After graduating from college in the city Julian lived, I returned to my hometown in New York. Two years of postgraduate studies at a prestigious university had led me to a career in education as a junior high English teacher at a private school.
Today, a change in plans disrupted my usual Friday work schedule. I made a quick call to the school to request leave and then started packing my stuff.
Just before I rushed out to the airport with my small suitcase, a flurry of messages from my best friend, Zoey Adams, flooded my phone.
Each one revolved around Julian's wedding.
Her words, whether intentional or not, felt like a test.
Zoey asked in the message. [Have you read the news in the group chat? Julian is getting married tomorrow and the e-vite has been sent out to everyone.]
Of course, I had seen the invitation, but the visitor tracking feature held me back from clicking on it. It was, after all, my ex-boyfriend's wedding and the details held no interest for me. It was not like I had nothing better to do.
I casually typed a reply to her. [Yup. I know. Julian actually called me this morning.]
Zoey seemed stunned by my answer. A beat of silence hung in the air before an explosion of exclamation marks showed up on my screen. [!!??]
[Seriously, what was he thinking? He actually contacted you again? You are his ex and Julian will be someone else's husband tomorrow. How could he do this!!]
Zoey's words sounded very angry as if he was complaining about my injustice.
I immediately typed. [Travel expenses are covered. Come over for a get-together. Just think of it as catching up.]
I kept my cool, maintaining a facade of relaxation despite the churning emotions within.
Upon reading my reply, Zoey was more surprised that Julian still paid for me.
A moment later, she probably figured out the situation as a wave of comfort washed over her words. [Ugh, that Julian is a jerk! Don't let him get to you. Come to the wedding and I'll be there tomorrow too. Consider me your fierce protector. Who needs to be afraid of him with me around?]
The implication was clear. She just promised that no one would dare mess with me as long as she had my back.
A warm feeling bloomed in my chest and I was grateful to have such a close, caring friend.
My fingers flew across the keyboard as she typed another message. [One thing's for sure: I'm not giving Julian a single penny for his wedding present. Disappointing him would be the least of it, but honestly, I'd feel awful doing that.]
As for that special gift that I promised Julian for his wedding when we broke up? What was he talking about? I'm always forgetful, just in case he forgot.
A sneer curled my lip.
[Absolutely, you can't give anything. Giving him anything would just boost his ego and make him look even better. Think of it as a gift to his wife instead.]
Zoey wholeheartedly agreed with my message, sending a quick reply on her phone.
I replied again. [You think too much. She's probably not thrilled about me being there.]
The one who would be most bothered by their husband's ex showing up at the wedding was definitely…
Ugh, I did not even know the name of Julian's current girlfriend.
Zoey came to the rescue at the right time. [Her name is Yasmine Harris. Pretty good-looking, kind and cute. She fits the image of a perfect wife in most men's eyes. No wonder Julian is so fond of her...]
Well, any man would be happy to marry someone like her, would they not? She was considerate and seemingly devoted to her family. I deeply agree with what Zoey said.
Knowing Julian as well as I do, I knew he thrived on a certain type of woman, someone uncomplicated, a blank canvas for him to paint on.
If I was not that way in the beginning, would he have even been interested in me?
With those thoughts swirling in my head, I hailed a cab to the airport. As I was settled in, the plane was ready to board and I ended my conversation with Zoey.
