Blue With You

Noah Meets Hazel

In his room, Noah couldn't stop staring gloomily at the invitation card in his hand. He wanted to deny what he had just received, which was wonderful news. It was the best news for his family, and it should have been for him too. Instead, it was the end of the world for Noah.

After a long time, Noah took a deep breath and tried to think positively, thinking that maybe it was just the same name. His hand began to open the invitation card. His heart was beating very hard.

When the invitation was opened, it contained a picture of Harry and Lea. Both were dressed in red, Lea's favorite color. They were photographed on the beach, Lea's favorite place. As the sun's shadows started to tilt slightly, the twilight shadows marked the moment when Lea found tranquility.

Noah was in complete shock. It was his girlfriend, who had always refused his marriage proposal. But now she was steadfastly marrying another man, who, ridiculously, was Noah's younger brother.

Noah's mobile phone vibrated on the nightstand. Noah quickly picked up the call.

"Lea...." That was the only name that could temporarily leave Noah's lips. He felt the words that were about to come out choke in his throat.

"Hi, sweetheart. You called seventeen times. I was out and didn't hear your call," Lea said cheerfully.

Noah tried to calm his distraught self, tugging at his own hair in disappointment.

"What are you busy doing?" Noah asked coldly.

"I'm just going for a walk with Mama."

"Taking a walk for the last time as a bachelor?"

Lea laughed crisply. The laugh used to make Noah feel good. Noah had always missed the laugh.

"I've never been single since I was with you, darling."

Lea's 'darling' greeting churned Noah's insides.

"I want to see you. Take my video phone call."

"Okay." Lea agreed and immediately changed the regular phone call to a video call.

However, Noah changed the camera's direction backward. That way, he could see Lea's face, whereas Lea only saw Noah's room wall.

"Honey...? I'm just looking at your room. It looks different," Lea said.

Noah's hand, which was holding the mobile phone firmly, was trembling as he pressed harder and harder. Anger and calm tore at his heart.

"Yes, already. I just want to see that you're okay. Get some rest. You're already in your room, right?"

"Ha? That's it?" Lea laughed again. It was a good thing she wasn't looking at Noah's face. "You're so sweet, Noah. Yes, I want to rest. I'll be home tomorrow."

"Yes. Yes, you rest already. I'll call you later."

Noah hung up the phone without saying the usual romantic goodbye.

He looked at the invitation card lying on the bed. Noah had intended to show the invitation card in front of Lea, but Noah remembered Harry, and he didn't have the heart to destroy his brother's happiness.

"I'll see you at the wedding altar, Lea," Noah muttered softly, and then tore the invitation card into small pieces.

***

Two days before the wedding, things got a lot busier. Sophie, the mother, does most of the organizing. Her husband and two sons were just content to accept Sophie's orders for this and that. Nothing was heavy, but it was still quite distressing for the men.

No one felt any melancholy. There was no pretense. Everything flowed sincerely for Harry's happiness. Only one person had to wear a mask and keep on pretending.

Noah's presence was something the relatives looked forward to. His outgoing, friendly demeanor and constant livening up of the atmosphere made Noah a popular figure. He was always sought-after. There was no chance for Noah to run away and hide.

Noah himself would not have left for any other reason. Harry's show was the main and most important event. Therefore, Noah continued to wear his mask with a painful heart. He kept his tears in the deepest recesses of his heart.

This morning was the highlight of the event. Noah's wedding ceremony with Lea will take place in one of the historic 19th-century buildings located steps away from the East River in Long Island City.

Throughout the night and into the morning, Noah barely slept. He was anxious because he was thinking about how he would deal with Lea. Noah fervently desired to steer clear of this situation.

There was no way out; Noah finally gave up. All Noah requested from God was for Lea to refrain from seeing him until Harry had fulfilled his vows.

Noah's prayer was heard by God. Lea was completely unaware of Noah's existence. She was too busy with her own happiness. She smiled a lot, and her gaze didn't move from Harry. Noah, who saw this, felt very sad. For a moment, his girlfriend was no longer his girlfriend.

And then the time came. Relatives and friends offered their congratulations and best wishes to the bride and groom. Noah was still hesitant to come forward, thinking of leaving the building and forgetting everything, but unfortunately, a host called his name.

"Hi, Noah O'Connor! Won't you like to greet your sister-in-law?" The host posed the question, prompting everyone to turn towards Noah.

What almost no one noticed was that Lea's face turned very pale. Her cheerfulness faded as her eyes collided with Noah's. Her lover was now at her wedding, and he had the same surname as Harry.

With a smile that made him charming, Noah stepped firmly towards the newlyweds. His charm as the prince in O'Connor's exit, as well as his masculine good looks, tempted the women to whisper to each other and admire him.

Noah smiled at Lea and extended a hand.

"Hello sister-in-law. Welcome to the O'Connor family. My name is Noah, and I'm Harry's oldest and only brother." Noah implicitly mentioned his position, which he was sure would shake Lea's materialistic world.

"Big brother?" asked a shocked Lea, who was unable to return Noah's hand.

"Yes, I'm Harry's brother."

"Why didn't you ever tell me?" asked Lea, getting whispery.

Harry heard her. He thought the question was for him.

"He's rarely home; he stays in his apartment more," Harry replied casually.

Noah saw the pain in Lea's eyes. He saw how pale the face of the woman he once loved—maybe still loved—was.

Noah moved closer to Lea and put his arm around the bride's waist. His head lowered until it was close to Lea's ear.

"How does it feel to be a traitor, sister-in-law? I assure you, you will feel what I feel. Enjoy your new life, darling."

Then Noah let go of her embrace. He turned to face the others who had greeted him, laughing crisply. Noah didn't turn around and showed no concern when Harry inquired about Lea.

"Lea, are you sick? Shall we go back to the hotel?"

Harry's question made Noah's smile even wider. Lea was in shock; her body went limp. Someone brought her a chair, and Lea sat down while watching Noah's departure from the wedding hall.

***