Chapter 14%
#Irish’s POV
“No… you’re wrong. I’m going to talk to Harry. You deserve to be with him more than I do.”
My voice trembled, carried by the current of my own emotions. It felt like speaking through a thick fog–I could hear myself, but I wasn’t sure if I was really saying the words out loud. My eyes searched Anya’s face, looking for answers, for a reason, or anything that could explain what was truly going on. But all I found was an eerie calm–not resignation, not sadness. Just… firmness.
Anya placed the embroidery on her lap, her movements slow, almost like a dance filled with unspoken meaning. She picked up the cup she had only been warming her hands on and took a slow sip. Then her eyes met mine–deep, wide, and… heartbreaking.
“Is this really you, Bella?” she asked, her voice so soft it was almost a whisper meant only for me. “I’m just Harry’s childhood friend. I never truly loved him. Why are you giving up so easily because of me? I’m not your threat. The truth is… Harry wanted you to become strong so that you could protect the relationship you’ll have one day.“N
Her words struck like a gentle yet powerful slap. I wasn’t ready. My throat dried up. I swallowed hard, but it was as if nothing could wash down the reality I had just heard.N
“So… you lied to me?” I asked quietly. I could barely hear my own voice.N
Anya sighed. “I didn’t lie to you, Bella.“N
“You said… you loved Harry.”
“I do love him, yes. But… in a different way,” she answered with a faint smile. She looked down for a moment before meeting my gaze again. “I can love him… but I can’t stay with him.“N
My heart stopped. It felt like I was trapped in a room that had suddenly lost all its air. I was frozen. I didn’t know whether to feel relieved, angry, or completely shattered.N
“Harry and I were only pretending to be engaged. We’re not what you think we are,” I whispered.
Anya stared at me deeply.
“You knew from the beginning?” I asked, barely believing it.
Anya nodded slowly. “I knew, Bella.”
I looked down. It felt like I had been standing on a stage I never asked to be part of. Everyone else knew the script–except me. “I’m sorry…” she said, her voice as gentle as morning dew. “But please, don’t leave Harry. You’re the woman I chose for him.”
All I could do was shake my head slowly, still in disbelief. “I… I don’t understand, Anya.“N
Anya smiled. It wasn’t a comforting smile–it was one that hid a deep sorrow. Like a goodbye never spoken, but already felt.
“You weren’t supposed to find out this early,” she said, gazing out the window. Dusk was creeping in slowly, casting a dim silhouette across her face. “But Harry was right. You can read a situation so easily.“N
I sat up a little straighter. My heart was pounding. “Tell me clearly, Anya!”
Anya took a deep breath, then pulled a document from her small bag. She handed it to me. My hands trembled as I accepted it. My eyes scanned the printed words.
A medical report. In Anya’s name.}]
Advanced–stage glioblastoma.
The world collapsed around me. My legs gave out. I looked at Anya, eyes brimming with tears.
Anya just chuckled softly, lightly, as if she were talking about something trivial. “Haha… don’t look at me like that, Bella. I’m still healthy. I’m not going to die in front of you right now.“@
But then she removed her hat.”
The wig came off with it.
My hand flew to my mouth, stifling a scream. Her scalp was pale. Her face looked fragile. She wasn’t hiding anything anymore. Every mask had fallen.
My tears spilled out uncontrollably. I sobbed, hysterical. Anya stood up and wrapped me in a tight hug. It was as if we had switched roles. “Don’t cry,” she whispered, still trying to sound cheerful. “I’m still here. I’m not dead yet, Bella.”
I clung to her tightly, as if letting go would make her vanish like morning mist.
It took a long time before I could finally calm down…}]
