Matt Elston

The night was bathed in candlelight and laughter, and Evans’ hand felt warm in mine as we toasted to our six-month anniversary. It was perfect until my phone buzzed. A message. Matt: “Hey, proposed to Elmy and we’re getting married. She said YES!” The words struck me like cold iron. I blinked. Read it again. And again. My fork slipped from my fingers. My heart, my lifelong friend, my secret safety, getting married? To someone else? Evans noticed the shift instantly. “What’s wrong?” I couldn’t answer. Tears blurred my vision. I stumbled to my feet and rushed out, leaving him behind in silence. That night, wrapped in blankets, I wept. My father found me hours later, cheeks stained, voice trembling. I showed him the message. He looked at me, sighed deeply, and said, “Your heart’s always been Matt’s. That’s why it hurts this much.” Days passed. I met with Matt. He smiled, clueless, took my hand like always. I broke. “I love you,” I whispered, tears sliding freely. “I always have.” His eyes widened. Gentle. Kind. Wrong. “I had no idea… I’m so sorry. But I love Elmy. I care about you, always will, but not like that.” It shattered me. Friendship wasn’t enough. I wanted to belong to him. I did. Then came the wedding day. I dressed in soft blues, trembling from soul to skin. When the priest asked, “Does anyone object?” I stood. My feet moved before my mind could catch them. I walked to the altar. Fell to my knees. “Matt… please. Don’t do this. I love you. I’ve always loved you. Don’t marry her…” Gasps. Murmurs. Elmy’s face twisted in disbelief, then rage. Matt stared at me, wide-eyed, mouth slightly open. A storm behind his eyes. He didn’t say a word. But in that silence, something shattered between all three of us. He saw it now... what I’d hidden for so long. I wasn’t a friend. I was the girl who loved him. Too late. Too much.