The Hidden Secrets

I held up the unopened invitation. "My wedding. Wanna see it?"

Luke gaped, then laughed, "Who else would you marry besides me?"

He brushed the invitation to the floor.

"You..."

I looked up at him, but he went quiet, frowning at his phone. His hand twitched, and a few seconds later, he finally lifted the phone to his ear. His lips pressed into a thin line, but there was still a flicker of hope in his eyes.

"I'm not coming," he said.

Amanda said something on the other end, and he pulled away from me. "Where are you?"

He rushed out, slamming the door. The cold air hit my face, matching the chill in my heart.

Luke was usually so calm and gentle, but coldness was hidden behind his façade. It turned out he could be flustered and desperate. He was just alive only with Amanda.

I guessed that was what love looked like.

That evening, Josh called, his voice frantic. "Come to the bar. Some guy is hassling Amanda, and Luke is drinking himself sick over it."

I hesitated but went.

When I arrived, Luke was punching the guy and gripping his collar. "You lost the game. Apologize to her, as you promised."

Josh pulled him back. "Enough, Luke. He's done."

The guy glared at Amanda. Luke swung again. "Don't you dare look at her!"

They fought, and in the end, Josh dragged a battered, drunk Luke out.

He spat blood, slurring, "He apologized. Good. I've made it right."

It was hard to believe the cool and reserved man would show jealousy for once. Even before passing out, he was worried about Amanda.

I took him to the hospital, and he mumbled her name in his sleep.

Seeing his worried expression, I couldn't hold back. "Why are you doing this to me? I'm not a replacement."

He stirred and whispered Amanda's name again. I laughed bitterly, looking away.

Morning came, and my face itched.

I woke to Luke's chuckle, his eyes holding a warmth I hadn't seen in years. He asked, "You looked after me all night?"

I nodded, but my voice was icy. "Yeah, for Mike's sake. Consider this me repaying you for four years of care."

His brow furrowed. "Repay?"

Before he could say more, Josh arrived with a relieved expression.

He pulled me outside and asked seriously, "Are you and Luke together? I figured it out at dinner."

I froze, done hiding. "Yeah. But not for long."

"You saw what Luke did for Amanda at the bar," he sighed. "Keep this up, and you're gonna get hurt."

My face turned pale, but I forced a smile. "I get it."

Turning around, I saw Luke standing there. He shot Josh a glare and said, "You can leave now."

Still weak, he questioned me, "Why did you tell him we're together?"

I jerked up my head, trying to explain, but he wouldn't listen. He patted my shoulder and said, "It's fine. You don't need to explain. I'll go public when the time's right."

"Don't bother. We're done!" I shoved his hand off, my voice trembling from grievance.