Chapter 4

His voice was soft and trembling slightly. "I was so scared last night. When I saw your email, I was terrified something bad would happen to Brittany today, so I sent a screenshot to an acquaintance to ask what I should do. I honestly had no idea it would leak."

As soon as he said that, people nearby started looking over, and whispers began to circulate through the crowd.

"So it's actually true."

"No wonder she never made it public."

"He seems like a decent guy, but I never would have guessed he's like that behind the scenes."

Every word stabbed me in the chest. However, I didn't look at any of them. I just stared at Brittany. I was waiting for her to tell them, even if it was just one thing, that I wasn't pestering her, coercing her, or the other guy.

Instead, she simply frowned and whispered to me, "Don't upset Tyler right now. We'll handle this after the awards ceremony is over."

She was repeating the same phrase, telling me that we'd talk once it was over, we'd talk later, or we'd talk at the right time. For five long years, those words had reduced me to what I was today.

The host began reading the list of winners. When it came to our project, the hall erupted in applause.

"The Outstanding Achievement Award of the Year goes to Brittany Walker, Tyler O'Niel, and Harry Johnson!"

My name was included. However, before I could step up, the coordinator stopped me, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"Mr. Johnson, please wait here for a moment. There's been a last-minute change to the media lineup."

I understood what that meant. It wasn't an adjustment; they were just afraid I'd go up there and ruin the event. So, I could only stand below the stage, watching Brittany and Tyler walk up side by side.

The spotlights fell on them, and every camera followed their movements. Meanwhile, I stood behind the crowd like someone completely redundant.

Soon, the host asked with a smile, "I heard there's a surprise lined up today. Miss Walker, are you planning to take advantage of this special occasion to do something even more important?"

The audience instantly burst into cheers and teasing shouts.

Some clapped, while others shouted, "Propose!"

I finally understood that the reveal she promised was never meant for me. So, I turned around to leave, but a staff member stopped me.

The staff member slipped a cue card into my hand and smiled. "There's a reserved seat for family in the front row. Don't miss it!"

I looked down at the card. Written on the back was a phrase Brittany loved to use whenever she used to reassure me.

"From now on, at every important moment, I'll make sure you're standing closest to me."

I clutched the cue card and walked toward the front.

On stage, an attendant handed Brittany a bouquet. Tyler stood beside her, tears in his eyes, looking as though he had waited for this for many years.

Professor Reed sat in the very first row, looking proud. Everyone was smiling and waiting for that perfect happy ending, but only I knew this happy ending was built on my suffering.

When I was in the front row, Brittany spotted me and froze for a moment. I foolishly thought she might stop and tell the truth at the very last second, but in the next instant, Tyler reached out and held her hand. In the end, she accepted the ring box and turned around to face him.

Applause instantly thundered through the room. Standing beneath the stage, I felt my blood run cold.

Still, Tyler wasn't done. He looked over at me, his eyes red, as he said, "Harry, I'd love it if you, my best friend, could give us your blessing."

That comment instantly put me in the spotlight.

If I said nothing, I was petty. If I walked away, I'd look guilty. If I made a scene, everyone would believe that the post on the anonymous forum was true. However, I didn't lose it.

I simply looked at Brittany and asked one final time, "Brittany, who are you making public today?"

The entire room fell dead silent.