Chapter 9: A blind date
Anne sagged her shoulders, eyes downcast. Yes, she had been grateful to Denis – grateful for that day when he had pulled her away from her mother's furious blows, shielding her like a knight in shining armor. In her naive heart, she had crowned him her savior who would lead her into the peaceful, happy future she had always dreamed of. But that dream was now shattered.
"He cheated on me," Anne said grimly. When she recalled Denis taking Tania's side, her blood boiled. "He is back with his first love. And to top it off, he got her pregnant."
"Wait—what? Tania? She is back?" Audrey exclaimed with disbelief.
Anne nodded.
Audrey tossed the cushion aside. "That scumbag," she spat. "He actually reconciled with Tania? Did he forget how she dumped him three years ago?"
"Honestly, I don't care," Anne said flatly. Her tone was devoid of the pain one might expect.
Audrey cast her a worried look. "Anne... are you okay?" Her voice softened, the fire in her eyes dying down. "You don't have to pretend. If you want to cry, cry. Don't hold it in."
"Cry?" Anne's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Why would I cry? I've already cried enough for that man. Now? I just want to enjoy my freedom."
Audrey grew even more concerned. She thought her friend was deeply hurt. This wasn't peace; it was numbness, the kind that masked a heart drowning in silent agony.
"Anne," Audrey murmured, taking her hand. "You loved him for years. It's normal to feel heartbroken. Let it out. Scream, cry, throw things if you have to. Hell, curse him if it helps."
"Audrey, stop being so dramatic." Anne waved her hand dismissively, cutting off her friend's concerned rambling. "I'm fine, really. I've wasted enough time on Denis. I'm done crying over a relationship that was never worth it. I have better things to do with my life."