Chapter 3 OUT OF PLACE

Lily had the audacity to ask, "Why did you leave so early? It's been years, of course I would like some catching up. I'm sure Sam would also love that."

Catching up? Is that what we're calling it now? Maybe she meant catching up to when she started loving my brother.

Her message lit a fire in my chest. Without thinking, I fired back: "Fine. I'd also like some catching up about you and Sam."

It was petty. Maybe even cruel. But why should I still care about her feelings?

She replied a few minutes later: "It's a long story, Edward. And in your absence, a lot has happened."

My hands tightened around my phone. I was so pissed, but I was also curious. And just as I reached for my wallet to pay for the flight and get the hell out of here, something in me stopped.

No. Not this time.

I wasn't going to run. I needed to look both of them in the eye and hear whatever excuse they had for tearing my world apart.

I went back to the wedding venue, but most of the guests had already left. Only close family members lingered now, laughing, chatting, basking in the afterglow of a perfect day.

Mum looked absolutely thrilled, beaming like she'd won the lottery. She'd always adored Lily. Lily had been more than just a family friend, she was practically one of us. Even back when it was me and Lily, Mum never said much, but it was obvious she approved. If she ever imagined one of her sons marrying Lily, I used to think it would be me.

Dad stood beside Sam, both of them looking like they had the world at their feet. Everyone looked so happy. And I? I felt like a guest at a party I never got invited to.

"Edward?" Mum's voice broke through my thoughts. She walked toward me, eyes wide with joy. Lily turned too, visibly startled. Then Sam.

I saw you leaving earlier. I tried calling, where did you go?" Mum asked, pulling me into a tight hug.

"Just needed some air. Felt a little stuffy," I lied, the words falling out before I could stop them.

She didn't seem to care. She was just glad to see me. So was Dad, who gave me a rare, warm hug.

Then came Sam and Lily. Both smiling. Lily's eyes searched mine for something guilt, maybe. Or was it pity? I wasn't sure.

I forced a smile and congratulated them. My voice didn't crack, not even once. I played the role perfectly. The supportive brother, the ex who'd moved on. And I was good at hiding pain, ever since I was young. What was one more night?

Sam pulled Lily to the dance floor "This is our music, one last dance milady" stretching forth his hand. She smiled and held his hand, they walked to the dance floor, where he grabbed her waist as she held his shoulder, they smiled and giggled, like he was telling her something funny. It was there that reality dawn on me that Lily would never be mine again.

My mum held my hand and took me to a quieter place, we both sat down and she asked about my company back in Paris, she was curious about my life and more curious if I meet anyone. The question hit me like a stone "a hot CEO like yourself, you must have a girlfriend by now" I was speechless, the words couldn't just come out. I was still yet to recover from Lily and another girl?

"uhmm.....no" I stuttered. My eyes left her and accidentally dropped at Lily and Sam at the dance floor.

"Don't tell me you're not yet over her" she asked.

I stared back at her blankly and then smiled and tried to change to subject "how about dad, how's his health?".

She stared at me and said "he's fine, he's been on his medication, his anxiety attacks are not like before, but he goes ones in a while to the hospital for checkups".

"okay" I muttered.

"you know we are actually planning on having a big family vacation on a cruise ship, along with Lily and Sam, they could do their honeymoon there, or stop by at an island for it, their choice. But the whole idea is to reconnect the family. And a vacation is what we all need".

"Sounds like a good idea" I said

"So does that mean you'll be coming as well? It's for a month. I'm sure your company would be fine without you for a month."

I had no intention of even staying this long, now a vacation for a month? I know my company would be fine, but am I ready to see Lily and Sam have a happy honeymoon for a month?

"I actually think I have work back in Paris when I get back, I don't think it'll work with me, I'm sorry"

"It's fine but think it through before deciding, you have a couple of days to make your choice tho"

Sam and Lily were done dancing, so they came over to us.

Sam walked over with a grin and wrapped his arm around Lily's waist.

"I'll be taking my wife now, I have a little surprise for her," he said.

Lily turned to me with a soft, apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry we could barely talk, Edward. Next time, I promise."

I nodded, unable to trust my voice.

She smiled one more time, then turned away with him.

I watched them walk off, hand in hand, hearts in sync and it felt like I was watching the final scene of a life I was never meant to be part of.