More important

The first time I met Knox was during a family vacation. I was quiet, and he was the boy who got smacked a thousand times a day for his mischief.

At a BBQ party, I burned my palm trying to grab a piece of meat without realizing it was hot. My parents and his were enjoying themselves, so I decided not to cry. I was only five then. Hiding my burning palm, staring longingly at the meat I couldn’t eat, I felt miserable. That was when Knox spoke to me for the first time.

He sat in front of me, silent. Then, without a word, he took my hand and started blowing on it, his touch gentle. “Hold something cold,” he said. “It’ll help.”

I was five, but in that moment, I met my knight.

Since that day, we were inseparable. His family even moved closer because we couldn’t bear to be apart.

---

The morning sun peeked through the curtains—unwelcome yet warm. My flight was at ten, and I needed to leave. I had confirmed my departure in the family chat, just in case anyone thought I’d still be around.

“Yes, the meeting is on the 21st,” I said to Mirah, my assistant, while grabbing my suitcase. “I’ll discuss the details with Mr. Hank.”

Knox had stayed over last night, claiming the guest room as usual. He had tried to talk about my leaving, likely to protest, but I found myself not caring about his opinion anymore.

I wasn’t leaving just for work. I couldn’t stand watching the person I loved marry someone else. But I wasn’t someone who cried over things that weren’t meant for me.

A knock at the door. Ms. Clara, the housemaid, stood there holding a bucket. “Miss Violet, what should I prepare for breakfast?”

“Something light. Knox is here. He won’t eat just anything.”

She hesitated. “Sir Knox is here? I thought he’d be with his fiancée.”

I froze. She knew about her, but I didn’t?

“How long have you known?” My voice was calm, but my heart pounded painfully.

She looked at me curiously. “I met her at their engagement party in Hawaii. A lovely lady, perfect for Sir Knox.”

My breath caught. My parents, his parents—everyone knew?

“Engagement party?” I repeated, searching her face for any sign of a lie. “They had one?”

“Yes, Miss Violet. Your family was there too. Didn’t you know?”

A sharp ache bloomed in my chest. Everyone had been there. And no one had thought to tell me?

I forced myself to stay composed, handing her my task list. “I’ll be away for a while. Don’t visit often.”

“You’re leaving? But Sir Knox’s wedding is next month!”

“I have work to do.”

Zipping my suitcase, I retreated to the bathroom. The walls felt like they were closing in as I leaned over the sink, staring at my broken reflection.

Knox. How could he? We had no future as lovers, I knew that. But not even an invitation as his best friend? Did he not consider me his best friend anymore? Had I been that easy to discard?

A call interrupted my thoughts. Wiping my face, I grabbed my phone. “Violet Riverwood speaking.” I responded calmly.

Sometimes I amazed myself. No matter how much I go through pain, I can hide my emotions very perfectly. And I am grateful for that. After all, for the last twenty years I could hide my emotions like they never existed.

“Ma’am, it’s Pilot Evan. Your father called—your flight schedule has changed.”

A frown creased my brows. “What do you mean? I scheduled it—”

“It was changed last week. For a full week.”

“What? That’s impossible! I need my jet now.” My voice was icy cold. I had an important meeting this evening.

“I apologize, but if you can convince Mr. Knox, I can reschedule.” He said matter-of-factly.

My pulse stuttered. “What does Knox have to do with my jet?”

He hesitated. “Your father allowed him to use it.” He said, his voice laced with hurriedness and guilt.

" What? I need my jet. Do you hear me? Right no-!"

The call ended before I could demand an explanation. My mouth opened and then closed with an utter disbelief. Did my father just give my private jet to someone else? With whose permission?

My frustration boiled over. I dialed my father, but every call went unanswered. He was avoiding me.

Throwing my phone onto the bed, I stormed out. I needed to talk to Knox. His involvement in my life started feeling suffocating right now.

“Violet?”

Knox’s voice stopped me halfway. He was on the terrace, sipping coffee, basking in the sunrise like everything was fine.

“Did you book my jet?” My voice was sharp.

He blinked, surprised at my tone. “Yeah, I did.” He shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal.

Disbelief crashed over me. “Are you fucking kidding me?” My anger surged. “You knew I was leaving today! Why would you do that?”

“Chill, Violet.” He set down his cup and walked toward me. “You need to understand. My fiancée doesn’t like public flights, so I asked Uncle to let me borrow your jet for our wedding shopping.”

My heart clenched. “Are you messing with me?” My voice shook. “You hijacked my jet for wedding shopping?”

Knox sighed as if I was the most unreasonable person here. “Don’t be dramatic. You can skip some business trips for me, right?”

Each word was a slap. My love for him bled painfully in my chest, while he casually disregarded me. " Don't tell me. You actually told me about your wedding just because you wanted to use my stuff, didn't you?" I pointed it out.

He looked surprised but chuckled, " Do I look like a selfish person?"

" Aren't you?" I scoffed bitterly. I wanted to argue. But it wasn't worthy anymore... " Whatever-!"

“It’s important to me too,” I whispered, my throat tight. “I need to leave.”

His eyes flickered with something unreadable. “I didn’t think you’d be this desperate. Won’t you at least attend my wedding? Be my best woman! I need you, Violet!”

A bitter laugh escaped me, although a loud heartbeat slapped my consciousness.

“You want me to be your best woman?”

“Of course,” he said, like it was obvious. “I want you to support me.”

The absurdity of it all made me sick. He was asking me to stand by his side while he married someone else? Did he really not see it?

I lifted my chin. “Sorry. My job is more important than your wedding. I will send the wedding gift and a best regards instead!”

His expression darkened, fingers tightening around his cup. “More important than me?”

More important than him? God, if only he knew. But I refused to give him that satisfaction.

“Yes,” I said, voice unwavering. “More than you.”

Inside, I could feel the crushing weight of my heart. It ached in places I didn’t know existed, a betrayal I hadn’t anticipated. But I kept my back straight, my gaze steady, even as tears welled up behind my eyes. I would not let him see me falter. I had too much pride for that.

He was marrying someone else, I wasn't even told for once, and somehow, I was supposed to stand by and support him? A bitter laugh bubbled in my throat. No, this wasn’t right. I couldn’t be the girl who silently accepted being sidelined. Not anymore.

I love him, I will be there for him. But if he doesn't show me the minimum respect, I would rather be away from him.

His gaze softened just a fraction, but it wasn’t enough to change anything. He didn’t understand. He never would.

I turned on my heel, walking away before the cracks in my composure could widen into something he could see.