Answer

"I am sorry," Juan said as he didn't have anything else to say to her. He felt bad for being this selfish. He knew, he used her. He didn't destroy her physically, but he ruined her heart. She ruined this soft lady for selfish reasons.

Tara chuckled sadly. Why can't he talk to her like he does to 'her'? Even now, not even a word is coming out of him. Not even an empty promise for her. He is just going to stay like how he was until now. She knew that.

"Do you love her?" Tara muttered. But he was able to hear it clearly.

Juan covered the eyes with the back of his palm and sighed.

"Tara..."

"Just answer me." Tara cut him off.

He frowned. Tara mocked herself inwardly.

'He doesn't deny it.'

Still, she wanted to hear from him. Because it will shatter even very badly. She needed that kind of pain for her to walk away from him.

"Answer me, Juan. Do you love... Lyra?" Tara asked as tears streaked down her cheeks. She clutched her skirt tightly and looked at him pitifully. Still hoping maybe, just maybe she misunderstood them.

"..... Yes," Juan answered and walked away from there.

Tara just sat there like a stone as she didn't know what was she supposed to do now. Her boyfriend loves her friend. Her best friend also loves her boyfriend. And everybody knew around them. Every single person. Except her. She felt like a joke. She was angry at them for not telling her anything. Was it good to see her make a fool of herself? Why didn't they tell her? Was she not important to them? She didn't know what to do anymore.

She panicked when she saw Juan walking away leaving her in a cold world. She chased after him and stopped him by grabbing his arms.

"Tara!" Juan said angrily. He really didn't like it when anyone touches him. He can bear it in front of people. But he feels very bad in private.

Tara let go of his arm. She wanted to shout at him. Is she some untouchable? Why was he reacting like this? But she didn't speak as she knew he was like this to everyone except Lyra. Since this was not so important now she started talking again.

"I want... want t-to b-b-break up!" Tara said while looking towards the floor. She fisted her hand so tightly that her nails were piercing her palm and there were already traces of blood.

"Are you sure? If you end this then there is no chance of getting back together. We will be done."

"I know. I also know that I don't want this kind of life for me. I want a life filled with love. Not some obligations. Let's break up, Juan. I don't want to stay in this relationship.

"Okay... Tara, about Lyra. Whatever happened between us is because of me. Do not confront or blame Lyra. She never did anything to drive a rift between us. " Juan added in case of any misunderstanding.

Tara felt anger rising, "What do you take me for? Some immature lady who blames her best friend? You don't need to tell me about my sister. I know better. Why didn't I see how annoying you are? Hmph* Just remember this. We will stay just like we were before. The tag is removed."

Tara dashed her shoulders again his chest in anger and went out. Juan glanced at her. HE knew she was pretending as if it is nothing in the last. She must have not wanted him to feel guilty. Such a good girl, but he can only look at her as a friend.

Juan sighed, "This play is over."

Tara walked straight not knowing which direction she was heading. She walked aimlessly. She can't blame him. As it was all her decision. She started it and she ended it. She doesn't regret these 4 years for she tried her best. She feels happy.

Tara spotted a nearby cabin where adults were cuddling with younger ones playing near the bonfire. She stood there and looked at them. She smiled thinking if sometime in the future there will be someone who will hold her like this. She wondered if she will have a lot of kids or not. She chuckled.

"So many dreams for someone who doesn't even have anyone." Tara chuckled and was about to walk away when the kids ran over to her.

"Hey pretty sister, Want to play with us? We will give you chocolates." A cute girl with no pigtails asked her.

Tara chuckled and carried the girl. Her brother was also looking at her. She patted his head and kissed his soft cheeks. Damn! She loves kids so much. If there is no Romeo for her... She is just gonna get herself pregnant by sperm donation.

The kids' mother walked over to see them running away. She greeted Tara and asked about her stay and engaged in common talks.

"Please join us. The kids seem to like you. Are you here without company?" The lady asked

Tara shook her head as and joined them. Anyway, it was for the best. She didn't want to cry over this. and the kids' hyper activities really kept her out of her heartbreak. She played with them for some time and returned to the cabin. Tara felt better after playing with the kids. But now that she was alone everything was coming back to her.

She roamed in the cottage. It was already past 12, but Lyra and others are not yet here. She can't see Juan either as she checked his room already. She was all alone now. This quiet surrounding seems depressing to her. She walked to the fireplace and again observed the carving. When she got bored she went to the kitchen and made herself hot chocolate and brought it to her room.

She changed into nightwear and leaned against the headboard, thinking back to how she got to know about Lyra and Juan.

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