Love Beyond the Stars

I'm so excited that I can’t sleep. The man I’ve dreamed of my entire life is finally about to become my husband. It’s 1 AM, and suddenly, there’s a knock at the door. My mom stepped into the room, a gentle smile on her face. You need to sleep, she says softly. We have so much to do tomorrow; shopping, preparations, and more. You, Kristen, and Watson need to be ready. We are three sisters, and in a twist of fate, both my younger sister Watson and I are getting married on the same day. It feels like a dream come true. After Mom leaves, I try to fall asleep, but suddenly my phone starts ringing. It’s Derek. We are three sisters, and in a twist of fate, both are my younger sisters to me. Watson and I are getting married on the same day. It feels like a dream come true. After Mom leaves, I try to fall asleep, but suddenly my phone starts ringing. It’s Derek, my fiancé. My younger sister notices and starts smiling. Someone doesn’t know how to wait, she teases. My younger sister notices and starts smiling. Someone doesn’t know how to wait, she teases. I smile back at her and tell them to sleep as I pick up the phone and move to the window. Derek, how are you? I ask, my heart fluttering. I’m fine, he replied in a calm tone. What about you? I’m good, I answered. He said, I saw your missed call. I was in a meeting. What did you want to talk about? Oh, it was nothing serious, I replied. He said, My father was wondering if he could give you some gift, like furniture, a watch, or some clothes. He just wants to know whenever you’re free. Derek’s tone changed slightly. I’ve told you so many times, I don’t need anything. What your dad chooses doesn’t match my style. I have unique tastes, and as for a bed, I already have one that’s much more expensive than anything you could afford. I don’t want to change my room. I hope you understand. His words sting, but I push the feeling aside. Okay, Derek asks, So, what are you doing tomorrow? My mom wanted to invite you over to congratulate you on passing your exams and getting the top position at your university. Sure, I say, sounding distant. I’ll see you tomorrow. He hangs up abruptly, leaving me frustrated and upset. How could he talk to me like that? The next morning, my family wakes up early. We’re busy because my father’s school friend, who is also Derek’s father, has invited us over. We head to their home, and I try to shake off the unease from last night’s conversation. Derek’s mother is kind and welcoming, and his brother Steve is there too. Steve is a good guy, but my father advises him to take life more seriously. He’s a bit of a carefree soul, always hanging out with friends and not paying much attention to the future. His father is worried about how he’ll survive in this fast-paced world. He sleeps the whole day and at night he plays games. Later, we visit Watson’s future in-laws. They’re generous people, and after some insistence from my father, they accept the gifts we brought. I’m happy to see my younger sister going to such a good home. The next day, I was waiting for Derek. He promises to take me shopping, but instead, his sister and driver show up, explaining that Derek is too busy to come. I try to stay positive, but it’s hard not to feel upset. His sister is very kind and a good lady. I feel like I have some inner attachment to her. After all the shopping, I called Derek and asked him why he didn’t come. He brushes me off, saying, Don’t ask me questions about things you don’t know. I don’t like being investigated. His words hurt deeply, but I kept them to myself. The day before our wedding, I decided to confront him. I’ve always been the strong one, the eldest sister who took care of things, especially since my father had no sons. But today, I feel vulnerable. I call Derek and ask him why he’s been so distant. He asks me to meet him, saying he wants to clear things up. Desperate to resolve this before our big day, I agree. We met at a restaurant, the place he chose, and I can feel the tension in the air. Derek sits across from me, his expression unreadable. There’s something I need to tell you, he starts, his voice low. You know I work at one of the top companies in the world. Recently, my boss, she was someone I’ve admired for a long time, when today, I asked him to give me leave and told him that tomorrow is my marriage. She confessed that she has feelings for me. I was shocked, but it made me realize something. My heart sinks as he continues. I’m sorry, but I can’t marry you. I’ve fallen in love with someone else. I’m so sorry. I’m left speechless, the ground shifting beneath my feet. Derek gets up and walks out, leaving me alone in the restaurant, my mind spinning. What am I going to tell my father? How can I explain this to my family? Everything is ready for the wedding, and now, this… this will destroy my parents’ respect. I ran outside, hoping to stop him, to make him reconsider, but he was already gone, leaving me behind on the road with tears streaming down my face.