That was the moment I made up my mind.
I would keep the secret buried. I would leave without another word. I would carry this burden on my own.
That evening, dressed in a plain black dress, I sat quietly at the large dining table, surrounded by cheerful chatter and bright faces. I felt detached, numb. I just needed to survive the night.
Then she walked in.
Maggie.
She entered with her usual flair, head held high, exuding confidence. Her smile was dazzling, as if she hadn’t shattered Marcus years ago and vanished without a trace. And then—like something out of a nightmare—the announcement was made.
“We’re overjoyed to announce that Marcus and Maggie are getting married!”
The room erupted with cheers and applause. Everyone clapped and smiled.
Everyone except me.
I stood from the table with a polite smile and quickly excused myself. I hurried to the bathroom, each step tighter in my chest. I turned on the cold water and splashed my face, gripping the sink with both hands as I tried to breathe evenly.
The door creaked behind me, and I didn’t need to look to know who it was.
Her reflection appeared in the mirror, her earlier smile gone. “Stay away from Marcus,” she said coldly.