Bitter–Sweet

The ballroom was dazzling. Glittering chandeliers, delicate floral arrangements, and the soft hum of classical music filled the air. Laughter and murmured conversations blended into an elegant symphony of celebration.

But for me, this night was nothing short of a nightmare.

At the center of the room stood Kenneth Williams, the man I had loved for seven years. The man I had sacrificed my future for.

And beside him, Sophia Montgomery, draped in a stunning silver engagement dress, her fingers entwined with his.

My breath hitched as I took an unsteady step forward.

No. This isn't happening.

Then, the voice of the event host shattered my last shred of hope.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the engagement ceremony of Kenneth Williams and Sophia Montgomery!"

Applause erupted. The sound slammed into my chest like a hammer.

I felt lightheaded.

I must have misheard.

This was a joke. A misunderstanding.

Kenneth turned, and our eyes met.

For a split second, something flickered in his gaze-guilt? Recognition?

Then he turned away.

Like I was nothing.

A low chuckle.

Sophia, her hand resting over her stomach, smirked as if she had just won a battle I never even knew I was fighting.

Pregnant.

My world spun.

I staggered back, my breath coming in sharp gasps.

"No... no... this can't be happening."

I forced my way through the crowd, my voice shaking. "Kenny?"

He didn't flinch.

Didn't acknowledge me.

Didn't even spare me a glance.

But Sophia did. She tilted her head in mock sympathy.

"Oh, darling," she cooed, "you didn't actually think he was going to marry you, did you?"

My nails dug into my palms.

"Tell them, Kenny," I whispered. "Tell them I was there for you when you had nothing! Tell them I-"

"That was your choice, Ivana."

His voice was cold. Unapologetic.

The final knife to my chest.

I choked back a sob, my entire body trembling.

Laughter rippled through the guests. A few whispered behind their hands, watching my humiliation unfold like a tragic play.

My heart pounded as I turned to Kenneth again, desperate to see something-anything-in his eyes that would make this all feel like a horrible mistake.

But there was nothing.

He stood there, tall and composed, his hand resting lightly on Sophia's waist, like I had never mattered.

I clenched my fists so hard my nails dug into my palm.

"You said we would build a future together," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the music. "I dropped out of school. I worked three jobs. I sent you abroad with everything I had!" My voice cracked. "You had nothing, Kenny. I gave you everything."

Kenneth finally turned his head, but his expression was distant. Indifferent.

"You don't belong in my world, Ivana," he said simply.

Sophia let out a low, mocking laugh, rubbing her stomach. "He's marrying me. His equal."

The words sent a fresh wave of pain through me.

Equal?

As if I was beneath them.

As if the years I spent struggling, fighting, sacrificing-meant nothing.

Something inside me snapped.

I strode forward, raising my hand-

A firm grip caught my wrist.

Kenneth's grip was cold, his eyes colder.

"Don't embarrass yourself."

I yanked my arm away, breathing heavily, my face burning with humiliation.

More laughter. More whispers.

"She actually thought he'd marry her?"

"She looks so desperate."

"This is so sad."

I couldn't take it.

Without another word, I turned and stormed out of the ballroom.

Tears blurred my vision as I pushed through the large double doors, the sound of my heels echoing down the marble hallway.