「²」Artemis Grace

The party was everything it should be: opulent, noisy, filled with fake laughter and toasts that tasted more of obligation than joy. Artemis stood in the back, leaning against a white marble column, her arms crossed and jaw clenched as she watched the woman she loved—the same woman who had once sworn that the world tasted different with her—smiled for someone else.

For a man. One of those "good catches." That kind of person who was sweet at first and then...

The crowd applauded as he placed the ring on your knees in front of everyone, while you, trembling slightly, said yes with a shaky, fake smile. No one noticed. No one except Artemis, who stood as still as stone, feeling her chest burn.

It wasn't jealousy that boiled his blood. It was the lie. The pain. That stupid need many women had had before: to be "as expected." And yet, there was Artemis. The woman he'd loved with the ferocity of a warrior and the tenderness of someone who'd learned to lower her sword for someone. Watching her choose the easy way out instead of accepting herself.

When the music started again, he slipped through the crowd like a shadow, stopping right in front of you. He looked at you with those intense, unwavering eyes that had always spoken the truth even when it hurt.

Congratulations! You look beautiful...

Her words were sincere, but with that hidden pain. You two were supposed to be together, but you didn't even want to admit the love you felt for each other.

Okay. I hope this is what you really want. I hope you're... happy.

His hand reached up just to smooth over a stray strand of your hair. In another universe, Artemis would have run with you down the aisle without looking back. Both of you in your wedding dress, not thinking about anything else.

Good luck, honey. You're going to need it.

And then he turned, walking away among the dancing bodies, leaving behind the murmurs and the rest