Chapter 1: The Betrayal

SHE’S STARING AT them full of sorrow, tears streaming down her face, she’s lost in her thoughts and feels like she had weak knees while walking. She wants to scream from betrayal and pain but that’s not an option for her. She’s trying to hold back all the emotion she feels that makes her tremble just to not get any attention from the people inside the church. That’s what Iya looked like as she made her way to one of the wooden chairs away from the crowds. 

Before her knees almost gave out, she held on to the nearest place that she could hold onto. 

She couldn't understand the emotions she was feeling after hearing what she heard earlier from her co-actor while they were shooting a movie. She looks like a fool and an idiot while trying her best to be strong and act cool. All of it came at once just enough for her emotion to explode.

She was made a fool by the person she trusted completely. She’s an idiot because she made him her world while there is someone else in his life that he's been planning to spend for. It's not her. It's her best friend!

“You… betrayed me…” she said those words like it was the most hurtful thing she uttered in her twenty-eight years of existence.

Iya’s boyfriend betrayed her together with the person she thought was her best friend while they were together. Miko gives her assurance with his flowery words and promises that they will have a perfect relationship and be happy together. He promised forever but he will fulfill his vow with someone else. She’s too idiot to feel secure.

And now here she is… in tears. Crying for someone who doesn't deserve anything from her.

She’s too masochist to continue looking to the altar while watching the man that she loves marry someone else. 

“He’s smiling… they are smiling…” felt like a million arrows hitting her heart after she realized it. “He’s happy…” trying to smile even if she knew that she couldn’t hide her pain. “Happy, but that’s not with me…”

Iya’s hand clenched so tight while holding onto the railing. 

That is her only support. Her knees would have given up a long time ago if there was nothing that supported her. She wanted to prevent her tears from coming out, but they also betrayed her just like the man that she loved.

She had the right to feel anger. Causing ruckus and scenes because of the betrayal done to her. She deserves to do anything that can satisfy her emotions, but can she really do that? Would they believe her if she said something?

Earlier, when the priest asked if there was anyone who would object to the union of the two, she couldn’t bring herself to raise her hand. It would be too foolish to stop the wedding. She wouldn’t let her hard-earned reputation be tarnished by someone else who’s worthless for a fight. That’s all she had—her career. 

“He’s lying… you’re too idiot to believe his flowery words, Iya…” Iya wears her blank face just to hide her bitter smile. 

Along with the loud applause, Iya turned her back. She walked out of the church so quickly and didn’t look at them again because what’s for? Miko’s family is too well off just to feel like she and their daughter are garbage that he can easily dispose of when it’s not convenient for him.

“Miko couldn't even introduce us to his family even though we've been together for four years—you’re an idiot, Iya!” 

Iya didn’t know how she got into her car, parked it safely without breaking down again, and arrived at the hotel without the presence of the media. What mattered to her at the moment was to get away from the man who caused her heartbreaks. 

As she continued walking down the hallway, her tears kept falling. That's why she kept wiping her cheek from time to time. Iya stayed her head down. Afraid that someone might see her at the worst moment of her life. The media is too fast. She wouldn't be able to handle being involved in other controversies while dealing with her current emotions too.

She was so surprised when she bumped into someone else and lost her balance when she was still lost in her thoughts in the corridor. Fortunately, Iya was caught by him before her body fell to the ground. The man’s body is well built even if she didn’t touch it inside the clothes, as if her head was the one that got hurt from hitting the man's chest. 

When Iya looked up, her eyes met the sharp and cold gaze of the man. She couldn't be mistaken about that even though her eyes were filled with tears. She’s sure that he is angry but it seems that it’s not because of her. 

He helped her to stand up.

“I-I’m sorry—”

There was a momentary sympathy in his eyes as if they felt the same. 

“I’m sorry…” Iya repeated her words.

In a snap, it came back from before—anger. After that, he continued walking fast without saying a word. She only just took a glance at his back before continuing her way towards her room.

Before she enters her room, Iya encounters a woman with wrinkled clothes and running as if she’s chasing someone. It seemed like she was in a hurry because her dress was not properly fixed. She also didn't have any shoes on her feet and her hair was messy. 

“Achilles, please talk to me!” She pleaded many times. “Let me explain, please!” 

She’s trying to call the man that she bumped into but he doesn't care. No matter how hard she calls, the man doesn’t look back at her. 

“Another cheating?” she couldn’t help but comment after she entered her place.

Realization hits her at that moment. She wanted to know how many people experienced what she felt and how they moved even if it was hard. She shouldn’t let herself stay long like this because the world has so many problems that she will add another one.

Iya walks immediately into her bedroom and slumps her body on the bed.

When she finally lays down, her tears suddenly fall again…

Everything her eyes caught reminded her of him. What a foolish path did she choose? Why did she open up her whole world to him? Now here she is... in tears…

How long will she let herself suffer over and over again? Does she deserve to be hurt because she’s a sinner? 

She doesn’t know. It took a stroke of luck to know.

“My daughter… how will I tell him that her father is married now to another woman?” Just by thinking about it, Iya couldn’t help but burst into tears again. “She will break into pieces—just like I was.”

Her daughter shouldn't experience something like this. It's all her fault...