To the Love of My Life

Maya gave a stiff nod, feigning a good-natured expression as she asked, “Is the engagement ceremony ready? Do you need any help with the preparations?”

“Mom and Steve Burton’s mother are preparing the ceremony together; I don’t need to worry about it,” Ruby said. She had always dreamed of marrying Steve, so she was genuinely excited about the engagement banquet. Even so, she couldn’t help but tell Maya about the details of her wedding. “The engagement banquet is taking place at Red Park Resort & Villas. There’s a large lawn by the lake; Mom sent me a photo the other day. I saw the beautiful arrangements…”

Ruby took out her phone from her pocket as she spoke, found the picture, and showed it to Maya.

Even just for the engagement ceremony, the arrangements were so dreamy and romantic. What would their wedding be like – even more magnificent and grand?

Looking at the picture that resembled a scene from a fairy tale, Maya held in her heartache and nodded in agreement. “It seems they’ve put a lot of effort into it,” she said.

“Yes,” Ruby replied, not realizing how heartbroken Maya felt. She continued, “The engagement dresses for me and Steve were custom-made by a French designer. And the ring, Aunt Burton has a pink diamond in her collection that we gave to the jewelers to design. We haven’t decided on the final design yet, so when they finish, you can help me choose the most beautiful one… Oh, and the food at the engagement dinner is from a famous chef…”

As Maya looked at Ruby, whose eyes danced with happiness, she was suddenly unable to listen to her words any longer.

Their happiness and beauty together were deep thorns in her heart.

Maya took a deep breath, pretending to suddenly remember something, and said, “By the way, Ruby, did you know? Our university classmates from Ciawell are organizing a reunion soon.”

“I received the group email.”

“That’s good,” Maya said those three words, wanting to bring up another topic, but her mind was too occupied with all that Ruby had just mentioned. She grew weary and closed her eyes lightly. “Ruby, it’s getting late, and you have to work this afternoon. I’m tired too.”

“Then I’ll head back to the office first. You should rest well.”

“Yes, goodbye,” Maya smiled.

“Goodbye,” Ruby returned the smile and walked out of the hospital room.

As soon as the door closed, the smile vanished from Maya’s face. Feeling suffocated and unable to vent, she looked at the fruits and supplements that Ruby had brought with her. Irritated, she threw everything on the floor.

After venting her anger on the items, Maya turned her head to the side, breathing heavily. Only then did her heart feel slightly relieved.