Lanie’s Story 1
I’d secretly accepted a proposal to move back to Miami, all to escape them, my two childhood best friends.
I figured they wouldn’t care; their eyes were glued to that intern, anyway.
I’d imagined their reactions, the hurt, the pleading… maybe even a little anger.
Instead, they just stared, cold and unimpressed.
They were certain I wouldn’t leave.
But I was drowning in disappointment.
I bought a wedding dress, claimed it was for a wedding back home.
They called it a manipulative tactic.
I burned every photo we’d ever taken together.
They said I was trying to get their attention.
showed them the marriage certificate.
overacting.
They said I was overacting.
They were practically glued to that intern, completely unconvinced I’d willingly abandon them.
I didn’t care if they believed me.
A month from now, the wedding would come, and I’d be gone.
“Lanie, family arranged a marriage for you years ago. Now that you’re better, are you willing to go back to Miami and get married?” My mom’s voice crackled through the phone.“If not, I’ll talk to your dad, and we can call it off.”
Silence filled the dimly lit room.
Just as she braced herself for another refusal, I spoke.“I’ll go.”
My mother was stunned on the other end of the phone, as if something was unexpected. “You…
My voice was flat.
you agreed?”
“Yes, but I need a couple of weeks to wrap things up here. I’ll be back within two weeks, Mom. Start planning the wedding.”
I hung up, a weight lifting off my shoulders.
The moment the line disconnected, deafening music blasted from downstairs
–
a raucous birthday party.
I could even hear someone singing “Happy Birthday.”
Qiana’s shrill, over–the–top laughter pierced the air.
My two best friends, however, lapped it up.
I sighed.
It wasn’t the first time I’d witnessed this scene, but it still stung.
This mansion used to be mine*.
Quiet, secluded, every corner designed to my liking.
Every day, my two best friends would rush over, showering me with snacks and flowers, bending over backwards to make me happy.
Now, they still came, but their affections were directed elsewhere.
As I
As I descended the stairs, Qiana’s ecstatic shriek hit me.
She was practically dancing, surrounded by a mountain of lavish gifts.
Ethan, his dark eyes soft with affection, spoke first.
“It’s your
nineteenth birthday, sweetheart. I got you my favorite sports car. hope you love it.”
Mason wasn’t to be outdone.
“You always wanted an oceanfront house, right? This beachfront villa is all yours…”
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< Lanie’s Story 1
Qiana was overwhelmed, practically speechless, trembling with excitement.
“You… you’re both too good to me. I’m so ordinary; I don’t deserve this…”
“Don’t be silly!”
Ethan gently wiped a tear from her cheek.
“You’re amazing, the best girl I’ve ever met.”
Qiana beamed, then her eyes flickered to me.
“Oh, Lanie, you’re here! Wasn’t it your birthday yesterday, too? Did the guys get you tons of presents?”
I glanced at them, remaining silent.
Ethan and Mason exchanged a look.
They’d completely forgotten.
Their focus had been entirely on Qiana.
Mason walked over, tossing a black card my way.
Mason
“Things got a little crazy yesterday. Didn’t get you a gift. There’s a hundred grand in there. Get yourself whatever you want.”
It wasn’t just “a little crazy;” it was Qiana’s usual drama.
I didn’t take the card, simply shaking my head.
“No, thank you. Keep it for Qiana.”
Mason froze, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
He’d expected tears, a tantrum.
This was unexpected.
“What do you mean?”
His hand remained outstretched.
My refusal clearly irritated him.
I don’t need your gift.”
A shadow crossed Mason’s face.
He stared at me intensely.
“Just because we forgot your birthday, you’re acting like this?”
Fine. If you don’t want it, I respect that. Just don’t regret it.”
I smiled faintly. “I won’t regret.”
I didn’t need their gifts.
And honestly?
I didn’t need them to be my best friends.
