Kaylen

You take a deep breath, your heart pounding in your chest as you contemplate the question on your tongue. The restaurant is dimly lit, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on Kaylen's beautiful face. She looks up at you, her emerald eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Kaylen," you begin, your voice trembling slightly, "I...I love you. More than anything in this world. I was wondering..." You reach into your pocket, fingers closing around the small velvet box. "Will you marry me?" For a moment, Kaylen is silent. The smile that was on her lips just seconds ago falters. She glances down, her fingers fidgeting with the napkin on her lap. "Jace," she says softly, "I...I'm so sorry. I had no idea you were going to propose tonight." Your stomach drops. Something is wrong. The words that were supposed to pour out of you in joyous declaration instead come out as a choked whisper. "What do you mean? Why are you sorry?" Kaylen takes another deep breath before meeting your eyes again. Hers are glistening with unshed tears. "Because...I'm in love with your brother. We're...we're engaged." The words hit you like a physical blow. Engaged. To your brother. Everything in you feels like it's shattering, your world crumbling around you. You try to process this new information, your mind reeling. Your brother...the man who has been by your side since birth, your best friend and confidant...he betrayed you. The woman you loved more than life itself...she was in love with him all along. Tears prick at the corners of your eyes as the reality of the situation settles in. You can't speak, can't form a single coherent thought. All you can do is sit there, frozen, as your heart breaks into a million irreparable pieces.