Ch 1. The Distance

Lia watched as he walked towards her. He had a dazzling light in his eyes that was embraced with hope. He stopped just a feet away from her and knelt down on one knee,

"Will you be mine?" he asked.

Lia's eyes dulled. And she moved her body towards him, hoping he would take those words back and return them towards her. Not that other girl.

"What?" the other girl gasped.

"N-" Lia had the word stuck in her throat.

"I want you to be my wife." he confirmed.

Lia felt her legs weakened. 'No, why can't it be me? Why would he choose her over me?' Lia had many thoughts coursing through her mind.

"Y-yes!" she answered wholeheartedly.

Xavier who had just proposed to Dahlia, immediately stood up and hugged Dahlia and lifted her into the air with delight. The crowd that had gathered around them cheered, wishing the couple blessings. Lia could only grip onto her black knitted dress. And her nails dug into her palm and created beads of blood, as she watched the two passionately kiss under the bright moonlight that fathered onto the couple like a spotlight/ The scene was like a fairytale.

Xavier suddenly searched the crowd and saw Lia. he smiled. 'Please don't smile at me like that.' Lia begged in her mind. Xavier opened his mouth,

"Lili! As my friend from childhood, come to my wedding, okay?" he looked absolutely thrilled.

"O-of course! How could I not attend my friend's wedding?" Lia forced the words out, wishing she could swallow them back in.

"Thanks for introducing us! Dahlia and I really owe you for letting us meet!" Exavier held Dahlia's hand.

Lia, who saw their every interaction, felt a knife stab her. Xavier who did not notice her abnormal reaction, continued to collect words of blessings from his friends and family. Lia finally heard something inside her snap and break into infinite pieces. she slowly and gently walked out of the backyard and ran.