In Love With The Broken Man

17 years old

I gaze at the stunning New York City lights outside the automobile window. My lips form a smile. I haven't visited this metropolis that never sleeps in a very long time.

I look at my attire for the gathering tonight and sigh. I'm pleased with the tosca dress I'm wearing, which has a fitted waist, leg slits, and a halter neck that crosses over in the front. I've swept my long, wavy, golden hair to one side. This ought to be suitable enough to go to one of the most important events of the year.

I look at Sienna, my cousin, who is seated beside me in the automobile. Her maroon one-shoulder dress makes her appear stunning.

Max, her older brother, is sitting next to the window of the other car, typing on his phone. In his navy suit, he appears well-groomed as well.

Uncle Vaughn and Aunt Melanie are seated in the front seats. Mom is currently traveling with Dad on a business vacation abroad. It's better to send me here to spend the summer vacation with his sister than to have me pout by myself in our Texas house. I've told him I'm too excited to spend the summer in New York.

This is where I intend to meet my pals in addition to spending time with my cherished cousins, aunt, and uncle. I will have the most amazing summer vacation ever.

Max cheerfully says, "Luna can't wait to see us," informing us that his fiancée is already anticipating our arrival.

Correct. Fiance.

Who would become engaged immediately after enrolling in college? Max and Luna are there.

Everyone is aware of their intense love, and I can understand his obsession with her. One of the loveliest persons I've ever met is Luna Blake.

Therefore, nobody opposed when Max revealed that he had proposed to Luna, but he made it clear that they would only be married after graduating from college.

Luna's parents, Lucas and Cassandra Blake, have become close to Uncle Vaughn and Aunt Melanie. Everyone is aware that Lucas and Cassandra Blake are the most adored celebrity couple in the world, as well as a famous billionaire and a rockstar. To this day, the Blakes continue to attract the attention of reporters and paparazzi.

They wouldn't enjoy tonight's event without Max's family because they have become close with them. Since it was first announced, the aforementioned event has been drawing media interest. And that's the wedding of their son.

The marriage of Ethan Blake.

Ethan Blake will marry his future wife tonight at the age of 26. And for that reason, we're all in this car on our way to New York's most amazing wedding venue.

We exit the vehicle as soon as we arrive at the premises. Uncle Vaughn lets the valet handle it. As I look at the great entrance, my heart is racing. There are many famous people there. I recognize too many well-known faces: actors and actresses, supermodels, musicians, politicians, businesspeople, and socialites.

Oh no. The event tonight will undoubtedly go down in history. The largest wedding in New York this year is that of Ethan Blake.

Sienna whispers in my ear, "Oh my God, remind me to behave," as we ascend the main lobby's steps. "There are so many people here I want to take pictures with."

I laugh, and my breath catches in my throat as we enter the reception's main venue, a big, opulent ballroom packed with even more immaculately dressed folks. I saw media personnel recording the ceremony and reporters interviewing a few visitors. Even though it won't be televised live, this wedding will undoubtedly be shown on television.

Max approaches Luna, who is waiting in a row near the altar. She is stunning in a silver long-sleeved dress with her hair in a sophisticated twisted bun. She gives us a wave and gives Max a brief peck on the lips as we get close to her.

Max looks at her affectionately. "You look beautiful." He is unable to conceal his admiration. "And joyful, and anxious.

"Of course, I am." Luna smiles and sighs. "It's my brother's wedding."

She then throws Sienna into her embrace, and they both squeal with delight as they separate. Without a doubt, she has become close to her prospective sister-in-law. These days, they are practically best friends.

"Nyla." At last, Luna turns to face me, her eyes glimmering with joy. "Thank you for coming here." She smiles warmly as we give each other an embrace. It's wonderful to see you once more. You were missed.

"I missed you, too." I grin back at her, appreciating the opportunity to join them in celebrating this significant occasion.

"Come sit here." She motions for us to take a seat next to her.

Max sits next to her. He's followed by Sienna and me. I can't resist sweeping my gaze around the area. This is the largest hall I've ever been in.

I see Aunt Melanie and Uncle Vaughn welcoming Luna's parents. Uncle Vaughn converses with Lucas as Cassandra Blake hugs Aunt Melanie. Cassandra and Lucas both appear overburdened. Naturally, parents must be feeling upset because their son is getting married.

I hold my breath till my eyes eventually flicker to the groom. I never doubt Ethan Blake's good looks, but he looks much better now that he's wearing a tux and has his brown hair combed in the traditional slicked back.

He is speaking with one of the most popular celebrities in the world, Cal Jackson, who is also his mother's close friend in the music business. Cal, his spouse, and his kids are present. I saw the well-known twin brothers and Jasmine Jackson accompanying them.

"I can't believe that it's finally happening." I'm startled out of my reverie by Luna's speech, which makes me turn my focus away from the groom. "Isn't it unbelievable? He has been in love with this woman for a long time, and they are finally getting married. After five years of dating, they are finally getting married," she tells Max in a dreamy tone.

I'm paying close attention as she shares details about her brother's romantic life.

"I knew that they wanted to do it earlier, but they had to wait until Olivia finished her master's degree in London," Luna explains. But to them, two years of long-distance was nothing. It strengthened their bond even more. Everything moved so quickly after she returned, and I'm amazed that we're here at this point." Luna looks quite joyful as she wipes away her tears. "I'm sorry, I just..." Max holds her hand in his as she inhales deeply. "I don't know why I'm getting so emotional." She laughs a little. "I suppose I'm simply overjoyed for him. My brother's first love is getting married. His actual love.

Olivia Stone is a woman I've heard about. During our drive here, Max gave us a briefing about her. She is the daughter of Alexander Stone, a prosperous businessman. She would be ideal for someone like Ethan. Olivia and Ethan met in college, and they have done a wonderful job of keeping their relationship out of the spotlight and as quiet as possible. People haven't stopped talking about them since the amazing news of their marriage made the headlines.

Max murmurs to Luna, "You'll be a bride soon too," and plants a kiss on her knuckle near the engagement ring he gave her. She smiles at him while her eyes continue to sparkle with joyous tears.

I turn back to look at Ethan, who does appear happy tonight. When he speaks to his guests, a smile never leaves his face. As he hears their jokes, his eyes sparkle with joy, and he bursts out laughing. As soon as the visitors excuse themselves, Ethan inhales deeply and exhales deeply, perhaps to slow his pounding heart.

He is undoubtedly attempting to contain his excitement. He seemed to be completely enamored. Ethan Blake's passion for Olivia Stone is evident even to me, who does not know of them.

My lips form a smile. I'm pleased for them. Olivia is fortunate to have a partner who truly loves her.

"Did you just hear that? My attention is diverted by Sienna's echo, "My stomach just growled." She nibbles on her lower lip. "I'm fucking hungry."

What she just stated makes me giggle. We spend the next few moments chatting and taking selfies, together with Luna and Max.

When I say, "I need to go to the restroom," Sienna raises her eyebrows.

The majority of the guests had already taken their places, as I could see when she looked about. "What are you doing? Soon, the ceremony will begin.

I laugh. If I had to hold my bladder for another minute, I would rather miss the procession. "I'll be back soon."

Exit the restroom cubicle and gaze at my image in the mirror as I wash my hands at the sink. I shift my hair to one side and tuck a strand behind my ear, revealing my beloved butterfly jewelry. I recall Mom handing it to me, and a smile came to my lips. It's a priceless present that I will always cherish.

I open the door and step out of the bathroom. I'm strolling down the hallway when I notice something. In the corner, a young girl wearing a white dress is sobbing and dabbing at her tears.

As soon as I walk up to her, I feel concerned. She turns to look at me as I stoop beside her. Tears well up in her large chocolate eyes. Her face is covered in worry.

"Hey," I murmur, softly grasping her shoulders. "What is the issue, my love? What's causing your tears? What took place? I examine her, wondering if she's simply lost.

"I've lost my flowers." Her lips quiver and her voice breaks. "If I don't find it, I can't walk down the aisle with my sisters."

I look at her, at the flower crown on her head, at her white clothing. She is probably a member of the bride's family and must be one of the flower girls.

"Don't worry," I tell her, dabbing at a tear. "I will assist you. Do you believe you dropped it somewhere?

She lets out a little cry and shakes her head. "I'm not sure. I can't recall, but I went to a room. It's too large here. Mommy is also looking for it, but she hasn't found it yet. She is attempting to contain her tears.

"Where have you disappeared to? I might be able to locate it.

I nod as she gestures toward a lengthy hallway on her left.

"And where is your Mom?"

Around the bend, she gestures to another corridor.

"All right, pay attention. I try to reassure her by whispering, "Everything will be fine." "Your mother must be searching for you, so just return to her right away. Alright, I'll find your flowers.

The young girl looks at me as if I were her superhero. Her eyes sparkle with hope as she nods.

I follow the path she indicates, searching for any indication of flowers and expecting to see a few petals along the route as a hint that would help me locate it. I'm afraid I don't find anything.

I stop as I come to an empty room. It appears to be a waiting area. On the table next to the couch are many half-empty champagne glasses. I look all over the room, but I can't find the flowers.

As I continue down the corridor, I come to another door that is partially closed. I take a slow step toward it. Even though the door isn't as widely open as the one before, the silence on the other side leads me to believe that the room is also empty.

I knock on the door just in case. "Hey? Is there anyone present?

I don't hear anything. I wait a few more seconds, but nothing appears. This is an emergency, yet I know I shouldn't do it. I inhale deeply before opening the door. I discovered a bed, a sofa, and a dresser in an empty room.

Despite having additional couches and chairs, this room is the same size as the one I was in just now. I move my gaze around, making sure to look in all directions to locate the blossoms. However, my efforts are in vain, and I begin to feel disappointed.

In the hopes of finding the flowers on the floor beside the bed, I look in the area by the window. I go around this area as well after spotting another path leading to a rear entrance, but I only see a credence table and no flowers.

I hear conversations as soon as I enter the building through the back entrance and reach the patio that leads to a garden outside.

"This is it?" A man is talking. His tone is one of anger.

As I look at the bride in her white bridal gown, facing the man in this garden's darkness, my eyes enlarge with surprise. I can still see her beauty even though it's nearly completely dark outside, save for the light from the patio where I'm standing. Despite her beauty, Olivia Stone's look is anything but joyful.

The man says again, his voice coming from clenched teeth, "Is this what you want?"

He's tall, and his attractive face is illuminated by the patio light as he approaches her.

He's not Ethan, though.

Naturally, Ethan was present in the hallway-I saw him.

"Roman, please." Olivia's voice trembles. "It was a mistake." She begs him to stop whatever he's doing as she fixes her beseeching gaze on the man in front of him.

Roman's mouth clenches. "You can't do this." His voice has a tenderness that surprises me. "You can't do this to us." As if trying to restrain his rage, he clenches his fist tightly at his side. "Do you think that you can just go back to him after what happened?"

Olivia gives a defiant shake of her head. "I'm sorry." Her voice breaks. "I'm sorry for what happened between us, but I can't do it anymore." Roman looks at her incredulously as she swallows. Then she inhales deeply. "I love him." Now there's shame in her voice. "I love Ethan."

Roman laughs, but his face shows the misery he's feeling. Hissing, "No, you don't," "You wouldn't cheat on him with his best buddy if you truly loved him. Are you implying that our possessions aren't authentic? Will you simply disregard our actions in London?

Olivia sobs quietly as my heart shatters. For the man who is waiting for her at the altar, not for her. The world appears to come to a halt. What's going on?

Did I hear them correctly? Was Ethan betrayed by them? Roman. " Olivia's cheeks are now wet. "I felt lonely and stressed." I couldn't understand. Both you and I made a mistake. Our actions were terrible.

Roman looks at her as if she just said the most absurd thing ever. He appears to be trying to break something. Olivia, hurry up. "I came to you," he says, his voice full of danger and desperation. "It wasn't just one time, you know it." You approached me. You didn't consider what you said while you were on my fucking bed in my arms just now."

I have a terrible feeling that makes my stomach turn. I want to instantly go from this spot, but the shock that is engulfing me has me firmly planted on the earth. I'm immobilized.

Nyla, get out of here. All of this shouldn't be happening to you. Run. Take off.

"You said that you love Ethan?" Roman laughs once more. "That's bullshit."

The tears are suddenly pouring from Olivia's eyes. Hard.

"Roman, please don't do this. Please. I'm not even sure which man she's crying for when she does this. Her subsequent statements, however, affirm that "I did make a mistake, and I do love Ethan." I wasn't strong enough to accept that he wasn't with me at that time because I was at my lowest. My heart is always aching for him. I want to spend the rest of my life with him. He is the person I wish to wed. Please. You-" She chokes. "You have to forget everything about us."

"No, you don't mean that." Roman's trembling voice is unbearably painful. "Because I loved you, I also decided to study in London. I fulfilled the task that Ethan was unable to do. You're claiming that you merely used me now? That when you needed me, you could just leap into my arms and return to your fiancé without any further explanation?" His voice is so loud that I nearly jump in surprise as he yells.

As soon as they sense my presence, Olivia and Roman both suddenly turn their heads in my direction, and I am enveloped in darkness. Fear is trembling through my entire body.

I'm the first to speak, which surprises me because the other two of us are too astonished to comprehend what's occurring. I stammer, "I'm sorry," instead. "I didn't mean to--"

"How much did you hear?" Olivia interrupts me, her horrified eyes wide.

Since I essentially heard everything I shouldn't have, I am unable to respond to that. I take a deep breath.

"Who are you?" Olivia queries.

"I was just trying to help the flower girl." My voice is shaky.

She raises her voice, practically yelling, "Who are you?" She seemed to be in danger of passing away. She had heaving up and down in her chest.

I inhale deeply in an attempt to quiet my heart, which is pounding in my chest like a drum. "I-I came--" My breathing suddenly became difficult, and I nearly choked. I joined Max's family when I arrived.

Olivia looks at me as if I've just given her a brain injury. "Max?" She hardly makes a sound. "You mean, Luna's fiancé?"

I want to cry. I can feel the catastrophe I'm about to bring about and the mayhem that will result from seeing all of this. I should have avoided getting involved in this disaster.

"You're Max's family?" You can see the fear gliding across Olivia's face.

I say, "Please just forget about this," without hesitation. "I would act as though nothing had occurred. I firmly say, "I didn't see or hear anything," and return to the building, knowing that they won't believe me.

Olivia wouldn't be able to move on from the fact that someone just overheard their talk, regardless of who I am or if Ethan would find out about this secret. It would be detrimental to Luna even if I weren't related to Max or close to her.

I return to the room and hear her speaking to Roman once more. Her voice reverberates with panic.

She sobs, "Oh, God," "What ought I to do? What happens if she discloses this to someone? What happens if Ethan finds out?

Forcing my trembling legs to pull me away from them, I continue to walk, hoping this is only a nightmare.

"How am I going to face them?" Olivia sounds distraught, as if everything is falling apart. "How am I going to face Ethan if he knows about this?"

When her tears stop, Roman says, "You don't have to face them" once again. He speaks firmly.

I'm startled by a loud voice saying, "There she is," as soon as I leave the room.

I turn to see the flower girl approaching me, accompanied by a woman who is most likely her mother. I abruptly closed the door behind me since I didn't want to start any more trouble. Tonight, I've already caused too many problems.

Because I entered this forbidden place, I am well aware that the most anticipated wedding of the year will most likely end badly.

When the young girl rushes toward me, I pick up my speed. No one else should be able to enter through that entrance.

"I've got my flowers back." The girl stops in front of me, beaming from ear to ear. With a little basket of flowers in her hands, she pants. "Thank you for your help, though."

I give her a gentle stroke on the hair and put on a shaky grin before continuing. As I walk past her mother, I simply nod gently, and she smiles warmly at me. She appreciates my attempt to assist.

I hear her say to her daughter, "Go to your sisters," and I don't turn around. Olivia should get ready, I'm going to say. The moment has come for her to get married.

My mind is racing. My only goal is to get out of here as quickly as possible and to conceal what has transpired. Right now, I have no idea what's happening behind that door.

Are Olivia and Roman still conversing in the garden?

Or has she entered the room again without him?

However, I don't want to believe the worst explanation that comes to mind.

Sienna squints at me when I settle back next to her in the hallway. "What took you so long?"

I concentrate on my hot hands and lap. Weakly, I add, "I got lost," and Sienna laughs, going back to the altar.

"It's almost time." Luna squeals, and I hear it.

My heart bleeds at the scene before me as I prepare to look up. Standing at the altar with his eyes fixed on the aisle is Ethan Blake. His face is beaming with joy, and his eyes are full of his desire to see his bride.

I've never seen a man so happy. To finally have their "forever," that is the expression of a man who is prepared to take his vows with the lady he loves deeply.

I'm excited to see the bride. She must be quite beautiful. Sitting next to me, Sienna laughs. "Right, Nyla?"

I don't respond to her. Too many scenarios are running through my head.

"Nyla?" I quickly turn to face Sienna after she gives me an elbow. "What's wrong?" She examines me closely. "You look pale."

I fake a smile and shake my head.

A couple more minutes go by, then more minutes. A sense of amazement begins to permeate the air. People's breath is being held.

At the altar, Ethan Blake is still standing patiently. He never takes his eyes off the aisle. I yank my eyes away from him and return my attention to my lap.

I have a large lump lodged in my throat. My eyes start to well up with tears, and my chest is constricted.

You claimed to adore him. You declared your intention to wed him.

He's waiting for you, please.

I curse myself in my heart for my foolishness and recklessness.

As more time goes by, Ethan's smile gradually disappears. His expression changes to one of confusion.

His bride is still nowhere to be seen.

People start whispering. They are discussing what might have happened in whispers.

I feel my heart breaking, and I let out a little weep.

Please return.

In my heart, I pray constantly. I'm not sure what I'll do if she doesn't return to him.

Come back for him, please.

You claimed to adore him.

Please return.

Return.

However, Ethan Blake is left alone at the altar when his bride never shows up.

Midnight has arrived.

The visitors have left already. Lucas Blake, who appears to be very irate, has asked all of the reporters and paparazzi to leave the building. Families from the bride's and groom's sides are the only ones who still reside here.

Since we were previously regarded as members of the Blake family, we are still here as well. I have remained seated, as have Luna, Max, and Sienna. Max puts his arms around Luna while she sobs against his chest. She seemed to be in complete heartbreak. Max whispers comforting words to her while kissing the top of her head.

Ethan's parents are speaking with Uncle Vaughn and Aunt Melanie in an attempt to assist them in resolving the issue. As they discuss the missing bride, I see how distressed Ethan's parents appear.

The Blakes are powerful and well-connected enough to learn what might have happened to Olivia Stone in these last few hours. It must have occurred to them that this is not an accident. The bride has made the independent decision to leave.

As Cassandra Blake walks up to her kid, my heart sags. She hugs him while crying. Ethan hugs his mom in return. I can see that he's holding back as he squeezes his eyes shut, as his mother sobs. It's not for himself that he's attempting to save himself from disintegrating. For his mother, that is.

She wipes away her tears as she draws away, and her shattered expression is killing me as she looks at him.

I'm unable to identify the words that Lucas Blake uses when speaking to his son. He gives his son a quick embrace as well, and I can see the rage in his eyes as he turns to leave Ethan.

Tragically, their family was humiliated in front of the entire world on a day that should have been happy and sacred.

The bride's side families have already left, appearing equally distraught, by the time Uncle Vaughn and Aunt Melanie come up to us.

Uncle Vaughn gives Max a sly glance, as if they are conversing without exchanging words. "They're leaving," he informs his son. "Ethan will stay here."

Max sighs and plants another kiss on Luna's forehead. He murmurs, "Luna," as Cassandra approaches us to fetch her daughter. "We're heading home. I'll accompany you, shall we? Let's head home.

Max is more important to the Blakes than to us, so he may accompany us home. He is essential to Luna, particularly at this tragic time.

Luna sniffs, then shakes her head in denial when she sees her mother.

Cassandra looks pleadingly at her daughter, her eyes glistening with sorrow. "Luna." She is trembling when she speaks. "Let's go home, sweetheart."

However, Ethan is still standing at the altar with his back to us, and Luna's gaze is firmly fixed on him. A lump in my throat is swallowed.

"No," Luna says in a broken voice. "What about Ethan?"

After taking a deep breath, Cassandra adds, "He's staying here," with just anguish in her voice. "I need time to be alone," he replied.

Once more, Luna shakes her head. "I'm not leaving him."

Max assists her in getting to her feet, but Luna chooses to approach her brother rather than part from Ethan.

"Ethan," she calls. She lets out a little weep and then opens her mouth once more to say, "Let's go home."

The air is quiet, and I can see her lips quiver. She awaits Ethan's answer.

She adds, "Please," in a feeble voice.

"I'm staying here," announces Ethan. He has yet to turn around and look at us all. "Just go home, Luna." He has a raspy voice.

Luna looks at him incredulously. With her hand balled at her side, she inhales deeply. "I'm not going home without you." She speaks firmly. "I'm not leaving you here alone."

She pleads once more after not hearing back from him. "Please, Ethan. Come home with me, please. "What's keeping you here?"

The tension builds as Ethan continues to elude her for extended periods of time. As I watch, tears stream down Luna's face, demonstrating the depth of her grief for her sibling.

"Why are you still waiting here?" Anger now permeates her voice. She seemed to be caught between erupting and breaking down. "Why are you still waiting for her?"

"Because the last time we spoke, we promised each other to meet at this altar!" When Ethan turns around at last, his voice erupts. His jaw is clenched. His eyes well up with tears, yet he does not cry. I can see the pain in those lovely ambers, but he hasn't shed a tear since his bride left him.

I feel like I just got a heavy slap across the face. I nearly choked at the size of the lump in my throat.

Due to me.

I caused his spouse to flee.

I've hurt this man so much, and I'm not sure how I'll be able to forgive myself.

Olivia would have walked down the aisle as she had promised Roman if I hadn't overheard them conversing in that garden.

Max ends up supporting Luna after she is shocked by how loud Ethan's words are. Max hugs her as she continues to look at her brother with such sorrow in her eyes.

Ethan yells, "I'm sorry, Luna," as he turns away from us once more. "Would you--" He exhales in frustration. "Will you simply leave me and head home? Would you please?"

"Come, Luna," Max says in a whisper. "He'll be okay."

It's difficult, but I also want to believe Max. Everyone is aware of Ethan's problems. But the least we can do is give in to his wishes, which is to leave him alone here for a bit.

Lucas calls out, "Luna," and Luna turns to face her father, who is waiting for her with her mother, prepared to exit the hall.

At last, Luna sniffles and nods. As they make their way to the door, Max puts his arms around her.

Aunt Melanie and Uncle Vaughn also go, but I remain in the same place. I am immobile. I'd rather stay here than go. I am solely responsible for this incident.

"Nyla," I'm startled to hear Sienna say. She tugs me to get out of my chair. "Come on. We're heading out. Come on, Nev.

All I can do is allow her to pull me away. I can't take my eyes off of Ethan, and his back is the last thing I see before leaving the hallway.