The tinkle of champagne glasses and the rich laughter that swirled around the huge ballroom barely touched me.I smiled — or, at least, my lips curled up in a gesture that would be mistaken for one. But it wasn't genuine. It wasn't close."Congratulations," I said to the newlyweds, my tone cheerful and friendly, yet. empty.I could hear myself, almost from a distance, and the sound felt foreign. A mechanical little note of joy that didn’t belong to me, one I’d practiced a thousand times for moments like this — when my mind was too far away to care.The bride glowed, the groom nodded graciously. And then they went on, lost in a sea of golden cocktail dresses, sleek black tuxedos, and shining smiles.I remained where I was, champagne flute icy against my fingers. My eyes wandered over the room once more, scanning the groupings of guests, looking…For her.I didn't even know I was doing it at first. My gaze just kept drifting, always looking past the woman talking to me, past the courteo
Last Updated : 2025-08-11 Read more