Capítulo 1
Annie was devastated. She had devoted eight long years of her life to a love that was unrequitedor worse, only half returned. Her best friend, Bryan, was standing right in front of her, announcing his wedding.
“It’s going to be a simple ceremony, but it’s important to me that you come!” Bryan said.
Annie tried to hide her bad mood.
Bryan had been her best friend since middle school. They’d had a brief little romance in high school, but it had left a lasting mark on Annie’s life. She genuinely believed that even after their teenage romance ended, they might have something serious in the future.
Now, her dream of having a romance with the man she had been “secretly” in love with was completely shattered.
“Wow… but… haven’t you only been dating for, like… two months?” Annie asked, a little shocked by how quickly things were moving.
“Jolie’s pregnant,” he said quickly.
It felt as if a knife had been plunged into my chest and then yanked out. Her mouth fell open so wide that, instead of a fly, a whole swarm could have flown in.
“How did that happen?” was the first thing she said.
She asked, but immediately thought better of it. She raised an open palm toward Bryan in protest and looked away.
“Don’t answer,” she said quickly.
“Her family is strict. I like her, and I don’t want to abandon the baby. I’m not a coward.”
Annie took a deep breath and sighed. She crossed her arms and looked at Bryan for a few seconds. Above all, she was his friend.
“Look, if you need help, I’ll be here for you. And… you can count on me to be there.”
She gave him a slight smile.
“Really? Great! I’m so happy about that.” He smiled too.
She watched that smile for a few seconds, smiling serenely as she admired him, as if the world had stopped. Maybe she should take a picture of that moment. But then she reached a conclusion: It was time to grow up and leave these feelings in the past.
「✂」
Two hours later
Annie had been crying on her couch ever since Bryan said goodbye. The moment he turned away, the tears had started falling, and they still hadn’t stopped.
“I’m a grown woman. I’m twenty-four years old… why can’t I deal with such a stupid feeling?” She sniffled, venting to her only friend at the moment.
Her cat watched her. If he could talk, he’d say he was horrified by the scene. Annie’s nose was running, and there was foamy saliva around her mouth. What a dreadful sight.
「✂」
The wedding day had arrived. Annie slowly climbed the church steps. When she reached the entrance, she took a deep breath and went inside. The place was packed. Friends, relatives, and even acquaintances were there to celebrate Bryan and Jolie’s union. Annie took in the whole scene from the doorway, then calmly walked over to Bryan, who was greeting people alongside his fiancée, Jolie.
“Annie, welcome!” Jolie greeted her.
“Hi, you two!” She smiled at the couple and waved.
“Annie, I’m so glad you made it! Welcome, and make yourself at home. I’m happy you came,” Bryan said, shaking his friend’s hand. His voice sounded happy, and that made Annie feel better.
“Me too,” she lied. “I brought you a little something. It’s not much, but it comes from the heart.” Annie held out a white bag.
Bryan took the gift. Jolie quickly peeked inside, looking curious about what was in it, then looked back at Annie.
“Well… it’s almost time. We have to go get ready, okay? It’s good to see you, Annie. See you later,” Bryan said with a smile.
“See you later, Annie,” Jolie waved.
They both left and, a few minutes later, went their separate ways to change, since they’d been wearing simple clothes while greeting the guests. Annie, meanwhile, felt a little detached—maybe in shock? She still couldn’t quite believe it.
She was walking through the hall toward the tables when she noticed a small commotion at the far end of the room. She watched from a distance, curious, but then a woman’s voice called her.
“Annie!”
She turned around. It was her friends.
“Ellie! Alana! It’s been so long.” Annie smiled and went over to hug them.
They hugged, and once they’d pulled apart, the conversation began.
“I thought you weren’t going to come!” Ellie said.
“Bryan’s my friend. I don’t want to miss this special moment for him.”
“So, are you still working at the hospital?” Alana asked.
“Oh, yes! Let’s just say I never get a break.” Annie laughed. “What about you? Are you still working at City Hall?”
“Yes. We barely have any work, and the pay is good. I feel like I’m on cloud nine,” Alana said.
The three of them continued chatting.
「
