Chapter 31
During the waiting period, soft, lyrical music played-familiar and reflective of his style.
I couldn’t bear to imagine how happy I would have been if I could marry him.
Soon, the ceremony began. Damian stood at the altar in a well-tailored suit, listening to the officiant.
My throat felt tight, and overwhelmed, I handed my phone to Stella. “Please take a picture of us.”
Stella lowered her head, unable to hold back her tears, which fell onto the ground.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.
In the photo, a girl in a white dress stood in front, her curved eyes betraying a subtle sadness. The well-dressed groom, standing not far away, gazed directly at the camera-her lifelong love.
I watched Damian as he walked toward the bride, each step in time with the music. I heard the lyrics clearly: “With a tender whisper of the breeze, you unveil the depth of my truest love.”
It was just like the day he proposed, when he approached me step by step and knelt before me.
“I do.” I whispered softly.
I kept my promise and appeared at his wedding.
After that day, Stella and I returned to Milwaukee.
I didn’t inform Calista, and she didn’t ask.
My condition began to deteriorate rapidly, and I was admitted to the hospital. The doctors spoke to Stella outside the ward, and I sensed the time left for me was short.
Perhaps this way is better-at least it’s better than lingering in a state between life and death.
As usual, Stella would sit by my bed after work, peeling apples and reciting, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
I smiled faintly, my face calm. “I’m sorry, Stella. for leaving you alone.”‘
Stella’s eyes grew misty, and she looked down to hide her emotions. “Don’t say that.”
“When you find a boyfriend, be sure to bring him to my grave for me to inspect. Make sure he’s someone who will love you for a lifetime,” I whispered, my energy waning.
Stella handed me the apple, her smile gentle. “I will.”
“Stella, I’m truly lucky to have had you as a friend. Don’t be sad for too long. For me, this might be the release that I’ve been longing for. In my life, I’ve gotten the chance to firmly hold onto one between love and friendship, that’s enough. I’ll wish you a peace life from above.”
Unable to hold back, Stella buried her face in the bed and cried. “Anna, I can’t bear to lose you…”
I stroked her back silently, offering comfort.
Tears flowed freely, shattering the calm façade I had maintained for so long. It turned out I was also afraid of death.
I thought of Damian. What was he doing now?
It suddenly hit me-oh right, he had long since stopped loving me.
That night, I had a dream.
When I awoke, I saw Damian sitting beside me, gently wiping the tears from my eyes.
An overwhelming sense of grievance surged within me. I buried myself in his arms, repeatedly cursing him as a heartless traitor.