The reception hall shimmered under the soft glow of chandeliers, the air filled with the scent of fresh flowers and the soft murmur of friends and family celebrating Marco and Karla's union. Crystal glasses clinked and laughter echoed around the room, yet in a quiet corner, Kitchie and Troy sat together at a small table, their expressions thoughtful.
Neither spoke at first, both lost in their own reflections. The love they longed for belonged to someone else, yet in this moment, they shared an unspoken understanding.
Troy finally broke the silence. His voice was low, tinged with melancholy.
"Sometimes... it hurts the most when the person you love is happy with someone else," he said, staring at his empty glass.
Kitchie nodded slowly, her fingers tracing the edge of her napkin. "Yeah... and yet, we're here, seeing them happy. You'd think it would hurt less, but it doesn't. It just... teaches you something about yourself. About letting go."
Troy looked at her, his eyes softening. "It's strange, isn't it? How love can be both a blessing and a lesson."
She smiled faintly, a wistful glint in her eyes. "It's like chasing the sunset. You can never catch it, but the view while you're running is worth it."
They shared a small, quiet laugh, the kind that only two people who understand heartache can share.
The first speech of the evening came from Jenny, Karla's longtime friend. She stepped forward, clearing her throat, her tone serious yet playful.
"Ladies, gentlemen... and especially my girl," Jenny began, smiling at Karla "today we celebrate love, but I also want to talk about being a Supergirl. Not the cape-wearing kind, not the flying-through-skies kind but the kind that fights every day, battles life's villains, and sometimes cries in silence while saving the world for the people she loves."
A ripple of laughter went through the room, but only Karla understood the deeper tease behind Jenny's words. A secret smile passed between them, memories of their inside jokes and shared struggles flashing briefly across their faces.
"Supergirls," She continued, "don't always get the man or the woman they want immediately, but they never stop being strong. And sometimes, the strength comes from knowing when to step back, when to let others find their happiness. So here's to Karla, my Supergirl, who found her partner in crime, her true love, and yet never lost her heart along the way."
She raised her glass, and everyone cheered, the warmth of friendship filling the room.
Next, Mae's mother approached the podium, her presence commanding but gentle, her eyes glistening with emotion as she regarded her daughter.
"My daughter... tough as steel, sharp as a blade, sturdy as a bullet-proof fabric" she said, her voice softening, "but even steel can break, and even the strongest blade can chip if you forget to care for it." She paused, letting the metaphor sink in.
"Marco, you must know this. Love her wisely. Cherish her for the fire she carries, but remember that she is not unbreakable. Handle her heart like a rare gem: carefully, tenderly, but always with respect."
Her gaze swept over the room, lingering on her daughter. "Mae, never doubt yourself. You are resilient, but you are human. And Marco... treat her as you would a sunrise. Protect her light, revel in it, and never take it for granted."
Tears sparkled in many eyes in the room, and Marco bowed his head, his hand tightening around Karla's, a silent promise he would honor every word.
Then, it's Liza's turn.
YOU ARE READING
The Unbroken But Impure
RomansaA story of a young woman who, though still a virgin, already carries experiences with men because of painful events in her life. How long can she protect her honor? Will she still be able to offer what she has been safeguarding to the man she loves...
