untouched coffee, the steam curling in delicate wisps. Her hands clenched in her lap.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
This wasn’t just about the wedding. Something deeper was happening, something Claire wasn’t telling her.
“I should go,” Olivia finally said, pushing her chair back. Her voice sounded foreign to her own ears. “You have a lot to plan.”
Claire hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. Thanks for understanding.”
Understanding? Olivia didn’t understand at all. But she wouldn’t fight for a role that Claire no longer wanted her in.
She turned and walked out of the café, the bell above the door chiming softly. As she stepped onto the sidewalk, the cold air stung her cheeks, but it was nothing compared to the ache spreading in her chest.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For the first time in years, she wasn’t sure if she and Claire were really best friends anymore.
The morning of the wedding, Olivia arrived at the venue early, dressed in the pale pink bridesmaid gown Claire had chosen.
Even though she wasn’t the maid of honor anymore, she still wanted to be there for her best friend. She smoothed the fabric of her dress and took a deep breath before stepping inside.
The venue was chaotic. The bride’s mother was whispering furiously to the wedding planner, gesturing with sharp movements.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The florist looked flustered, arranging and rearranging centerpieces, and Claire’s cousin—the new maid of honor—was nowhere to be found. Guests were murmuring, exchanging glances filled with confusion.
Olivia’s eyes scanned the room until they landed on him—Daniel, the groom. He stood near the altar, rubbing his temples.
His best man was speaking to him in hushed tones, but the tension in his body was undeniable. His shoulders were rigid, his hands
