Years of Love Reduced to Nothing

On my wedding day, I stumbled upon my fiancé passionately kissing my best friend, Sunny Tucker, in the dressing room.

Before I could do anything, my childhood sweetheart from so many years ago suddenly burst in, berated them furiously and then confessed his love in front of everyone.

Eventually, I fell in love with him. He treated me with kindness and devotion which my ex had never done. I was blissfully happy until a few days before our marriage registration. My childhood sweetheart hosted a party and invited his friends. That night I overheard his conversation with his friends that shook my world.

"Sebastian North," one of his friends asked. "Are you sure you want to marry Cassie Sanders? Don't you love Sunny? You have been in love with her for half part of your life."

The drunk Sebastian said bitterly, "I'll do everything for Sunny's happiness even if I have to betray the entire world."

I froze in place for a long time, unable to believe that all the years of affection that he show was just an act.

I immediately made a call to my aunt who life abroad and said, "I've decided to move to New Zealand." Then I sent a message to Sunny. [Hi, Sunny. Do you know the couple suit that Sebastian and I booked? Well, you can consider it as a gift for you and Sebastian to enjoy."]

——

After work, I immediately headed to the club that Sebastian had reserved for his bachelor party tonight. Just as I reached the private room and was about to open the door, I heard Sebastian’s friend mention my name.

"Sebastian," the voice said. "Are you really going to marry Carrie? After all, you have been in love with Sunny for half of your life."

Then he added, "Do you think I don't know that the world-renowned diamond ring that you designed was actually shaped according to the birthmark on Sunny's body?"

When I was stood rooted in place, I heard Sebastian’s drunken voice, "I'll do anything for Sunny. I'll not mind that in order to do that I have to betray the whole world."

Then he continued, "Although the one on her side isn't me, I wish that she'll always be the happiest little princess."

When I heard this, I was so shocked that I was rooted to the ground. The lively sounds of the club faded into the distance as I felt myself falling into a bottomless abyss.

One of Sebastian's friends who had just returned from the restroom, saw me standing there. His expression was one of awkwardness and guilt. That was when I realized the truth that everyone around Sebastian knew about it, I was the only one who was kept in the dark.

From inside the room, their conversation continued.

"You’ve sacrificed so much for Sunny. What if Carrie finds out?" one of them asked.

"Well, you'd better keep your mouth shut then," Sebastian snapped. "Carrie must never know about this."

I shot a cold glare at Sebastian’s friend, who quickly nodded as if signaling that he would keep quiet.

Despite the club’s warmth, I felt as though I had fallen into an icy pit. I decided not to enter the private room. Instead, I turned around and went to the parking lot.

At the parking lot, I sent a message to Sebastian. [I'm feeling awful because of period sickness. I'm skipping the party and heading home.]

After I sent it, I drove my car and returned home. The night was dark as I drove. While waiting at a red light, I stared at a couple crossing the street, lost in thought. Memories of three years ago flooded back in my mind. At that time, I was about to get married to Kevin Decker but he cheated on me and had an affair with Sunny.

I remembered at that time I was too shaken to move. I could not move until Sunny smirked at me with defiance. Suddenly, Sebastian burst out of the crowd and scolded them with a loud voice. Then amid the commotion, Sebastian could not hold back his feeling anymore and knelt down on one his knee to confess to me in front of the public eyes. He had proclaimed that his love for me was no less than Kevin’s and he had loved me for ten years.

When had that love soured into something so twisted?

The light turned green and I was about to drive when Sebastian replied to my message. [I'll come home right away to massage your stomach.]

Over the past two years in our relationship, Sebastian had been spoiling me. As long I said something, he would put aside everything and immediately show up in front of me. His act was so believable that I believed I finally found the right man.

Later that night, as I drifted into sleep, the faint scent of brown sugar wafted into the room. When I opened my eyes, I saw Sebastian placing a steaming cup of brown sugar tea on the bedside table.