2. Wedding guest

Olivia

I woke up early the next morning with a throbbing headache. As I lay in bed, flashes of the previous night kept running through my mind. The breakup with Alex was still fresh and painful, and I couldn't believe he had really ended things between us. I had thought that we were in it for the long haul, but apparently, I was wrong.

I got out of bed and walked over to the window, looking out at the bright morning sun. It was a new day, but it didn't feel like it. I couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment and hurt that I felt inside.

As I made breakfast, my phone beeped, indicating that I had received a message. I picked up my phone and my vision turned blurry as I read the contents of the message. It was an invitation from Alex to his wedding. My heart sank at the sight of the message. How could he move on so quickly? Was our love really that meaningless to him?

I sat down at the table, trying to process my emotions. I was devastated and angry all at once. How could he do this to me? I couldn't believe that he had moved on so quickly and was getting married to someone else. It felt like a betrayal, and it was a painful reminder that our relationship was over.

As I sat there lost in my thoughts, I heard a knock on my door. I got up to answer it, not sure who it could be. When I opened the door, I was surprised to see my neighbor, Mrs. Jerkins.

"Good morning, Olivia," she said with a warm smile. "How are you doing today?"

I forced a smile and replied, "I'm fine, thanks for asking."

Mrs. Jerkins looked at me for a moment before saying, "If you need anything don't hesitate to reach out" I recently moved in the apartment. Mrs. Jerkins seems like a nice person. We bump into each other at times.

I nodded, grateful for her concern. I thanked her and watched as she made her way back to her own apartment.

As I stood there alone in my apartment, I couldn't help but wonder what my future held. With Alex getting married, it felt like my world was falling apart. But then again, maybe it was time for me to move on too. I just didn't know where to begin.

I continued sobbing uncontrollably, my face buried in my hands. I heard a loud banging on the door and then Jamie's voice calling out my name.

"Olivia, it's me, Jamie. Open up!"

I stumbled to my feet and made my way to the door. As soon as I opened it, Jamie rushed in and wrapped her arms around me. I felt her warmth and comfort as she held me tightly.

"What's wrong, Liv?" she asked gently.

I handed her my phone and watched as her face turned to shock and anger.

"That bastard!" she exclaimed. "How could he do this to you?"

I could feel the tears streaming down my face again as Jamie pulled me into a tight embrace.

"It's not fair," I sobbed. "Why did he have to hurt me like this?"

"I don't know, Liv," Jamie replied. "But I'm here for you. Whatever you need, I'm here for you."

"What are you going to do?" she asked me.

"I can't go to the wedding, Jamie," I said, my voice shaking. "I can't bear to see him marry someone else."

Jamie nodded, understanding written on her face. "Then what's your plan?"

"I don't know," I said, shrugging. "I just want to focus on my life, get back to work at the animal clinic. Maybe start over."

Jamie smiled at me, proud of my decision. "That's the spirit," she said. "You'll get through this, Liv. I know it."

I wiped my tears and smiled weakly. "Thanks, Jamie. You always know what to say."

I sat on my bed, my mind racing with anger and confusion. How could Alex lie to me about his cousin? I once saw them together and he told me she's his cousin. How stupid I was to believe that. And what else had he lied to me about? I knew I shouldn't check his social media, but my curiosity got the best of me.

As soon as I saw the picture of them, my anger boiled over. How could he cheat on me and lie to me at the same time? I felt like a fool for believing him and for trusting him with my heart.

But then, a new thought entered my mind. If Alex thought he could just walk away from me and marry someone else without any consequences, he had another thing coming. I would show him that he had lost a great woman, and I wouldn't let him get away with his lies and betrayal.

With that decision made, I quickly texted Jamie to let her know that I would be attending the wedding after all, even if I had to hire someone to accompany me. It was time to take control of my life and show Alex what he was missing.

I woke up to the sound of knocking on my door, and as I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, I saw Jamie's face peering through the doorway. She looked worried.

"Do you think it's a good idea to go like this?" Jamie asked me. "I mean, what if you break down there?"

I sat up and gave her a determined look. "I'm not that weak, you know. If he thinks he can throw away our relationship just like that, I will show him he lost a great woman. Help me with whatever you can. The wedding is in a few hours from now."

"Who is going to accompany you then?" She asked. "I mean are you going to go empty handed?"

I stared in thinking. "That should not be a problem. With me alone, I have the strength. You're in or not?" I asked getting impatient

Jamie gave me a hesitant look. "Of course I'm in, Liv. I'm just worried about you," she said softly.

I appreciated her concern, but I couldn't let her worry about me. I had to be strong and show Alex what he had lost. "I'll be fine, Jamie. Thank you for being here for me," I said, grateful for her support.

Together, we got ready for the wedding, picking out a beautiful dress for me to wear and fixing my hair and makeup. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I felt a sense of determination wash over me. I was ready to face Alex and show him that he couldn't break me.

Once we arrived at the wedding venue, I could feel my nerves starting to get the best of me. Jamie grabbed my hand reassuringly and gave me a small smile.

"Ready?" she asked.

I took a deep breath and nodded. "Let's do this."

Jamie and I will made our way inside the hall that was filled up with people and soft music playing. I couldn't help but feel nervous inside. "Remember you're not here to break down. Keep your head high" Jamie whispered beside me. I flashed her a smile. Even though I have no idea whether that is going to happen. We sauntered to the bar counter where delicacies of different type where arranged on the table

I picked up a glass of wine and took a sip, trying to steady my nerves. Jamie opted for a glass of water.

As we were chatting, I noticed someone walking towards us. It was Alex, looking dapper in his suit.

"Olivia, Jamie, it's good to see you guys here," he said, his voice cool and distant.

I felt a pang of anger as I remembered what he had done to me. But I tried to keep my composure and replied, "Yeah, we're here to celebrate your big day."

He nodded, but there was something in his eyes that made me feel like he was hiding something.

Before I could say anything else, his bride-to-be appeared next to him, a radiant smile on her face.

"Hi, I'm Emily," she said, extending her hand.

I shook her hand and gave her a smile, but inside I was seething. It was hard to be happy for someone who had taken away the person I love.

But I tried to put on a brave face, reminding myself that I was here to show Alex what he had lost.

As they walked away hand in hand, I couldn't help but imagine myself in Emily's shoe instead. I would've been the one holding him by the arm. I would've been the one getting all the spotlight. But here I am watching everything from afar. I dropped my drink. "I will be back Jamie"

She looked at me suspiciously. "To where? Hope you're no-"

"Don't worry. I'm not going to grab Alex by the neck. I'm just going to the restroom" She nodded her head. "Alright. Go on"

I walked towards the restroom but as I passed by the main hall, I saw Alex's eyes on me. I stopped on my tracks and we locked eyes for a moment. I could feel my heart racing. Should I approach him? Should I say something?

But then, I saw her. The woman he was with earlier. She was whispering something in his ear, and he was laughing. Anger boiled up inside me. How could he move on so quickly? How could he forget about our relationship just like that? I turned on my heels and marched towards the restroom, tears streaming down my face.

As soon as I entered the restroom, I splashed water on my face and took deep breathe trying to calm myself down. I can't let him see me cry. I can't let him have that power over me. I wiped away my tears and took one last deep breathe before walking out of the restroom, determined to enjoy the rest of the evening on my own terms.