Chapter 22
Roy found himself unceremoniously tossed out to the wedding venue’s entrance by security, the heavy doors slamming shut behind him, cutting off the vibrant chaos inside. Even from the outside, he could almost hear it all–the officiant announcing the ring exchange, the guests‘ laughter, and that gentle, heart–shattering kiss.”
It felt like an invisible hand was squeezing his heart, leaving him breathless and in agony. Desperately, he hurled himself at the door, pounding on it with all he had, his voice raspy and pleading, “Open up! Please, open up! Emma! Don’t marry him! Please…I’m begging you, don’t marry him!“&
But inside, no one seemed to hear him or care. The wedding carried on, with laughter, applause, and blessings that sliced through him like daggers.
Roy rested his forehead against the cold door, tears streaming down his face uncontrollably. He never imagined he’d be reduced to this–begging for forgiveness from the woman he loved.
Before coming here, he had thought of every possible way to win her back, even considering getting down on his knees.
Now, hearing her commit to someone else, he realized he didn’t even have the right to try to win her back.
“Emma… please… I know I messed up… don’t marry someone else… I’m begging you…” His voice dwindled to almost a whisper, nearly cracking into sobs. Those inside never responded, treating him like a stranger, irrelevant to their celebration.
Regret consumed him–regret for realizing too late, for not understanding his own heart sooner, for not cherishing her when he had the chance.}
It was too late.}
Finally, the door swung open, and Shelly stormed out, her expression as icy as her words were sharp. She marched up to Roy and slapped him hard, her voice brimming with fury and disappointment, “Roy! What the hell is going on with you and Emma?! Spill it! Weren’t you into Angela? How did you end up with Emma?!“}
Roy’s head snapped to the side from her slap, his cheek burning, but he barely registered the pain.
He looked up, his eyes filled with anguish and regret, “I really messed up. I shouldn’t have used Emma to practice before I date Angela. I don’t even like Angela anymore, I’ve been in love with Emma for ages… Please, help me get her back, without her, I’m dying inside….”
A rebound?!
Shelly shook with anger, pointing fiercely at him, “You’ve got some nerve asking me for help! Emma is my best friend! How could you play with her feelings like that?! How dare you?!”
Roy seemed deaf to her scolding, still pleading desperately, “Please help me… She can’t have fallen for him so quickly. She must be doing this to get back at me… Please, talk to her for me, will you?“}
Shelly was nearly beside herself with anger, yelling, “Get back at you? Are you kidding me, Roy? Emma’s had a crush on Fred forever! Didn’t you notice you and Fred kind of look alike? She’s not even into younger guys. She was probably with you because you reminded her of Fred.”%
Roy’s face went pale, his mind spinning, feeling like everything was collapsing around him.”
He shook his head frantically, his voice filled with despair, “No… no way! That can’t be true!”
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