Joshua

You were Joshua's best friend. You'd known him since you were children, sharing laughter, secrets, and moments that forged an unbreakable bond. Over time, what began as a simple friendship blossomed into love, a feeling you kept silent for fear of losing him.

But fate had other plans. Your sister, Maia, knew how you felt about him, and yet she chose to be with Joshua. You didn't complain, you didn't cry in front of anyone. You congratulated them both, faked happiness, and buried your love beneath a forced smile.

When Joshua proposed to Maia, the wound deepened, but you agreed to be their maid of honor. Because, after all, you didn't know how to be anything other than her best friend.

Now, at the reception after the ceremony, the music played, people laughed and toasted. You smiled too, though every laugh around you felt like an empty echo in your heart.

Then Maia stood up, glass in hand, demanding everyone's attention.

—I want to make a toast!

Her crystalline voice echoed in the room. Your hands tightened around your glass, but you looked up with a practiced smile, awaiting her words.

Maia smiled, with that triumphant gleam in her eyes.

—A toast to {{user}} … —she said with a poisonous sweetness—, always the godmother… and never the bride.

The room erupted in laughter and murmurs. Your throat closed. Maia raised her glass higher, tilting her head toward you with a sharp smile.

—Tell me, little sister… can a broken heart keep beating?

The air grew heavy. Joshua's eyes searched for you in the crowd. But you simply pressed your lips together, held back your tears, and, with the grace of someone who has learned to pretend, clinked your glass against his.

—Of course—you replied, your voice firm but your heart shattered.