The Illusion of Forever

Played Like a Fool

"After everything we've been through, only you're still waiting for me."

The picture showed the back of two people sitting side by side, gazing at the sunset by the beach. Settling in Wavecrest City was Nicholas' idea. He said he loved the vastness of the sea and the city. I used to think it was simply because he had spent four years here during university and couldn't bear to leave.

Now, I finally understood what he meant.

Maybe there truly was something between them back in university. Maybe all of his friends knew but me. No wonder the day before our wedding, I noticed the best man repeatedly trying to say something to me but stopping himself every time. And then, there was Nicholas, who was so drunk that night that he passed out and never made it back to our bridal suite.

I wasted no time and called one of his old university roommates, asking to meet at a café not far from my apartment.

Half an hour later, I was face-to-face with the very same best man who was trying to tell me something two years ago. I was relieved he hadn't moved away from the city. It gave me a chance to uncover the truth.

It seemed he had been expecting this moment. As soon as he sat down, he handed me several printed A4 papers.

"Luna, I never wanted to deceive you. But Nick's my good friend, too. Now, though, I just can't stand by and let him go this far."

I took the papers from him, managing a smile that felt more like a grimace, something closer to tears. He must have seen Ashley's recent post on social media as well.

So, I wasn't wrong after all.

The first page detailed everything that had happened between Ashley and Nicholas during their university days—how, in their second year, he had made a public declaration of love to her; how they had affectionately sung a duet on Valentine's Day at a school event; and how he had lifted her high above the crowd in celebration after winning a basketball game.

And most painfully, the truth about why he proposed to me that day.

The tears came fast, landing on those words in the paper.

It turned out Ashley had gotten married that very day! His proposal to me wasn't out of love; it was because, without her, it didn't matter who he married.

The childhood sweetheart romance, the ten years of unwavering affection I thought we had, was all just in my head.

He lied to me, and he lied to everyone who trusted him.

The man sitting across from me handed me a few tissues and said apologetically, "Luna, everything I know is written there. Don't be too upset. If anyone's to blame, it's Nick for going too far."

He let out a deep breath as though a heavy weight had finally been lifted off his chest, then stood up and left without another word.

I remained dazed as I walked back "home" like a hollow shell. The air in this city felt thick and oppressive as I struggled to breathe. Even the wind blowing against my face was hot.

This was not the home I had once dreamed of. After two years of living in this city, I never imagined it could feel so suffocating.

Fortunately, this chapter was coming to an end.

…

It was late when Nicholas and Ashley returned, worn out from their day together. I stayed seated in the living room, waiting for them.

The two of them met my gaze when they opened the door. The carefree, light-hearted atmosphere that clung to them stood in stark contrast to the exhaustion weighing me down.

I saw the smile fade from Nicholas' face as his gaze shifted from Ashley to me, his expression tightening as though he were looking at something unpleasant.

I didn't say a word.

Ashley, ever quick to smooth things over, broke the tension. "I'll go wash up," she said casually. "Nick, why don't you sit with Luna?"

'Telling my husband to spend time with me? Listen to that, what an absurd statement,' I mused bitterly.

I didn't expect that one day, I would come to the point of being humiliated by others.

Without waiting for him to sit down, I stared straight into his eyes. "Did you see the messages I sent you?"

He was the same as usual, with impatience in his tone. "My phone fell in the water. Just tell me what it is."

Another excuse. I didn't even know what was true anymore.

"Tomorrow's the prenatal checkup. Will you be there?" My voice was sharp as I challenged him.

"I have a meeting," he replied, tugging at the collar of his shirt. As he did, I caught sight of the red marks on his skin.

My world collapsed.

My mind went blank, buzzing like a broken machine, as I grabbed the wooden tissue box next to me and threw it at him. He wasn't expecting the sudden attack and was startled.

Hearing the noise, Ashley rushed out of the bathroom. Her face was still dripping with water.

"Luna! Are you crazy?" she shouted.

She reached out and instinctively rubbed his bruised forehead. They acted just like a newlywed couple.