I Love you After Sunset

CHAPTER 13 Revelations and Resentment

The gentle hum of late summer enveloped Maplewood as Natasha sat under the familiar shade of the oak tree in the park. It was quieter now, the echoes of the party fading into memory, but Natasha's mind buzzed with the conversation she had just had with Lily.

They had met by chance as Natasha was packing up the last of the party decorations. Lily approached her with a calm demeanor that belied the storm brewing within Natasha.

"Natasha," Lily began, her voice steady yet tinged with something Natasha couldn't quite place. "I need to talk to you."

Natasha nodded, her stomach tightening with unease. "Sure, Lily. What's on your mind?"

Lily took a deep breath, her gaze steady as she met Natasha's eyes. "I know about you and Warren, Natasha. I know about your history together, your feelings... and what happened at the party."

Natasha's heart skipped a beat, a mix of shock and apprehension flooding her. "You... you know?"

Lily nodded solemnly. "Yes. Warren told me everything. About how close you two were, how things changed when he moved away, and... about his attempt to kiss you."

Natasha felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment and anger. She hadn't wanted anyone to know about that moment, especially not Lily.

"Lily, I..." Natasha started, but Lily raised a hand to silence her.

"I need you to understand something, Natasha," Lily continued, her tone unwavering. "Warren and I are serious. We've been together for a long time, and we're planning our future together. He's my partner, my best friend, and soon... he'll be my husband."

Natasha felt a surge of resentment rise within her. "What are you trying to say, Lily?"

Lily took a step closer, her eyes searching Natasha's face. "I'm saying that whatever happened between you and Warren in the past, it needs to stay there. We're moving forward, and nothing—not even your history with Warren—will change that."

Natasha's anger flared. How dare Lily dismiss their shared history as if it meant nothing? How could she so callously disregard the feelings Natasha had buried for so long?

"I'm not trying to cause trouble, Lily," Natasha replied, her voice tight with emotion. "But you can't expect me to just pretend like none of this matters."

Lily's expression softened slightly, a hint of sympathy flickering in her eyes. "Natasha, I'm not asking you to forget. I understand that you and Warren have a bond, but he chose me. He loves me."

The words stung like a knife twisting in Natasha's heart. She had known deep down that Warren had moved on, but hearing it from Lily made it painfully real.

"I'm sorry, Natasha," Lily said softly, her voice tinged with regret. "But Warren and I are building a life together. I hope you can find a way to accept that."

With those words hanging in the air, Lily turned and walked away, leaving Natasha alone with her thoughts and emotions swirling like a storm. She felt a mix of anger, sadness, and betrayal. How could Warren have confided in Lily about their history without Natasha's consent? And how could Lily be so dismissive of Natasha's feelings?

As Natasha sat there under the oak tree, the weight of Lily's confession settled over her like a heavy blanket. She knew she couldn't change Warren and Lily's future, nor did she want to disrupt their happiness. But she also couldn't deny the bitter taste of resentment that lingered in her heart.

With a deep sigh, Natasha wiped away a stray tear and stood up, determined to face the reality of her situation head-on. She couldn't change the past or control the future, but she could choose how to move forward with dignity and grace, even in the face of heartache. As she walked away from the park, Natasha resolved to focus on her own path, knowing that healing would come in time, and that true happiness lay in embracing the present and letting go of what could never be.