C5 Five

As I stood there, my heart still racing from the fear of Cher possibly knowing about me and Ace, I tried to compose myself. Taking a deep breath, I asked her, “Cher, what exactly do you know?”

Cher looked at me with a mix of concern and curiosity. “Well,” she began, “Leon was talking to me this morning. I met him on my morning run. He mentioned that you forgave him for what happened and that you two are planning to get married. He even asked for my advice on what ring would suit you best.”

My mind raced, trying to process the information. How could Leon be spreading such lies? He knew we had broken up, and I had made it clear that there was no chance of reconciliation. I looked at Cher and mustered the courage to speak truthfully, “Cher, I never forgave him, and there’s no way we’re getting back together or getting married. I don’t know why he’s saying those things.”

Cher’s expression softened, and she reached out to hold my hand reassuringly. “I believe you,” she said gently. “It sounds like he’s creating a false narrative to save face or manipulate the situation.”

I nodded, grateful that Cher wasn’t angry or judgmental. “I’m so sorry that he’s dragging you into this,” I said, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. “I can’t believe he’s spreading such lies about us.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Cher said, offering a comforting smile. “It’s not your fault. People can be unpredictable, and sometimes they do hurtful things for their own reasons.”

I sighed, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders knowing that Cher didn’t know about Ace and me. But I was still puzzled about Leon’s behavior. “But why would he do this?” I asked, feeling a knot of confusion in my stomach.

Cher shrugged, “Who knows? Maybe he’s trying to make himself look better after what happened between you two. Or maybe he’s trying to make you jealous. People do strange things when their pride is hurt.”

I nodded, trying to make sense of it all. “It’s just so frustrating,” I admitted. “I thought I knew him, and now I’m left wondering if I ever really did.”

Cher gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Sometimes people show their true colors in unexpected ways,” she said. “But remember, you are not defined by his actions. You’re a strong and resilient person, and you’ll get through this.”

Her words brought a sense of comfort, and I appreciated her unwavering support. “Thank you for being here for me,” I said, feeling grateful to have her as a friend.

“Of course,” Cher replied. “That’s what friends are for, to be there during the good times and the bad.”

As I sat with Cher in the room, I couldn’t help but admire her serene composure. She was the picture of tranquility on her wedding day, and it struck me how different she was from the frantic and stressed-out brides I had seen in the past. Her calm and collected demeanor was both admirable and somewhat unsettling, making me wonder how she managed to stay so composed amidst all the wedding preparations.

“So,” Cher said with a soft smile, breaking the silence, “I have news for you.”

I furrowed my eyebrows curiously, wondering what surprise she had in store. “What news?” I asked, trying to contain my excitement.

A playful glint appeared in Cher’s eyes as she leaned in closer. “You will walk down the aisle with Ace,” she announced, her voice filled with delight.

I blinked in surprise, my mind racing to process what she had just said. “What?!”

In my mind, walking down the aisle with Ace doesn’t feel right, especially after last night. However, since it’s Cher’s special day, I didn’t want to spoil it for her. I’ll keep the fact that I slept with her brother a secret for now, so she can enjoy her wedding day as the center of attention. And just like any other best friend would do, I told her I’m really excited to walk down the aisle with her brother.