𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐕𝐨𝐰𝐬

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒𝟕

ELENA

As I lie in bed next to Zade, his steady breathing a reminder of the love we share despite the turmoil, I can't help but replay the events of the evening in my mind. The party was supposed to be a joyous celebration, a testament to our love and future together, but it ended on a note of unexpected revelation and emotional complexity.

The dinner was a whirlwind of laughter and heartfelt toasts. Friends and family gathered around the table, their warm wishes and cheers creating a festive atmosphere. His parents, dressed elegantly in their evening best, looked on with pride and affection. They toasted to Zade with glasses of champagne, their eyes twinkling with happiness.

Throughout the evening, Zade was the center of attention, and I watched him with a mix of admiration and sadness. His speech was heartfelt, filled with gratitude and love for everyone in the room. He spoke about how much they meant to him, and in the middle of it all, he spoke about me—his words filled with affection and respect. It was a reminder of how deeply he cares, but it was also a stark contrast to the secret he had kept from me.

The guests— Uncle Joshua, my brothers, Atlas, and  Ace, among others—joined in the celebration. The room was alive with joy and chatter, and I did my best to keep up appearances, smiling and engaging with everyone. But behind the façade, I was struggling with the weight of Zade's confession and the growing realization of how much this secret had affected me.

After dinner, the party continued with music and dancing. I mingled and made small talk, trying to distract myself from the thoughts swirling in my head. Ariana and Ace were the highlight of the evening, their playful banter and affection for each other drawing smiles from everyone around. As the night wore on, I felt a growing sense of disconnect, a feeling of being trapped between the surface-level celebrations and the deeper emotional struggles I was grappling with.

When the party finally began to wind down, Zade and I found ourselves in a quieter corner of the house, away from the lingering guests. It was then that I knew we needed to have a serious conversation, one that would unveil the truth and address the pain that had been brewing beneath the surface.

Now, as I lie in bed next to him, his body relaxed and peaceful in sleep, I can't help but feel a profound sense of sadness and confusion. The night was meant to be a celebration of our love and future, but instead, it became a reminder of the hidden truths that have now come to light. I stare at the ceiling, my mind racing with thoughts and emotions, trying to make sense of everything that has happened.

Zade's breathing is steady and calm, a stark contrast to the storm of feelings within me. I'm grateful for his presence, for his apology, and for the love we share, but I also know that I need time to heal and process the revelation. As I lie there, the weight of the evening's events presses heavily on my chest, leaving me to grapple with the complexity of our relationship and the path that lies ahead

As I lie in bed next to Zade, my mind races with the gravity of the night's revelations. The weight of his confession, the pain of feeling betrayed, and the confusion about our future all swirl together, leaving me restless and uneasy. I know I need time—time to think, to process, and to heal.

An idea begins to form in my mind, one that I know might bring regret later, but at this moment, it feels necessary. I quietly slip out of bed, careful not to disturb Zade. He's asleep, oblivious to the storm that's brewing within me.

I move to the closet and start packing my things. Each item I fold and place into my suitcase feels like a step toward finding some clarity, some space away from the emotions that are threatening to overwhelm me. As I work, my heart aches with the realization that I'm about to leave, even if it's just for a short while.