The Last to Know Chapter 02
Chapter 2 I Chose to Walk Away
Author: Yestin
The moment I pushed open the private room door, shimmering confetti rained down over me.
As the glittering ribbon confetti drifted down, I caught sight of Fiona in another man’s arms. She was leaning into his kiss, her knees nearly giving way.
The friends I knew so well stood around them with their phones raised, capturing every sweet moment.
The perfect scene shattered the instant I walked in.
Everyone froze. One after another, they sucked in a sharp breath. No one dared meet my eyes.
The man glanced at Fiona, confused. “Honey, is he your friend too? Why does everyone look so uncomfortable now that he’s here?”
“Oliver, he—”
I did not give Fiona the chance to finish. I stared straight at Oliver Hayes.
“I’m Fiona’s boyfriend. I know you’ve been together for eight years. But we’ve been together for twelve. If you don’t believe me, I can show you the videos on my phone.”
I opened my photo album. Twelve years of memories unfolded in front of everyone.
At a school assembly before the SAT, Fiona gave a speech as the student representative. When she finished, she confessed her feelings for me in front of the entire school.
“My dream isn’t just getting into Kingsley University. It’s building a future with Gavin too.”
In college, we were walking hand in hand across the campus lawn when she suddenly pulled a car key from behind her back and shyly placed it in my palm.
“You take the bus to the hospital every day to see your mom. It isn’t easy. From now on, drive instead. I could only afford a used car for now, but one day, I’ll buy you a better one.”
The used car had only cost 30,000, but it was every penny she had managed to save growing up.
In our tiny apartment, a drunken Fiona clung to me and refused to let go. She made me start recording before speaking to the camera.
“One day, Gavin and I are going to have the life we’ve always dreamed of. I’ll never marry anyone but him.”
At the celebration for our company’s IPO, our friends surrounded us, cheering louder and louder.
“Fiona, you’ve been dating forever. When are you finally marrying Gavin?”
She never looked at the camera. Her eyes never left mine.
“Our house is almost finished. When Gavin turns thirty, we’ll get our marriage license.”
Today was my thirtieth birthday. The day we had promised to get married, but she had disappeared for the entire day to marry someone else.
When the final video ended, silence swallowed the room. Even breathing sounded unbearably loud.
The people standing in this room were my friends. Some of them had once been close to me. They had witnessed every step of our relationship. And in the end, every one of them had betrayed me.
Oliver’s eyes reddened as he clenched his fists.
Fiona hurried in front of him, shielding him as if she were ready to sacrifice herself.
“Gavin, that’s enough. This is all my fault. I couldn’t let go of what I had with you, but I also fell hopelessly in love with Oliver. You’re innocent. And so is he.
“If you’re angry, take it out on me. Don’t blame Oliver.”
Oliver stepped out from behind her. He casually turned his wedding band, looking every bit like the rightful husband.
“Anyone would lose it after something like this. Believe me, I understand how you feel. But Fiona and I are legally married now. She’s my wife, and I’m her husband. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.
“Fiona is kind and has a good heart. If you have any demands, just name them. We’ll do our best to compensate you financially.”
Financial compensation? Did they really think twelve years together could be bought off with money?
I was about to speak when Sean cleared his throat and cut me off.
“Gavin, that’s enough. Honestly, neither Fiona nor Oliver did anything wrong. Love doesn’t play by the rules. Nobody cares who came first.
“I’m your best friend, so I’m giving you honest advice. Walk away now while everyone can still keep their dignity. You’ll even get a breakup settlement. If you make this ugly, who’ll ever want to marry you?”
I stared at Sean in disbelief, but the words caught in my throat. I could not force out a single one.
Then, Fiona’s younger brother spoke up, followed by the rest of our mutual friends.
“Gavin, you’re a good man. But Oliver’s a good man too. Honestly, I wish Fiona could marry both of you, but she could only choose the one she loved more. I’m sorry.”
“Gavin, it’s obvious Fiona loves Oliver with all her heart. Otherwise, she would’ve married you instead of him. It’s over. You should let her go.”
Fiona and Oliver stood pressed tightly together.
Everyone else gathered behind them, forming an impenetrable wall. All of them united against the one person standing outside it.
Me.
It was as if every ounce of strength had drained out of me. I did not have the energy to fight anymore.
I reached into my pocket and took out the faded key to that old used car.
I had driven it for ten years. Even after I could easily afford something better, I had never replaced it.
I set the faded key on the table. It was not just the car I was leaving behind. It was twelve years of my youth, my love, and the friendships I had once treasured.
“All right. I’ll walk away.”
