Her words sting, but I know she's right. She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
"I don't know if I can forgive him. I don't know if I can forgive you either," she says, her voice quieter now, almost fragile. "But I do understand why you didn't tell me sooner. I just... I need time to process all of this."
I nod, feeling a mix of relief and guilt. "I'm so sorry, Anne. Truly."
She gives me a small, pained smile. "I know you are, Lily. I just wish things had been different."
Her words hang heavy in the air, and I can feel the weight of her hurt. She runs a hand through her hair, exhaling deeply as if trying to release the pain lodged in her chest.
She wipes a tear away, her face softening just a little. "I don't know how to move forward from this," she says quietly. "But I know I can't be with him."
Anne falls silent after these words. For a moment, we just stand there, the weight of Conor's betrayal hanging between us. There's no quick fix for the damage he's done, no way to undo the pain we've both suffered, but in this moment, it feels like a step toward healing.
"I need time," she finally whispers. "Time to figure out what comes next."
As I turn to leave, I pause at the door and look back at her.
Anne gives a small, weary nod but says nothing as I quietly slip out of the room. The hallway feels cold and empty as I walk away, but a sense of clarity settles over me. Conor's lies may have shattered things, but now, at least, the truth is out.
And maybe, just maybe, we can all begin to heal.
YOU ARE READING
The best man
ChickLitLily and Conor have been inseparable since their university days, bound by a deep friendship that has weathered the test of time. While Conor appreciates Lily's presence in his life and the comfort of their relationship, he remains oblivious to the...
