like something’s wrong. And if you need to talk, I’m here.”
Claire sighed heavily, rubbing her temples. “I don’t need to talk. I need to focus on my wedding.”
“Right,” Olivia said softly, nodding. “Of course.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
But as she watched Claire gather the train of her dress and walk toward the fitting room, Olivia couldn’t shake the feeling that she was already losing her best friend. And she had no idea why.
Olivia had agreed to every one of Claire’s demands. The dress fittings, the venue tours, the endless appointments.
She had even covered all her own wedding expenses, despite being a broke college student. None of it seemed to matter.
The text came out of nowhere:
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
« Hey, I need to talk to you. Meet me at the café. »
Olivia’s stomach twisted as she read it. Something told
her this wasn’t going to be good. Claire had been distant for weeks, but this message carried a finality that made Olivia’s chest tighten.
When she arrived, Claire was already seated, stirring her coffee in slow, deliberate circles. The café was quiet, the hum of low conversation and clinking cups filling the air.
Olivia slid into the chair across from her, forcing a nervous smile. “Hey, what’s up?”
Claire took a deep breath, setting her spoon down carefully. “I need to make a change. I—” She hesitated, eyes flickering to the side before locking onto Olivia’s. “I’m making my cousin the maid of honor.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Olivia blinked. The words hit her like a slap. “Wait… what?”
Claire’s fingers tightened around the cup. “It’s just—there’s been a lot of stress. And I need someone who—who doesn’t make things harder.”
“I don’t understand,” Olivia said, her voice
barely above a whisper. “Have I done something wrong?”
Claire sighed, looking exhausted. She rubbed at her temple, avoiding Olivia’s gaze. “It’s just easier this way. Please don’t make a scene.”
Make a scene? Olivia had spent months running herself into the ground to make this wedding happen, and Claire was acting like she was the problem?
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Her throat burned, and for a moment, she considered pushing back, demanding answers.
But she knew Claire—when she shut down, no amount of reasoning would break through.
So despite the hurt clawing at her chest, Olivia swallowed her pride. She forced her voice to stay steady.
“Okay,” she said softly. “If that’s what you want.”
Claire nodded, relief flashing in her eyes. But Olivia couldn’t help but notice that she wouldn’t meet her gaze.
A silence stretched between them, thick and uncomfortable. Olivia stared down at her
