The air in Aunt Maya’s condo was as pristine as the view from her balcony, overlooking the bustling city below. I sat across from her on a velvet armchair, my hands wrapped around a warm cup of tea. She looked at me with expectant eyes, her smile soft and full of hope.
“So, you’re finally getting married,” she said, her excitement unmistakable. “After all these years of waiting for Kyle, it’s about time!”
I hesitated, staring into the amber liquid in my cup. “Yes,” I said quietly, then added, “but it’s not to Kyle.”
Her smile froze, confusion flickering across her face. “Not to Kyle? What are you saying, Katheryn?”
I set my cup down, carefully choosing my words. “I’m marrying someone else. It’s... not Kyle anymore.”
Aunt Maya’s brows furrowed as she leaned forward, searching my face. “Is this because of your parents’ arrangement? Are they forcing you into something?”
“No, it’s not like that,” I said, shaking my head. “This is my decision. I’m doing this for me.”
Her worry didn’t ease. “But why? After everything you and Kyle have been through…”
I drew in a deep breath, steadying my voice. “Things with Kyle have been falling apart. There’s… someone else. A third party was involved.”
The words felt like gravel leaving my throat, but Aunt Maya didn’t press further. Instead, she sighed, her expression softening.
“If that’s your decision, Katheryn, then I’ll respect it,” she said. “I just want you to be happy, truly happy.” she reached for my hand and squeezed it. I gave her a small smile.
“Thank you,” I whispered, feeling a lump rise in my throat.
Aunt Maya stood and motioned for me to follow. As we walked toward the door, her husband’s deep voice echoed faintly from another room, humming along to a tune on the radio. The condo was the picture of comfort, a stark contrast to the turmoil I felt inside.
When we stepped out into the hallway, the last thing I expected was to see Kyle.
And Jane.
They were standing a few doors down, her hand lightly resting on his arm as they spoke in hushed tones. I froze, and Aunt Maya stiffened beside me.
Her eyes narrowed, lips curling into a sneer. “Unbelievable,” she muttered under her breath.
Kyle turned and spotted us. His eyes widened, and he stepped toward us, awkwardness evident in his stride. “Katheryn? Aunt Maya? I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Apparently,” Aunt Maya said icily. “I'm living in this place.”
Kyle ignored her tone, gesturing toward Jane. “I was just helping Jane settle into her new place. She moved in yesterday, and there were a few things she needed help with.”
Before Aunt Maya could unleash whatever sharp remark was brewing, I gently touched her arm. “It’s fine,” I said quietly.
“Fine?” Aunt Maya hissed, her gaze darting between Kyle and me.
Kyle turned to me. “Katheryn, wait for me. I’ll finish helping Jane, and we can head home together, okay?”
I nodded, my throat too tight to respond.
Aunt Maya gave Kyle one last glare before turning to me. She reached for my hand, her grip firm but comforting. “Take care of yourself,” she said, her voice filled with both love and warning. Then, without another glance at Kyle, she retreated into the condo.
I stood there for a moment, rooted to the spot, before heading toward the lobby.
Twenty minutes passed before Kyle sent a voice message: “Hey, Katheryn. It's me, Jane. My faucet pipe is leaking. So, I asked for Kyle's help to fix it, so go ahead and leave without him. he’ll see you at home.”
I stared at the message, my emotions a tangled mess of resignation and anger.
Just as I was about to step outside, my phone buzzed with a call. I hesitated before answering.
“Hello?”
What greeted me was Jane's muffled sobs and Kyle's angry voice.
“Why are you so mean to Jane, Katheryn,” Kyle said angrily. “I don’t know what she did to deserve your harsh words, but you need to stop being such a jealous woman. It’s pathetic.”
My breath caught in my throat, disbelief washing over me.
His words hung in the air, sharp and venomous.
I ended the call without replying, my heart pounding in my chest. The weight of everything—the years wasted, the lies, the humiliation—pressed down on me all at once.
As I stepped out into the chilly evening air, I realized something: I was done. Done waiting, done hoping, done with Kyle.
And for the first time in a long time, I felt free.
