Heartstrings and Heartbreaks

After walking into the venue alongside them, Maya spotted several familiar faces—close friends she and Oscar had known for years.

And just like that, the atmosphere turned unbearably awkward.

"Maya, please don't be upset… Diana's illness really can't wait," someone murmured, trying to sound earnest.

"Yeah, we all know today's wedding is just for show, so please, don't take it to heart," another chimed in.

So they all knew. Every single one of them had known that Oscar was marrying Diana. Yet not one of them had told her. And now, they were standing there, urging her to understand. To be the bigger person. To smile and nod and make peace with betrayal.

Maya gave a quiet, expressionless nod. "I know."

She never imagined that in the four years she'd been gone, everyone around her had quietly drifted toward Diana's camp. The creeping realization left her hollowed out and bitterly amused.

When the wedding ceremony began, Oscar and Diana stood beneath the soft, golden lights, gazing into each other's eyes. They followed the emcee's instructions to the letter, every movement choreographed, every vow uttered with polished precision.

And then, Oscar pulled out the ring.

A customized Harry Winston diamond ring.

Maya's heart clenched. Oscar wouldn’t have chosen that brand lightly—he knew exactly what it symbolized: an eternal commitment. And the resolve in his expression… it wasn’t fake.

So he'd already made his choice long ago.

Then why? Why had he sought her out the moment she returned? Why had he ignited old feelings if he had no intention of honoring them?

She forced herself to keep it together, willing the ceremony to end so she could finally leave this charade behind.

And then came the final act: the kiss.

The emcee, eager to hype up the crowd, prompted Oscar and Diana to kiss. Oscar hesitated and glanced over at Maya.

She wasn't even looking at him.

She was scrolling through her phone with cool detachment, as if the entire spectacle before her were nothing more than background noise.

A wave of irritation surged through Oscar. Since when had Maya become so composed? The old her would have stormed off in a fury if he so much as chatted with another woman. Yet now he was literally marrying her sister, and she was just… playing with her phone?

Why wasn't she breaking down?

Why wasn't she fighting for him?

That strange unease in his chest tightened. But before he could say anything, Diana tugged his arm, gently urging him back to the moment.

Meanwhile, Maya paid them no mind.

She was browsing flight tickets—desperate to leave, but frustrated to find no departures available for the next few days. She didn't want to stay here, not a minute longer.

The doctor had specifically advised her to keep a balanced diet, remain calm, and avoid stress. None of those were remotely possible in her current state.

And then, under the cheers of the crowd, Oscar caved.

He leaned in and kissed Diana.

Maya glanced up at precisely that moment.

And yes, her heart twisted sharply—but only for a second.

She took a deep breath, grabbed her bag, and turned to leave as quietly as she could. But just as she reached the edge of the stage, Diana's voice rang out.

"Maya," she called sweetly, "I'd love for you to say a few words of blessing. This is the final part of the ceremony—you wouldn't refuse me, would you?"

Once upon a time, Maya might've flown into a rage, refused to be humiliated, perhaps even slapped Diana across the face.

But now?

Now, she simply set her bag down and walked up onto the stage.

"Of course," she said calmly. "I'd be happy to give my blessing."

She turned to face the guests.

"I wish Diana and Oscar a lifetime of love and happiness together. May your marriage be filled with joy, and may you be blessed with a beautiful family in the years to come."

She paused. "Is that sufficient?"

A visible shadow crossed Oscar's face. He stepped forward abruptly, grabbing her wrist with a hint of desperation.

"What do you mean by that?" he snapped. "Can you stop being so unreasonable? How many times do I have to explain? This whole wedding—it's just for show. Once it's over, I'm yours. Isn't that enough?"

The emcee stared blankly at the trio onstage, clearly bewildered by the unfolding drama.

But Maya yanked her hand free and took two steps back, her gaze icy.

"Oscar," she said coolly, "what makes you think I'd ever want a man who's already married? You're married to my sister now—so act like it."