Chapter 23

Ari

As the formal engagement was announced, cheers erupted throughout the party. Everyone seemed to revel in the joyous occasion, but for me, it was a day of mourning. A day where I felt like I lost half of myself, a tangible proof that nothing would work out between us. It echoed the same fate that befell Ingrid in the past, a fate passed down by the moon goddess for us destined to have an unlikely pairing.

Overwhelmed by my feelings, I hurried outside to avoid more sadness. My tears kept coming, but I dared not to show them. It would only mean embarrassment, especially if seen by Jenna’s group.

The pain inside me was relentless and untamed. Tears flowed down my cheeks like a wild river. The sight of Kristoff standing next to Maddie, holding her hand, cut through me like a thousand thorns wrapping around my heart. Once more, the happiness I expected to feel when I met Kristoff turned into a nightmare I wished I never had experienced.

I felt like I couldn't breathe. The scene I wit