chapter 5:His loss,her new beginning

Days turned into weeks, and Lilian and Raymond's relationship only flourished. They spent more time together—morning coffee runs, walks around the school garden, late-night phone calls filled with laughter.

Raymond was thoughtful in ways that caught Lilian off guard—remembering the little things she liked, surprising her with books he thought she'd enjoy, offering words of encouragement after a long day.

Their chemistry was natural, easy. And though Lilian had once hesitated to open her heart, she now found herself fully embracing the happiness that came with being with him.

And Dennis?

He watched from the sidelines, smiling when necessary, pretending it didn't sting.

But every time he saw Lilian smile at Raymond the way he had once dreamed she'd smile at him, the regret only deepened.

Because now, there was no turning back.

The engagement...

It happened on a quiet evening at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city lights. Lilian had no idea why Raymond had been acting so nervous, but when he pulled out the velvet box, everything fell into place.

"Lilian," he began, taking her hand in his. "I knew from the moment I met you that you were someone special. And now, I can't imagine my life without you. Will you marry me?"

Tears welled up in her eyes as she nodded, unable to find the words. "Yes," she whispered, and just like that, her new journey began.

The news of Lilian's engagement spread quickly through the family. Her mother was overjoyed but couldn't help but reflect on Dennis.

"I always thought you and Dennis would end up together," she admitted as they sat in the living room.

Her sister nodded in agreement. "There was always something between you two, or so I thought."

Lilian gave them a small smile. "Dennis and I were close, but he never saw me that way. And I couldn't wait forever."

Her mother sighed. "Well, what matters is that you're happy. And if Raymond makes you happy, then that's enough for me."

Lilian squeezed her hand. "He does, Mom."

And with that, her new beginning felt even more real.

Dennis heard about the engagement a few days later in school by some students. They had mentioned it in passing, assuming he already knew.

He hadn't.

Lilian knew this conversation had to happen in person. Calling Dennis over the phone didn't feel right. He had been a constant presence in her life, and despite everything, he deserved to hear it from her directly.

She texted him, asking to meet at their usual coffee shop.

When Dennis arrived, he noticed the way Lilian fidgeted with her fingers—something she only did when she was nervous. He slid into the seat across from her, raising an eyebrow.

"What's up?" he asked casually, though something in him guessed what came next.

Lilian took a deep breath. "I wanted to tell you in person... Raymond proposed."

Dennis stiffened slightly, but he quickly masked it with a small nod.As if he does know. "And?"

"I said yes."

A pause.

Dennis let out a breath, leaning back in his chair. "Wow... that's—" He stopped himself before saying something he'd regret. Instead, he forced a smile. "Congratulations."

Lilian studied him carefully. "You don't have to force yourself to say that."

Dennis chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I mean it. I just—" He exhaled. "Don't you think it's a bit fast?"

Lilian tilted her head. "Fast?"

Dennis shrugged, trying to keep his tone light. "You haven't been dating that long."

She hesitated for a moment. "I know. But sometimes, when you know, you just know."

Dennis gave a tight-lipped smile. "Right. Makes sense."

A part of him wanted to ask if she had ever known with him. But what good would that do now?

Lilian reached across the table, placing her hand over his. "I hope this doesn't change things between us."

Dennis forced himself to smile. "It already has, Lilian."

Her fingers tightened slightly before she slowly pulled away.

The silence that followed said everything words couldn't.

That night, he sat alone in his apartment, a half-empty glass of whiskey on the table. The weight of reality crashed over him—she was gone, truly gone.

For so long, he had convinced himself that Lilian was just a constant in his life, that no matter how much time passed, she'd always be there. But now, she had chosen someone else, and there was no undoing it.

He let out a shaky breath, rubbing his temples. "You waited too long," he whispered to himself. "And now, she's building a future with someone else."

For the first time, he truly accepted that he had lost her.

A week later, Dennis found himself sitting at their usual coffee shop, staring at the chair across from him—the one Lilian used to occupy.

His mind wandered to all the moments they had shared. The laughter, the conversations, the times he had wanted to say something but never did.

Would things have been different if he had told her how he felt? If he had just taken the risk instead of hiding behind friendship?

It didn't matter anymore.

Because she was moving forward, and he was left with nothing but memories of what could have been.

Sitting in their new apartment, Lilian and Raymond discussed their future.

"I've been offered a position abroad," Raymond told her one evening, excitement in his voice. "It's a great opportunity, and I want us to start our family there."

Lilian hesitated for a moment. Leaving meant saying goodbye to the life she knew, but when she looked into Raymond's eyes, she saw certainty.

"You mean it?" she asked.

He took her hands. "I want to build our life together. Just us, in a new place, making new memories."

A smile spread across her face. "Then let's do it."

It was late evening, a few weeks before Lilian's wedding. The school courtyard was quiet, bathed in the warm glow of streetlights. Lilian sat on the bench, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on the wooden surface, while Dennis stood beside her, arms crossed, staring at the darkening sky.

She had asked to meet, though she wasn't sure why. Maybe she needed closure. Maybe she was searching for something in Dennis—something he had always been too careful to say.

"You've been distant," she finally said, breaking the silence.

Dennis let out a short breath. "I've been busy."

Lilian turned to face him. "No, it's more than that." She studied him, as if searching for an answer in his eyes. "Are you really okay with this?"

Dennis let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "You're asking me that now?" He glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Shouldn't you have asked me before saying yes to Raymond?"

Lilian's heart skipped a beat. "So, you do have something to say?"

Dennis hesitated. His hands clenched into fists before relaxing.

"Would it change anything?" His voice was quieter now, almost vulnerable.

Lilian inhaled sharply. "I don't know… Maybe."

Dennis laughed softly, but there was no humor in it. "That's the problem, Lilian. You needed me to say something first. You wanted me to fight for you." His gaze softened. "But I wasn't brave enough."

Lilian swallowed. "You never even tried."

Dennis exhaled, looking away. "Because I thought… if you wanted me, you would've known without me saying it." He shook his head. "I didn't want to risk ruining what we had."

She felt a sharp ache in her chest. "And now?"

Dennis met her gaze, his eyes filled with something she couldn't quite name. "Now it doesn't matter." He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "You love him. You chose him. And I… I'll be the guy who waited too long."

Lilian's fingers curled into her lap. She wanted to argue, to tell him he was wrong, that maybe—just maybe—things could've been different. But wasn't that a selfish thought?

Instead, she whispered, "You'll always be important to me."

Dennis let out a slow breath. "That's what makes this hurt."

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words.

Finally, Dennis straightened. "You should go. You have a wedding to prepare for."

Lilian nodded, standing up. For a brief moment, she thought about reaching for his hand, but she didn't.

She walked away, feeling a strange sense of loss—like something had slipped through her fingers before she even knew she was holding it.

And Dennis… watched her go, knowing he had just let go of the one thing he had never been brave enough to claim.