The nurses at the hospital all thought Ryan was her husband.
I once asked him through tears if I had any place in his heart.
He said,
“Monica’s husband is away for work all year. I’m just helping her on his behalf. Don’t overthink it.”
The day I burned with fever, Ryan was out having dinner with Monica.
Every time I needed him, he was at her house.
My thoughts drifted back to the present.
Looking at the wedding decorations plastered across the house, I let out a bitter laugh.
The bright red symbols I had stayed up late cutting mocked my foolishness.
Numb, I tore them down one by one.
This time, I swore, I would get evidence of their betrayal and expose them completely.
The next day, our company held a team-building event.
When it was time for our group’s yoga performance, Monica insisted on partnering with me, demanding difficult moves.
I didn’t want to agree.
“Monica, your stance isn’t stable. You’re not suited for—”
Before I could finish, Ryan snapped at me.
“Don’t underestimate Monica! She might look fragile, but she’s probably a hundred times stronger than you!”
The air fell silent.
People around us murmured.