Chapter 2

Two Months Later.

ELYSIA

It's been two months since I called off the wedding. I still remember all that happened like it's was just yesterday.

Flashback

When I woke up the next morning, I could smell something amazing, Rhonda is already at work. Making my house smell like a breakfast heaven. Washing my face and brushing, deciding to shower after breakfast, I walked out of my room down to the kitchen. Breakfast was really calling me.

"Morning." I said gaining Rhonda's attention. She looked at me with a smile. "Morning sleepy head, I thought I was going to wake you up with a breakfast in bed with how deeply you slept." She said. "What are you making?" I asked, moving to the coffee machine to make a cup for myself.

"A bit of everything, and it's a lot. Pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacons, and toast." She replied. "Hmm, you are fattening me up."I told her, taking a sip of my freshly made cup of coffee, I closed my eyes as the liquid ran down my throat and warmed up my stomach. She laughed and paid attention to the waffles

The doorbell rang and I placed my coffee and the counter and stood up to get it. I opened the door to see Brian. "Morning, Sia." He said. "Morning Brian, what are you doing here?" I asked him, he looked dressed for the office meaning he is meant to be on his way right now. "Just came to check up on you. How are you feeling?" He asked stepping into my home. I closed the door behind him. "I'm good. Rhonda kept me company since last night and she is making breakfast, you should join us." I said to him

"Okay, no problem." We both walked to the small dining table. Rhonda already set the pancakes, toast and eggs on the table. I walked into the kitchen to see my best friend, blushing. In case you did not know, she has a huge crush on Brian for almost two years now.

My best friend may be a spitfire but when it comes to Brian, she is a total jelly and my stupid dumb cousin is so oblivious to her feelings, even an outsider would figure it out after spending time with them for few minutes.

We all sat to have breakfast. "I told mum and dad what happened."Brian said. I have not even thought to tell them yet. But I appreciated him doing it for me.

" They want everyone meeting, tomorrow evening. Noemie and Matt included. "He added. My head shot up to look at him, why would uncle and aunty invite Matt, I understand for Noemie but Matt.

" What do you think it's going to happen?"I asked Brian who was enjoying his plate of waffles and eggs. He shrugged.

"Pretty much anything. Just be prepared." He replied. "The thought of having to face Matt made me lose my appetite but I managed to finish the few left on my plate.

After breakfast, Brian left for work and Rhonda soon after. Giving me a hug. "I will come over tomorrow too, just to hype you up for the dreaded dinner." She promised. "Okay, no problem. Enjoy your day." I told her. "Okay, bye. Muah." She blew a kiss as she stepped out my door.

Left alone, I cleared the table and washed the dishes, grateful for the distraction. When the last plate was put away, I went to my room to shower and then get dressed for the day. I chose something simple—a comfortable top and a pair of shorts that ended just above my knees. Leaving my room, I went to my office nook to work, to keep myself busy. Uncle and Aunt probably have their reasons to invite Matt, but I am not sure if I want to face him already.

My phone rang, breaking the silence that surrounded me in my nook. I glanced at the screen to see Aunty Daisy's name flashing. With a sigh, I dropped my pencil and swiped to answer the call.

"Good morning Aunty." I said, trying to sound composed enough. Even though it all hurts.

"Ely." Her voice came through, soft and warm, like always. "Good morning darling. How are you? Brian called yesterday and told us what happened."

The concern in her voice almost made me cry again. "Well, I'm not good." I admitted with trembling voice. "It all just happened yesterday, I don't even know what to say."

"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry." Aunty Daisy said with her soothing voice. "Just try to get by your days and it will soon be in the past. It takes time."

I swallowed hard, nodding even though she couldn't see me. "Yeah, thank you Aunty.

There was a brief pause before she continued, her tone shifting slightly. “Will I see you for dinner tonight? Your uncle is the one who called it.”

Dinner. Of course, the dreaded family meeting. My stomach tightened at the thought of facing Matt and the whirlwind of emotions that would surely follow. Still, I couldn’t avoid it. “Yes, sure,” I replied, forcing steadiness into my voice. “I’ll be there.”

“Good,” she said softly. “See you soon, sweetheart.”

A small, strained smile tugged at my lips. “Bye, Aunty,” I murmured before ending the call.

Rhonda arrived at three in the afternoon. I was watching a movie when she walked in. "Your fairy godmother is here." She said holding up a bag that looked like it contains pastries from her restaurant.

"What did you bring for me?"I asked, pausing the movie and looked up at her. " Your favourites." She replied. Placing the bag in the table, she emptied them all.

Donuts, cupcakes, some fluffy puff puff and finally a bottle of Zobo drink, it is made from dried Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and it has become my favourite drink since I tasted it. "Are you trying to get me high on sugar before I leave for the dinner." I asked chuckling at all she brought.

"Your choice, you may decide to eat them all now or after you come back. I have a feeling you might lose your appetite seeing those two." She said referring to Matt and Noemie. I nodded in agreement. Rhonda knew me so well.

I decided to keep my cupcakes, donuts and beloved zobo but eat the puff puff.

Rhonda sat beside me and I ate as we silently watched the movie. I rested my head on her shoulder as we finished the movie together.

Once it was five pm, I began to dress.

I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the fabric of my dress with my hands. The deep emerald green color was warm and inviting, perfect for a family dinner. The soft floral pattern was subtle but elegant, and the ruffled sleeves added a touch of charm without feeling overdone. The bodice hugged me in all the right places, and the flared skirt gave it just the right amount of movement.

I turned slightly, catching a glimpse of the back. The delicate bow sat perfectly at my waist, and the V-cut back was modest enough not to raise any eyebrows but still felt sophisticated. It wasn’t too much, and it wasn’t too casual—it was just right. I smiled, feeling comfortable and confident, ready to face whatever the evening might bring.

And I really need that confidence. "Looking good." Rhonda said, she was sitting in my bed snacking on my M&Ms. I smiled and wore my shoes and we left the room.

"Are you going with Brian?" She asked. "No, I will go with my own car, in case I need to bail." I told her.

We both left my apartment, walking to the parking lot. And got into our respective cars.

The drive to my aunt and uncle's place was almost forty minutes. I opened my sportify and played music so I would not have to drive in silence. First song was 'Good for you' by Olivia Rodrigo and I almost laughed at the similarities of the song and my life.

I arrived at the house and saw only Uncle Robert's two cars, I guess I am the first to arrive. Parking my car, I alighted the vehicle and walked up the stairs to the front porch. I knocked.

"Hold on." I heard Aunt Daisy voice behind the door. She opened the door.

"Ely. You are here." She smiled pulling me into a hug. I returned the hug, enjoying the warmth that it brought.

We both walked in to the living room. Uncle Robert was sitting in a chair, but he stood when he saw me, "Elysia." He smiled pulling me into a hug and whispered, "It's going to be okay."

Seeing and hearing them released a dam of tears again. I hugged uncle Robert, crying in his chest. Rhonda may have made me happy for a while but everything still felt so painful.

About twenty minutes later, I stopped crying but my uncle was still hugging me. I pulled back to see that his shirt was already wet. "I ruined your shirt." I mumbled. "It's okay, darling. You can do that anytime." He replied. "You did me a favour, Ely. I never wanted him to wear that ugly shirt and now he has no choice but to change." Aunt Daisy said.

Uncle Robert rolled his eyes. "I will make sure to find one that is even more uglier" He said to his wife walking towards the stairs. "Try that and I will put you on fire." She threatened with a smile.

I smiled looking at my uncle and aunt, they were so in love just like mum and dad. And that was what I wanted with Matt, but I guess it was not meant to be.

I went to the backyard and sat in the swing to while away time until everyone else was around.

The swing creaked as I swayed back and forth, lost in thought.

“Elysia,” a soft voice interrupted.

I turned to see Noemie sitting on the swing beside me. Her face was pale, her eyes red-rimmed.

“I know no apology will ever be enough,” she began. “But I am sorry.”

“Since when?” My voice was cold, distant.

“Four months before he proposed. We ended it, but…” She hesitated, her voice breaking. “It happened again two months later.”

“So, even after the proposal, you continued.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Elysia. We didn’t plan for it to happen. I swear—”

I cut her off. “Do you love him?”

She blinked, startled. “What?”

“Do you love him, Noemie?” I repeated, my voice firmer this time.

She hesitated before nodding, fresh tears streaming down her face.

I stood, my chest heavy. “Then be with him. But don’t expect my forgiveness.”

Leaving her sobbing on the swing, I walked back inside, bracing myself for whatever awaited me next.

The dining room was warm and inviting with the aroma of the prepared dinner. Aunt Daisy had outdone herself again. Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables were on the table. With all the delicacy, the atmosphere felt so tense.

When I walked in I sat beside Brian, Uncle was already sitted at the head, Aunty Daisy in his right, Brian on his left. Elysia also came in and took her seat beside her mum. As I sat, I avoided looking in Matthew's direction.

The room was silent except for the clinking of silverware as everyone began to help themselves to the meal.

"Matthew, you haven't said a word all evening." Uncle Robert said, his voice sharp.

Matthew looked up, "What do you want me to say?" He asked.

“How about an apology?” Brian snapped, glaring at him.

“Brian,” Uncle Robert warned, raising a hand.

“No, Dad. He needs to own up to what he did.”

Matthew’s eyes flicked to me, and for the first time that evening, he spoke directly to me. “I’m sorry, Elysia.”

His voice was low, almost rehearsed. It didn’t feel genuine, and it did nothing to ease the knot in my chest.

“For what?” I asked, my voice calm but firm.

He hesitated, glancing at Noemie before answering. “For hurting you. For betraying your trust.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “Is that all? Because it sounds like you’re apologizing for getting caught, not for what you did.”

“I made a mistake,” Matthew continued, his voice faltering. “A terrible mistake. But I—”

“Stop,” I interrupted, holding up a hand. “I don’t want to hear your excuses, Matthew. You made your choices. Now live with the consequences.”

Noemie burst into tears, and Aunt Daisy quickly pulled her into a comforting hug. Matthew looked like he wanted to say more, but he remained silent.

The rest of the meal passed in tense silence. I barely touched my food, my appetite long gone. As soon as it was socially acceptable to excuse myself, I stood.

“Thank you for dinner, Aunt Daisy,” I said, forcing a polite smile. “It was lovely, as always.”

“You’re leaving already?” she asked, disappointment flashing in her eyes.

"Yes." I replied, my voice soft.

I left the dinning room, leaving all of them behind. Stepping out of the house, I drove home.

Immediately I was in my bed, I began to cry. For not noticing everything, there could have been a clue about it going on bet them. I cried because I thought I was going to get my happily ever after with Matt.

The betrayal cut deeper than I could have ever imagined. Matthew had been my world, the man I trusted with my heart. And Noemie—my cousin, my supposed friend—she had taken a knife and driven it right through my back.

It wasn’t just the loss of a relationship that hurt. It was the shattering of dreams, the destruction of trust, the bitter realization that the people I loved most had betrayed me in the worst way.

The sobs subsided into quiet tears as exhaustion took over. My body felt heavy, as though the weight of my grief had seeped into my very bones. I slept off, too tired to do anything.