Some people think love should be a spectacle. The kind of romance that turns heads, demands attention, and leaves everyone watching in awe.
For as long as I’d known Austin, bigger always meant better.
The grander the gesture, the more it meant. At least, that’s what he believed.
And for a while, I told myself it was just his way of showing he cared.
But, it wasn’t. Not really.
A Game of Assumptions
Austin had always been the guy with a plan.
The kind of person who thought everything was a competition, and he had to win. The biggest TV, the best seats at the bar, the loudest voice in the room.
And when it came to our relationship, he treated romance the same way.
He didn’t ask if I liked surprises.
He didn’t ask if I wanted attention.
But that never stopped Austin.
Which is how I found myself standing beside him at the city’s trendiest sports bar, packed wall-to-wall with Super Bowl fans.
“This is gonna be epic,” Austin grinned, squeezing my hand. “Best Super Bowl watch party ever. You’ll see.”
His excitement felt off, like it wasn’t just about the game.
“Austin,” I said slowly, “why does this feel like you’re up to something?”
He laughed. “What? Can’t a guy just enjoy the game with his girlfriend?”
I wanted to believe him. But after nearly three and a half years together, I knew that look in his eye.
And the uneasy feeling in my stomach told me I wasn’t going to like whatever was coming next.
The Perfect Play… or Not
The night wasn’t bad at first. The energy in the bar was electric. People shouting at the screens, beer pitchers clinking, the smell of wings and fries thick in the air.
But through it all, Austin kept checking his watch. And every time he did, that feeling of unease tightened in my chest.
Then, five minutes before halftime, he disappeared.
I barely had time to process before the bar’s massive sound system crackled to life.
“Ladies and gentlemen!” a booming voice announced. “Before the halftime show, we have a very special moment for one lucky lady tonight!”
Oh. No.
A spotlight cut through the dim bar, landing right on me.
I felt the blood drain from my face.
A few tables over, I saw people turning in their seats, eyes lighting up with curiosity. Someone started recording on their phone.
And then, Austin appeared, grinning ear to ear, mic in hand.
“Mallory,” he said, dropping to one knee.
I froze.
This wasn’t happening.
This wasn’t how I wanted this.
Austin beamed, oblivious. “From the moment I met you, I knew you were the one. So tonight, in front of all these amazing people, I have just one question—”
He flipped open a ring box.
“Will you marry me?”
Silence.
My heart pounded. My mouth went dry.
I could feel the pressure of dozens of eyes locked on me, waiting for that perfect, romantic moment.
But I couldn’t do it.
This wasn’t love. This was a performance.
And I suddenly realized… I wasn’t playing along anymore.
Trapped in the Spotlight
I could hear my own heartbeat over the expectant silence.
Austin’s grin was frozen in place, waiting for my answer, while the entire bar held its breath. The cameras were rolling. The strangers were watching.
And suddenly, I felt crushingly trapped.
I leaned in, my voice just loud enough for him to hear.
“Austin,” I whispered, “this isn’t right.”
His expression flickered. “What?”
“I can’t say yes.”
A few people shifted in their seats. A murmur rippled through the crowd. Austin’s confident smirk wavered.
“What do you mean?” he said, still kneeling. His voice was tight, controlled. “This is everything you ever wanted.”
No.
This was everything he wanted.
I shook my head. “I tried to tell you… for months. I don’t think we’re right for each other anymore.”
Austin let out a short, humorless laugh, but his hand was gripping the ring box like a lifeline. “Mallory, you’re just overwhelmed. It’s a big moment—”
“I don’t want this.”
The words came out calmly. Finally.
And in that moment, the weight of everything—the doubts, the ignored conversations, the months of feeling unseen—lifted.
A bartender coughed. A few people awkwardly looked back at their wings. The halftime show flickered onto the screens as if the universe itself was trying to give Austin an out.
But he was still on one knee. Still staring at me like this wasn’t happening.
And I couldn’t stay there a second longer.
I took a deep breath, stepped back, and walked away.
A Moment He’ll Never Forget
I didn’t stop moving until I was outside, the cold air snapping me back to reality.
Inside, life went on. The game resumed, drinks were poured, and Austin?
He was still in there.
Still kneeling. Still trying to process the crash-and-burn of his perfect proposal.
I glanced through the window.
Some people had already moved on, their attention shifting back to the game. Others were still watching, exchanging looks of secondhand embarrassment.
Austin finally stood up, shoving the ring box into his pocket. His jaw was tight, his face red. Not with sadness, but humiliation.
He had wanted a grand, unforgettable moment.
And that’s exactly what he got.
Just… not in the way he expected.