"Have a lovely time, madam," the same lady in the smart suit commented as she flashed another one of her winning smiles. Robin bit her lip as she responded with a polite nod. She had never been regarded as 'madam' by a complete stranger before. She watched as the lady strutted down the same corridor they both had walked down just moments ago and glanced around the room.

She held her breath as she took in the surroundings. This place sure is fancy, she thought. The lights seemed like they were made of crystal and the tables had bits of gold embroidered in the corners. In this posh restaurant, she felt like a little kid as she stood in a little black dress she had rented online just yesterday. She thought about how Lily would react if they had swapped places. Probably thrilled.

"Hey baby, are you alright? Whatcha thinking about?" Sam grinned as she turned and looked into his striking blue eyes. He got up and walked around the table as he helped her into her chair, then giving her a quick peck on the lips. "The salmon here is simply fantastic. I think you'd love it."

"I love salmon," Robin smiled, thanking God for such a wonderful boyfriend.

"And that I know, lovely lady," Sam grinned as he offered her a copy of the menu. "I think we'll both have the salmon, if that's good with you?"

"Of course it is. It's amazing… This place is amazing. How did you manage to get a table on a Friday night, darling?" Robin marvelled at her boyfriend's excellent choice of restaurant and felt like getting off her seat and telling everyone else in the room how perfect her boyfriend was. Resisting the urge, she cleared her throat.

"Are you ready to order?" A young man dressed in a neat waitress uniform stood beside their table.

"Ah, yes. We'll both have the salmon. And a bottle of the pink champagne?" Sam responded politely as the waiter nodded in his direction.

"Certainly, sir. Anything else?"

Sam didn't seem to be fazed when called upon by the title 'sir'. He hesitated for a while, catching Robin's eye, as if waiting for her to speak. When she didn't, Sam returned the menus to the waiter. "I think we're good for now, thanks."

The waiter turned on his heel and walked to the back of the restaurant, where the kitchen resided and Robin felt herself relieved. She didn't realise she had been holding her breath for a while now.

The food came swiftly and Robin could not help but smile the entire time she savoured the dishes. Sipping on her pink champagne, she noticed Sam getting nervous.

"Honey, are you alright?" Robin frowned, with the champagne glass still swirling in her hand.

"Robin… I… I have something to tell you. I have been wanting to say this for a while now, but I never thought… I mean, I just wanted to say…" Sam fidgeted, unsure of what to say next.

"Yes…?" Robin breathed, pinching herself from underneath the table. Is this really happening? She thought. He's going to propose to me! Oh, God. What should I say? Do I just say yes? Or should I throw in some tears for a good measure? Oh God, oh God, oh God. This is all happening too fast. Okay, you got this, Robin. Just calm down.

"Actually… I think… First of all, I have to apologise, though deep down, I know an apology simply won't be enough…"

…Wait, what? What exactly is he on about?

"Sam, I don't know what you're talking about…" Robin felt her throat dry as she panicked silently.

"Robin. I think… I don't think this is working. This thing between you and I, I mean. I don't think it's working. It's not you, it's me. I love you, Robin. And I promise I didn't mean to do this. But… I guess I'm just not in love with you anymore," Sam took a deep breath as he completed his sentence.

WHAT!?

"Are you… Are you breaking up with me?" Robin croaked as she tried her best not to burst into tears. "Three years, Sam. Three years. And you're breaking up with me… Now?" She felt her stomach drop and all of a sudden, she wanted nothing more than to go home and cry all night long on her bathroom floor.

"I'm so sorry, Robin. You are a beautiful lady. So smart, so kind, so unique… It's just… I really do not think this relationship is going anywhere," Sam bit his lip, looking helpless and guilty all rolled up into one.

"No. No, it's fine. Sam, it's fine. I completely understand. Ha ha, this happens all the time. Relationships don't always work out. I get it. It's okay. You don't have to be sorry. I mean, if we're not meant to be, I guess it's better you break it to me sooner rather than later. I appreciate it, I really do. Um, I've got to go," Robin stood up and walked down the corridor, ignoring Sam's calls of her name.

Three years? And he's breaking up with her now? What about that ring? Did their relationship mean nothing at all to him? Maybe the ring wasn't meant for her. Maybe he bought it for his brother's wedding. Or maybe he bought it because his mum had liked it. Or maybe… Maybe… Maybe he has another woman.

A million thoughts raced through her mind as she tried her best not to cry. This was not meant to be happening. She was supposed to be excited and nervous as she says yes to Sam and they were supposed to be driving off into the night, planning their wedding as they quarrelled over the wedding theme on that day. This is all wrong, she thought, frustrated, as she jumped into a cab.

"Where to?" The driver peeked meekly into her direction.

Robin knew there was only one person she can talk all night long to, and that was Barney. Barney Stinson. Her lifelong friend. The one who laughed at her jokes even though they both knew they weren't that funny, the one who stayed up all night on the phone with her when she thought there was a burglar in the house, the one who constantly told her everything will be fine even when they both knew things would not be.

He would understand.

"West 7th street."

The driver nodded, peered into the rear view mirror to make sure Robin was alright and drove off into the dark, lonely night.