Chapter 10
The crystal chandeliers hanging from the auditorium’s domed ceiling sparkled like diamonds, bathing the whole place look like. something out of a fairy tale.
Students in their caps and gowns clustered together taking photos, laughter and cheers echoing off the walls
Kerian stood at the edge of the crowd in a perfectly tailored suit, looking like he’d stepped out of GQ.
But his eyes kept wandering, like he was completely disconnected from all the celebration around him.[]
Sophia weaved through the crowd toward him, stunning in this flowing white dress covered in tiny pearls that caught the light like starlight.
Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, framing her carefully made–up face that looked absolutely radiant
She stopped in front of Kerian, tilting her head up to look at him with this shy smile playing on her lips.
“Kerian, thank you so much for being here today. Her voice was soft and hopeful.
Kerian forced a smile and nodded: “I promised you I’d come, Sophia
Sophia bit her lip, her fingers nervously twisting the fabric of her dress like she was working up the courage for something.
She took a deep breath and finally spoke: “Kerian, there’s something I need to tell you“]
Kerian locked at her, already having a pretty good idea where this was headed, but he just waited for her to continue.
“Even though we got married for practical reasons… but these past few months, you’ve been so amazing to me.” Her voice got quieter, pink creeping up her neck.]
“You took me to see
see fireworks, went racing with me, even risked your life for some stupid necklace I wanted… There’s no way you just see me as a little sister.”
Her eyes started getting watery as she looked directly into his, gathering her courage
Love ..
I’m in los
“Kerian, I’m
with
you. I have been for a really long time.”
“After today, our fake marriage will be over, but… I don’t want to lose you. Could you maybe… give us a real chance?”
Kerian went completely still.
All the noise around him seemed to fade away as his mind drifted back-
Sixteen year–old Victoria getting her first period, curled up in bed looking pale as a ghost
Had been red as a lobster sprinting through CVS, standing like a deer in headlights in front of the tampon aisle
Finally he’d grabbed an armload of different brands, and when he checked out, the cashier had teased him:
“Aw, taking g
aking good care of your girlfriend, huh?” His ears had burned, but he’d made sure to remember which brand she preferred.]
Her eighteenth birthday–he’d bought out the entire Six Flags just because she’d mentioned loving fireworks once. That night she’d ight she’d
launched herself into his arms under all those exploding colors, and he’d happy forever.
d kissed her
Ther forehead, swearing to himself he’d keep her that
And all those countless nights when she’d fall asleep doing homework, he’d carefully carry her to bed and tuck her in, waking her up. [
terrified of
His phone was basically a Victoria photo gallery–sleeping, laughing, even pouting–and he couldn’t bring himself to delete a single
But now, for another girl, he’d stood Victoria up over and over, made her the joke of their entire social circle, left her alone and hurting in a hospital bed…[]
Kerian’s chest felt like it was being crushed, making it hard to breathe.]
“Kerian?” Sophia’s voice snapped him back to reality.
He looked at her hopeful expression and suddenly realized he’d been a complete asshole.[]
“Sophia,” his voice was low and firm, “I’m sorry.”
Sophia’s smile froze, the light in her eyes slowly dimming.
“Why?” Her voice started shaking. “Is it because of Victoria? But you guys broke up, right?… I mean, lately you’ve been… ]
“We never broke up.” The thought of how he’d been treating Victoria lately made Kerian’s heart ache as he cut her off.
“I was just being an idiot, ignoring how she felt.
“Sophia, your brother saved my ass once, and I promised to look after you. But my heart has always belonged to Vic.“[]
Tears immediately started streaming down Sophia’s face. She stumbled backward, her voice filled with disbelief
“What about me? Was everything you did for me just fake?”
“You said… you were only taking care of me because of my brother… Didn’t any part of you actually care about me?“]
“It wasn’t fake.” Kerian shook his head, his expression complicated
“But Sophia, everything I did for you came from obligation, not love.”
Sophia’s tears kept falling as she hit her lip hard, then finally turned and ran.
Her white dress fluttered behind her like a broken wing.
Kerian didn’t chase after her.
pulled out his phone and called Victoria, but all he got was that cold automated message: The number you have dialed is not in service…-
Panic started clawing at his chest. He clenched his jaw and bolted for the exit.
No matter what, he had to get back to Vic.
This time, he wasn’t going to let her down.
