Conflicted Hearts

Calista’s mouth fell open at the words she heard. Her heart stopped, and she felt a rush of conflicting emotions—shock, disbelief, and a pang of guilt. She stared at him, wide-eyed. “How can you say that?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “You’re getting married to my best friend!”

“I know it sounds impossible, but it’s the truth,” he said, pushing his hands closer to her. “I can’t explain it all right now, but I need you to believe me.”

“Believe you?” she questioned, still finding it hard to grasp the words he was saying. “Believe you, Ranya?” She shook her head, disbelief overtaking her as she watched him mumble. “Ranya, this isn’t fair. To me, to Signoral, to anyone. You can’t just drop this on me and expect me to—”

“I had to tell you,” he interrupted gently. “I couldn’t keep lying to myself. I love you, and I want to be with you.”

“Shut up!” she roared, glaring at him. If he thinks he can buy his way into her heart with his words, then he better take a full course on being a jo