As I watched him take a sip, I couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness wash over me.
"You're wasting your time on the wrong person, Ethan," I thought to myself.
I took a deep breath and reached for his drink.
"This is it, Xie."
"Ethan, hear me out, even if it's just for now. I love you, and I know it's wrong, but there's nothing I can do," I confessed, hoping for some kind of reaction from him. But there was nothing, no expression on his face after my revelation.
"Cloud, take Xie home. She needs some comfort," Ethan said, almost dismissively. As we walked out, tears started to fall uncontrollably from my eyes.
"I'm sorry, Xie, for acting him like a jerk" Cloud said, trying to console me. I managed to muster a smile, grateful for his support.
"Goodbye, Ethan. I know you will never love me back, and I understand. I've decided to pursue my dreams rather than hold onto something that can never be. I know that with time, my heart will heal."
Six years had passed...
As I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but smile. Despite the many challenges I faced, I was able to overcome them. I had become a successful journalist, traveling to different places for assignments. "Ma'am, we need to leave now or we might be late for the flight," someone interrupted me, and I left my work behind.
"I hope I make it in time."
I decided to return to the Philippines. There was something I needed to finish, something I needed to clarify.
Today is Ethan's wedding, and I am the maid of honor. I prepared myself and put on the gown I was going to wear.
Minutes later...
As I entered the church, I immediately spotted my friends, busy fixing their attire, so they didn't notice me. "You all look handsome!" I exclaimed, catching their attention. "I thought you weren't coming, we missed you," CV said as she hugged me. "Of course, the maid of honor can't be absent," I joked. After a while, I excused myself to talk to Ethan. "Hey Ethan, congratulations on your wedding," I said, trying to smile. I saw the surprise in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Xie, about the past-"
"Ethan, it's in the past. Let's just forget it," I interrupted him.
The wedding started, and I smiled as Pia walked down the aisle.
As they exchanged their vows, someone caught my attention-a sniper! His gun was aimed at Ethan. I ran as fast as I could, hugging him and taking the bullets meant for him. I saw the worry in his face.
"Please fight, don't leave me," I whispered, smiling as I noticed Cloud, my protector, who was always there for me during my assignments. I knew everything.
"Thank you, Cloud. If reincarnation is real, I hope that next time, my heart beats for you," I said. He hugged me tightly, never wanting to let go.
