THE DAY I WOKE UP

TRUTH ABOUT VICTOR

As I reached the park, I noticed Lisa's car in the parking lot. Parking my own, I headed toward our favorite spot—the one we always retreated to when we were upset. She was sitting there, just as I remembered from when we were kids: her hands propping up her cheeks, her hair tied back in a ponytail, looking angry and pouty like a frustrated child.

Before I even reached her, she burst out, "Gina! God, finally, you're here! What is up with those two?"

"Calm down," I said, though I felt anything but calm myself. I almost wanted to tell her what Victor had done, but I couldn't bear to ruin her happiness. As her best friend, I knew I had to eventually tell her, but I didn't want to jeopardize her perfect relationship right before the wedding.

"Victor says Julian started the fight," I said. "And Julian says Victor started it. Honestly, there's no use talking to them ourselves. They need to resolve it on their own. Only then will they stop fighting outright and stay out of each other's business."

Lisa groaned. "But Julian pushed me! I hit my hip—it hurts so bad. I want to scream at him right now! And I'm sorry about Victor punching you. Oh my god, Gina, your lip! Is that a bandage? Was it bleeding?" Her face turned dark with anger. "Wait, I'm killing Victor tonight."

"It's fine," I said quickly. "I'm sorry about Julian too. I already shouted at him. But listen, the best punishment for both of them is to ignore them. Don't talk to them until they listen to us. If we yell at them now, they'll just try to talk us out of it."

Lisa sighed. "You're right. But just let me yell at them once, after they've made up. Please! You know I need to get it out."

I smiled faintly. "I get it, bestie. But it wouldn't change anything. Let's just stay logical."

"Hmph. Fine." She slumped, looking more defeated than I'd ever seen her. Seeing her like that made my chest ache. I couldn't bring myself to tell her the truth—not now. She loved Victor, and all I wanted was for her to be happy.

"Alright," she said with determination. "Let's not talk to them until they make up. But be careful—Julian will try to get you to talk. You're too soft on him."

"Don't worry," I replied. "I won't go easy on him this time."

Lisa gave a small nod. "Okay, I'll head home. I still have some work to finish."

We walked back to the parking lot and went our separate ways. With nowhere else to go, I headed home.

The rest of the evening passed quietly. I worked from home, finding I was surprisingly productive. Cassy came home around five, thrilled to see me there. I told the caretaker not to come, so it was just the two of us. We spent time together as I helped her with her homework, and by seven, I started cooking dinner.

We ate without Julian. By nine-thirty, I had put Cassy to bed and was finishing up work when I started to worry. Julian still wasn't home.

At eleven, I finally heard his car. I was dozing off but forced myself to wait for him in the bedroom. I'd left dinner on the table with a sticky note reminding him to eat.

When he walked in, the smell of alcohol hit me immediately. He was drunk.

He stumbled toward me, his steps clumsy, and I helped him sit on the bed. My stomach tightened as memories from five years ago flooded my mind—another time he'd been drunk, another time he'd hurt me. I stared at him, fear flickering in my eyes.

But this time, he didn't hurt me. He surprised me instead, leaning forward to press a soft kiss to my lips. It wasn't rough or harsh, just a gentle peck.

"Please forgive me," he murmured, his voice thick with regret. "You know I can't make up with Victor—not after what he did to you."

My breath caught. I realized what he was talking about. Gathering myself, I replied firmly, "Julian, I don't care what he did to me. It's in the past. I forgave him for Lisa's sake. You need to forgive him for mine. At least pretend, for Lisa's sake."

He stared at me, his brows furrowed. "Someone like him doesn't deserve Lisa. She's too good for him."

Anger flared in my chest. I pushed him away, standing up. "I don't care what you think about him, Julian! He's making Lisa happy, and that's all that matters. You make me happy—he makes her happy. My best friend is finally in love, and I won't let you ruin that!"

Julian sighed, his expression softening. "Fine," he said quietly. "I'll do it. For your sake."

The next morning, he was distant. He left without breakfast, saying coldly, "I'll eat outside. But I meant what I said—I'll do it for you."

He didn't look back, and I didn't chase after him. Cassy noticed the tension, though, and asked nervously on the way to school, "Mommy, did you and Daddy quarrel yesterday?"

"It's nothing, sweetie," I said, kissing her forehead. "Mom and Dad were just discussing something. Don't worry."

She nodded, smiling hesitantly before hopping out of the car.

That evening, as I was leaving work, Lisa called.

"Gina!" she stammered, panicking. "Julian—Victor—fight—park—"

"What happened?!" I demanded.

"Just get to the park! Fast!"

I raced there, my heart pounding. A crowd was dispersing as I arrived, but I spotted Julian and Victor sitting apart, their faces bruised and battered. Lisa was yelling at them, frantic and furious.

As I stormed up, I immediately understood.

"Lisa, what happened?"

"What happened? THESE TWO HAPPENED, GINA! We asked them to resolve their issues, and this is what they do?!" She pointed at them in disbelief. "If I hadn't come to the park, they might've killed each other!"

"NOW TELL ME!" she shouted at them. "What is your problem? Tell me why you hate each other so much!"

Julian's voice was cold and cutting as he finally spoke. "You want to know? Ask your best friend—my dear wife. She's always keen on hiding the truth. Isn't it time, Gina? Tell her. Let her know."

Lisa turned to me, her eyes questioning. Victor looked pale, and Julian's expression was unreadable.

I stood frozen, caught between the weight of the truth and the fear of what it might do.