When I got back to the party, I saw Brian and Laurel sitting very close to each other at the corner table. I stared from afar, watching as they leaned too closely to each other.

It hurt my heart, watching them sit so closely and exchange touches in public. They looked like they were not even trying to hide this. They are making me look like a fool; the love of my life and my best friend.

It’s a pain like no other.

“You know,” Ryan came up from behind me, making me jump, “you should join the party.”

“I don’t like being the center of attention,” I said, “I’d rather be on the sidelines.”

“I know what you mean,” he answered back with a soft smile, “Watching is always more interesting than being a part of the full picture.”

“Yeah,” I said, “it is.”

Silence took over for a bit.

“I know you heard,” Ryan whispered, “what was said in the car. I hope you know, whatever you decide to do, I’ve got your back.”

I looked at Ryan with wide eyes, “You didn’t tell Brian?”

“I owe you more than I owe him.” Ryan said, “And what he’s doing is wrong.”

“Aren’t you…” I looked around before saying the next thing, “scared?”

He looked around as well, “I may be working for a mafia family, but I still have my code.”

“I’m glad.” I smiled at him, “I just wished my best friend could have been trusted, you know?”

Ryan looked at me, his eyes trying to say something he can’t say out loud.

I smiled at him, encouraging him to say it. I could tell he was about to say it but his body language changed, became secretive. “What are my two favorite people doing here?” Brian’s voice came to my senses. I felt his arms slide around my waist.

“We’re just chatting, love.” I said, leaning back on instinct. It felt wrong immediately, like I was lying to everybody in this room. But, I guess, I was lying. I was pretending to be happy when I wasn’t.

“Hmm, okay.” He said as he kissed my neck lightly, “Why don’t you sit down over there, Angela. I have to talk to Ryan for a bit.”

I saw Ryan stiffen for a little bit; he looked a bit scared. “Can you dance with me first?” I asked.

“Oh, can it be later?” He asked, “I really need to talk to my…best friend.” His voice sounded dangerous. I needed to protect Ryan, especially after what he did for me.

“You won’t stop me from dancing with my future husband?” I said with as much of an innocent voice as possible.

Brian took a beat, looking between us before smiling again and taking my hand. He twirled me around, “Of course,” He said, “Anything for the love of my life.”

My heart sank at his lie. He brought it to the dancefloor, signaling the DJ to play something slow.

The song, “So Close” by Jon McLaughlin started to fill the room. We danced to the waltz beat, slow and…fake. I looked into Brian’s eyes, which I could tell wasn’t looking at me but behind my head.

I wanted to turn to look but I knew who he was staring at.

Suddenly someone tapped my shoulder, it was Laurel. “Hey, sorry, “she said, “Can I cut in? I have things to discuss with you, Angela.”

“You do?” Brian asked at the same time I asked, “Really?”

“Yes,” she said with a sly smile. I have no idea what she wants to talk to me about. I nodded at Brian and left with Laurel. We went to the table they were sitting at earlier.

“So,” Laurel started, her smile turning cautious, “I have something to tell you.”

“Should I be worried?” I asked.

“Oh,” she giggled – but something about it felt fake, “It depends on how you see things.”

I looked at her questioningly, waiting for her to continue what she was going to say.

“I just want you to know, I’ll always be your friend, okay?” She said, “No matter what.”

“Of course,” I said slowly, “I’m starting to get worried, Laurel.”

“You…” She paused before continuing, “I’ll be fine.”

I looked into her eyes, searching for answers. Then, it dawned on me that she didn’t want to be doing what she’s being forced to do either. She must have been sold too. However, her parents are rich; partners with the Rocha family. What could have happened?

“Laurel,” I said, “I’m also your friend, okay? I’m here…no matter what.”

Laurel looked like she was about to cry. However, she was trying her best to not let the tears fall.

Then something felt off. I looked at the glass of water on the table, that was shaking. I looked up to see the lights overhead swinging.

Then I realized, this was an earthquake.

“EVERYONE TAKE COVER!” I heard Ryan scream as the light fixtures started to fall. Glass explodes on the floor, cutting my skin. I looked in front of me to see Brian dive to protect Laurel.

I would have felt my heart break again but the next thing I felt was a light fixture fall right next to me. The glass from it sliced my legs, “AHHH!” I screamed, falling to the ground clutching my leg.

Bringing my hands to my face, I saw blood covering them, making me nauseous.

The shaking stopped and Brian looked up at me, “Oh my god, Angela?” He said, stumbling over to me. My eyes weren’t focusing on him; my vision was glassy. I felt weak, tired. I felt his arms support me but it meant nothing as my consciousness slipped away.

“You left me…” I said before falling unconscious.

-- --

I woke up to bright lights and the beeping noises of monitors. My legs felt like they were in a cast. Groaning, I opened my eyes, squinting at the bright lights.

“Angela,” Brian said, “Thank God you’re awake.” He sounded worried, which confused me. I thought I didn’t mean much to him anymore.

My throat and lips felt dry. Brian put a straw to my lips, “Sip.” He said, and I did. The water quenching the dryness I felt.

“Thank you,” I croaked out, “Why are you here?”

“I would never leave you,” He said, holding my hand, “Despite what you said at your party.”

I stared at him in disbelief. I almost died and he was still lying? “Why are you lying to me?”

He looked hurt, like I actually offended him, “I was never going to leave you, Angela.”

“But you were going to make me look like a fool.” I said, “You were going to marry me but keep Laurel at your side.”

The silence that followed hurt. “Ryan’s already paying for telling you.” Brian said. My head snapped to his direction, “What did you do to him?” I asked, scared.

“What needed to be done.” He answered, “He deserved it.”

“…He’s your best friend.” I said in a whisper.

“But he betrayed me,” He said coldly, “He needed to be punished. If I didn’t, I would be seen as weak.”

“No one thinks you’re weak,” I said hurriedly, “It’s not too late –“

“It is.” He cut me off, “He’s gone.”

I looked at him, shocked. I knew what his family was, I knew how he was raised. But Ryan was his best friend. They grew up together; I can’t believe he killed him.

“And you better know it’s all your fault.” Brian said, taking me back.

“What?!”

“If you weren’t so obvious, I wouldn’t have known he told you.”

“No one told me! I heard it in the car! I pretended to be asleep.”

His look hardened, “How dare you,” he growled, making me wince, “You lied to me?”

I looked away, not answering him.

“You answer me, now or else –“

I cut him off this time, “You won’t marry me?”

He looked so angry at this point, “I am still going to marry you because you are mine. If I have someone to break the routine from time to time, that’s my business and not yours.”

Tears started to fill my eyes and spill over. I heard Brian sigh. The side of my bed dipped with his body as he sat down. His hand comes to my chin and forces me to look at him.

“Sweetheart,” he said, his voice thick with love and understanding. I can’t comprehend how he could sound like this, “You know I love you, right?”

I tried to look away but his grip was steady, “Angela.” He said, “Look at me so you know I’m telling the truth.”

I shook my head and closed my eyes, refusing with all my might.

“Angela Duncan.” He said, his other hand digging to my injured leg. Pain made my eyes open and I saw him so clearly. I looked at him and his eyes did show he looked heartbroken it was almost unbearable.

My eyes squint, “You’re telling the truth?”

“Yes, of course.” He said, caressing my cheek and letting go of my leg. I was able to breathe normally after, “I know we were brought together through a contract between my family and your parents. But I came to know and love you. And I know you feel the same way too.”

I leaned into his touch and he kissed my forehead, “Okay,” I said, “I believe you.”

I could feel his lips curl into a smile, “But Brian,” I said, pulling away, “Will you stop seeing her then? My best friend? For me?”

He looked me straight in the eyes, his look surprised, “No, I may love you but you aren’t enough.”