He Made Me A Bet, I Made Him Single

Synopsis

When I heard that Ivan had fallen into the river, I didn't hesitate. I jumped right in to look for him. The water was freezing cold, and my worry for him only made me search even more desperately. Just as I was about to call for help, I heard Leia's disappointed voice coming from the shore. "She actually jumped in. A bet's a bet, Ivan. I won't pester you anymore," she said, her tone thick with resignation. I froze, twisting around. Leia stood before Ivan, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Ivan gave her a helpless smile, gently ruffled her hair to comfort her, then finally looked down at me in the river. "Ashley, she's still young. Sometimes she just gets carried away. Don't hold it against her. Now that she knows how much you care about me, she won't try to get in between us anymore," Ivan said softly. It hit me right then. Leia had pulled Ivan into a bet. If I threw caution to the wind and saved him, it would prove I truly loved him, and Leia would have to admit defeat and quit chasing him. But if I didn't, she'd try to break us apart, and Ivan would owe her another shot. Ivan pulled me out of the water, looking at me with obvious satisfaction. He told me it made him happy to see how much I cared. He even said that once our families met, he'd marry me and take care of me for the rest of our lives. But Ivan, after loving you for so long, I suddenly just feel worn out.