Chapter 6

My world was shattered when I saw a trace of blood on the bed sheet. Now, everything had changed. Stella became Kristoff’s bride-to-be since Lourdes insisted that he take responsibility for what happened unlike me. I’m still a virgin because I planned on surrendering myself completely to Kristoff on our supposed to be first night as husband and wife.

And as if that wasn’t enough, the two would exchange vows on the exact same date that Kristoff and I were supposed to get married.

Kristoff insisted that Stella put something in his drink, that he had no idea what happened, and that I was the one he loved. But he got Stella pregnant that’s why he had no choice but to succumb in the end. And even if it hurts, I was even the one who encouraged him to marry my sister because I didn’t want the baby to suffer.

All that happened just three months ago. Stella and Kristoff’s wedding will take place next month.

I struggled not to cry when I looked up to meet my Mother’s eyes. “I’m your daughter, too, ‘Ma. Please stop hurting me like this.” I stood up before my tears could fall. “I’m late for my meeting. I have to leave now. Kindly lock the door when you leave. And please, take that box with you.”

I was about to head out the door when Lourdes spoke.

“Kristoff is not the only man in the world, Brianna. Don’t throw your family away just because of him. It’s been three months already. Just accept things as they are and move on-“

“That’s the point, ‘Ma,” I answered without turning to look at her. “It happened just three months ago and not three years ago. It’s been only three months since your precious daughter stole my fiancé away from me. Kristoff and I were together for more than two years. I’m not like you who could easily forget the people who matters to me. You and I are different.”

“What are you saying?”

My tears fell down my cheeks when I heard the danger beneath her voice. “I’m just saying that you should have killed me instead. That way, I would only have to deal with the pain once. And not like this. You kill me almost every day, ‘Ma. Have mercy,” I added before walking away.

(Ingram)

“WHEN you try your best, but you don't succeed. When you get what you want, but not what you need. When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep. Stuck in reverse. And the tears come streaming down your face. When you lose something you can't replace. When you love someone but it goes to waste. Could it be worse...”

A soft smile curved on my lips as I stand and play the guitar inside the bar. My eyes were only looking in one direction the whole time. And it was the spot where Brianna was sitting. She was alone on her table and drinking her heart out.