Left Out in the Cold

I wiped away my tears and croaked, "If this was supposed to be a secret, why did you choose to tell me now?"

Samantha avoided my gaze, but still tried to reason with me.

"We've been friends for ten years. I can't bear to watch you stay in the dark forever. Besides, Bianca has always wanted your blessing. She believes the ceremony is incomplete without you. That's why I thought you needed to know the truth. Just promise me you'll stop being a homewrecker and leave them alone, all right?"

I could not help finding her defence of Bianca ridiculous.

This was how she treated her friends for ten years.

I had protected her from her abusive ex-husband and even helped her and her younger brother land a job at a major corporation.

But now, she had forgotten about everything I had done for her and accused me of ruining Bianca's relationship.

I ignored her and turned toward the couple making their vows on the stage.

I had so many questions for them.

…

The moment I reached the entrance, two bulky security guards blocked my path.

"Excuse me, miss. This is a private event for invited guests only."

I pointed at the two on the stage incredulously.

"I'm the bride's elder sister. Are you seriously stopping me?"

The security guards exchanged a look before one of them pointed at the nearby notice board with an awkward smile.

"Exactly. The bride's family especially instructed us to set up the notice. They even showed us your photo, saying we can't let you inside to avoid triggering the bride."

I followed his finger and found a sentence written on the decorated floral display board.

'Alba Harrington and dogs are not allowed.'

Those words pierced my heart like thousands of needles.

I stared hard at the board without blinking, yet I still could not hold back the tears threatening to fall.

My boyfriend, my family, my best friend, and even strangers believed that I would cause havoc. They had calculated every step I might take and blocked every path, all to give Bianca a perfect wedding.

Yet none of them considered offering me an explanation.

At that moment, music echoed in the background. A vlog began to play on the screen. Photos of Julian and Bianca appeared one after another, slowly forming a huge heart.

I watched in stunned silence. The sight had crushed my last hope.

Julian and I had barely taken any photos together during our five years as a couple. He claimed it was because he hated attention.

However, the two of them had taken many photos together.

As the video continued playing, fresh, burning tears gradually blurred my vision.

On our anniversary, Julian told me he had to leave for an impromptu meeting and work overnight, but it turned out he and Bianca went bungee jumping.

One time, I broke my arm in a car accident and needed care, but neither my family nor friends could spare time to take care of me.

At that time, they were either sick, visiting their families, went on a business trip, or working part-time shifts.

And now I knew all of them lied to help Julian plan his proposal to Bianca.

And I had been foolish enough to believe every word.

Finally, the host addressed Julian with a smile. "Miss Bianca Harrington now plays a new role in your life. Do you want to tell everyone who she is to you?"

Julian puffed out his chest and answered proudly, "She's my savior, the love of my life, and most importantly, my wife."

His answer took me aback. 'Saviour? What does he mean by that?'

The absurdity of the situation washed over me, but before I could piece everything together, a voice suddenly interrupted my thoughts.

"What are you doing here?"