As the days passed, Nica began to notice Chris acting strangely. He was distant, full of excuses, and constantly avoiding her. Whenever she wanted to spend time with him, he always had a reason to leave. Yet somehow, he always seemed available whenever Ella called.
One afternoon, Chris received an invitation to an engagement party. As he read the letter, Ella sat beside him, smiling mischievously.
"I'll go with you," Ella said confidently. "And trust me, I'll be the most beautiful, hottest, and sexiest woman at that party."
Chris laughed and pulled her closer.
"That's why I love you," he said. "You're bold and confident."
The two of them agreed to attend together, leaving Nica behind.
What they did not know was that Nica had also been invited by someone else.
The day of the party finally arrived.
Chris adjusted his watch and grabbed his car keys.
"I have somewhere important to be," he told Nica casually. "Don't wait up for me. I may not come back tonight."
Nica frowned slightly but nodded.
"Okay."
She stepped closer, trying to hug him goodbye, but Chris pushed her away coldly and walked out without another word.
Left alone in the quiet house, Nica sat on the couch feeling lonely and restless. Then suddenly, she glanced at her phone and remembered the engagement party.
"Oh no!"
She rushed to her room and dressed as quickly as she could. She chose a simple long backless dress, slipped into small heels, loosely curled her hair, added a touch of makeup, and wore her nerd glasses. In her hurry, she forgot to carry her bag.
Meanwhile, Chris and Ella had already arrived at the party.
Ella wore a short sleeveless black dress that clung to her curves, paired with high heels and expensive jewelry that sparkled under the lights. Her hair was perfectly styled, and her makeup was flawless.
Chris looked equally sharp in a fitted suit, polished black shoes, and a neat tie.
Guests admired them openly.
"They look perfect together."
"What a beautiful couple."
"They belong with each other."
Ella smiled proudly as she held Chris's arm.
At the entrance, Nica rushed inside and accidentally bumped into a tall man.
She froze.
It was the same man who had paid for her bus fare earlier after she realized she had forgotten her bag at home.
"I'm so sorry!" she blurted out quickly.
Without waiting for his response, she hurried away.
The man stood still, watching her disappear into the crowd with an unreadable expression.
Inside the hall, Nica walked around quietly, sipping from a glass of juice. The glamorous atmosphere made her feel out of place.
After a while, she headed to the restroom.
While inside, she overheard two women talking excitedly.
"Did you see that couple in black? They look stunning together."
"Yes! They fit each other perfectly."
Nica smiled faintly. Though jealousy pricked her heart, she was also happy for whoever they were. She had always longed for a love like that.
When she stepped out of the restroom, her smile faded.
Across the hallway, she saw Chris.
Her breath caught.
No... that can't be possible.
Wasn't he supposed to be at an important meeting?
She rubbed her eyes and pinched herself.
This was no dream.
A small smile formed on her lips as she prepared to walk toward him.
Maybe he had come after all.
But before she could take another step, she froze.
Chris was pressed against the wall... kissing Ella passionately.
His hands were around her waist, while Ella's fingers tangled in his hair.
The world around Nica shattered.
Ella noticed her first.
Instead of shame, Ella smirked and boldly raised her hand, giving Nica an insulting gesture.
Nica's body trembled.
Her best friend.
Her boyfriend.
The two people she trusted most had betrayed her.
Tears burned her eyes as she turned and ran.
She could not breathe.
She could not think.
She only wanted to escape.
But in her haste, her heel caught the edge of the carpet.
She tripped.
Everything around her went dark.
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