ManyWriters

For eight years, I maintained a clandestine romance with my closest friend's sibling.
In the open, Ethan behaved as if I were merely his professional assistant; behind closed doors, he lavished me with affection, murmuring tender declarations of love during our countless intimate evenings.
I unexpectedly stumbled upon a one-of-a-kind engagement ring he had bought. This particular ring could only be customized once in a person's lifetime.
Elated, I trailed him to an elaborately prepared location, only to witness Ethan down on one knee before a woman who looked remarkably similar to me.
His face was streaked with tears as he pledged that she would be his sole life partner.
Following his successful proposal, several of Ethan's companions congratulated him while jokingly remarking, "At last, your genuine 'sweetheart' has come back. So, when do you intend to dismiss that substitute songbird at your place?" one of them quipped.
Ethan exhaled a cloud of smoke, his expression inscrutable and dark. "That unfortunate girl is madly in love with me. She can't survive without my presence. We'll address that matter gradually."
I pressed my hand firmly against my mouth to suppress my weeping and turned to send a message home. [Mom, I'm ready to proceed with the arranged marriage.]
By chance, the day Ethan held his nuptials happened to coincide with the auspicious date I selected for my own marriage registration.
Upon seeing the photograph I shared announcing my matrimony, his complexion instantly drained of color.

From Hidden Love to Heartbreak and Revenge

I couldn't hold back my tears any longer as they flowed freely down my cheeks, landing directly on the words below Catherine's update.


"Cherishing the wonderful moments from yesterday. He assured me, 'An imitation is just that - it can never rival the genuine article.'"


I dabbed my eyes dry and absent-mindedly clicked the "like" button on her post.


As I turned to leave the office, I bumped into my closest friend, Sophia, who was there on business. Without hesitation, I informed her of my imminent return home for marriage.


For years, due to Ethan's insistence on keeping our relationship under wraps, I'd always changed the subject when discussing romantic matters with Sophia. But now that I was departing, it felt right to tell her and bid a proper farewell.


Sophia's expression was one of disbelief. "Is this really happening so abruptly? Does this mean we won't see each other for a long while?"


4#04