Chapter 4
It was the life we dreamt of. Me, a stay–at–home mom, taking care of the kids, the house, while he built our future. My only wish was to be loved by him, to be his everything.
Suddenly, his phone rang. Through the door, I could hear Sarah’s shaky voice.
“Hey, Sarah? Why are you crying, sweetheart?” He sounded panicked, desperate to comfort
Der.
“You want to try on wedding dresses? You want to take photos? Okay, okay, don’t you worry. I’m coming over right away. I’ll be there for you, always.”
“You’ll be the most beautiful bride. There’s no one more beautiful in my eyes, you know that, right?”
He grabbed his jacket, about to rush out. Then, he paused, turning back to face my door. “Ava? Ava, you have to believe me. You’re the one I love, truly love. All this, it’s just… it’s for Sarah, just to keep her happy, okay?”
“I’m so scared she’ll lose hope, that she’ll… I can’t bear the thought. Please, Ava. Wait for me, okay? I’ll come back to you, we’ll have our happy ending, I promise.”
Silence.
I stared at the closed door, a humorless laugh escaping my lips. He’d just promised two different women his undying love.
My lips curled into a bitter smile. The pain in my heart was almost unbearable.
He claimed to love me most, yet he was willing to go above and beyond to make Sarah
happy.
I heard the front door slam shut.
As the echo of his footsteps faded, a wave of despair crashed over me. My legs buckled, and I sank to the floor, finally letting out the sobs I’d been holding back. Seven years, gone. My love, my trust, my future… all shattered.
He didn’t love me. And it was time I stopped loving him too.
SER
I wiped my tears, a newfound resolve hardening my gaze. I would live for myself now, on
my own terms.
The next day, Liam called. “Ava, Sarah’s condition has worsened. We’re having a small
ceremony, for her. I want you… I want you to be our witness.”
I froze, then a slow smile spread across my face. Witness? No, Liam. I’m not here to witness your wedding.
The next day, I arrived at the wedding venue, dressed to the nines. I spotted Liam greeting the guests, a picture of happiness and excitement.
He saw me and rushed to my side, his eyes scanning my appearance. A wave of relief
washed over his face as he nodded approvingly.
“Ava, I knew you’d understand. You’re truly an angel.” He leaned in, attempting to pull me
into an embrace. I dodged it gracefully.
“I’ve given it some thought, and I don’t think I can be the witness after all,” I said, my voice flat. “But I do wish you both happiness.”
Liam froze, his face darkening. “Ava, you know I value your well wishes above anyone else’s. But those words… they sound different coming from you.”
His friends, sensing the tension, rushed to diffuse the situation.
“Ava, you look absolutely stunning!”
“Isn’t it obvious? Our Ava’s the most beautiful woman here.”
“Not just beautiful, but kind and understanding too. Liam, you’re one lucky guy!”
Kind. Understanding. They had no idea. And soon, neither would Liam.
I held back a humorless laugh as I listened to their praises.
The ceremony began.
I sat at the back, observing everything with detached curiosity, pretending to be a stranger who’d stumbled upon this scene.
