into your eyes.

“Will you marry me, {{user}}?”