Love Lost to Illness and Lies

On the day of the get-together with my friends, I arrived late because I had been at the hospital for chemotherapy. By the time I got there, they were already deep into a game of Truth or Dare. Vienna was participating as well and had just chosen "truth."

"Is there someone in this room you have feelings for?" someone asked.

Vienna's fair cheeks flushed bright red. She bit her lower lip and shyly glanced at Armani before nodding slowly, as if I weren't even there. Her intentions were crystal clear to everyone present.

The room buzzed with murmurs. I was still trembling from the aftermath of chemo, my face ghostly pale as I looked over at Armani. He simply chuckled warmly, "Vienna, don't be silly."

His tender gaze toward Vienna was unmistakable, his voice free of any reprimand. He knew Vienna had feelings for him. He couldn't bear to hurt her, yet he seemed perfectly fine hurting me over and over for her.

Soon, it was my turn in the game. I chose "truth" as well.

"Do you regret being in love with Armani?" someone asked me.

Armani's smile disappeared instantly. He cast a stern look at the person who asked the question.

Someone tried to lighten the mood, "What kind of question is that? She ran away with Armani, didn't she? Isn't it obvious?"

Another added, "Exactly, stop being ridiculous."

Fighting through the pain, I forced a smile. "If that's the question, then I choose dare."

The room went silent, all eyes on me and Armani. He watched me intently, but I acted as if I didn't notice.

"So what's the dare? Ten shots of vodka, right?"

Nobody said a word.

I poured the drinks myself, one glass after another, downing them. By the fifth glass, the strong liquor burnt my throat, leaving me struggling to breathe.

Armani grabbed my hand, his expression dark and severe. "Stop drinking, Mikayla."

But I shook off his hand, the bitterness lingering in my mouth. I met his gaze, "Armani, I, Mikayla Morrison, will face the consequences."

Back then, I gambled on Armani's love and became his girlfriend. Later, I took another gamble on his love, running away with him to a foreign city to start anew. Now, watching him with Vienna, I know I've lost the bet. Between Vienna and me, he clearly cares more about her.

But that's okay; I'll face the consequences.

Tears welled up in my eyes, my already upset stomach twisting in agony. Yet my heart ached even more than my body.

Countless nights I've woken up, weeping after dreaming of my parents' lifeless faces. I never regretted it until now.

But now, I do.