TWISTS OF FATE

CHAPTER FIVE

That afternoon, I went home and looked through our old photos—mine and Oliver’s. Each picture used to hold so much love, so much promise. Now, all I could see was everything he’d thrown away.

The engagement party was in three days. And though I was scared, I knew one thing for sure—this time, I was choosing myself.

Then came the day.

The day of the engagement party.

I stood in front of the mirror, heart pounding, as I slipped into a long, elegant white dress. It hugged my waist just right and flowed down to the floor, soft and ethereal—like a bridal version of a warrior’s armor. Lisa curled my hair while Maureen helped zip me up. They said I looked like a goddess, and I tried to believe them.

But I didn’t feel like a goddess. I felt like someone who was about to shatter everything people thought they knew about love and loyalty.

A little past five, Oliver picked me up. He looked… breathtaking. He wore his charcoal gray suit with that familiar smirk on his lips—the one that used to make me melt. Not tonight.

“Wow,” he said when he saw me. “You look… perfect.”

I gave him a small smile. “Thanks.”

He leaned in to kiss my cheek, and I let him. One last lie, I thought. One last time pretending.

The venue was already buzzing when we arrived. Fairy lights twinkled from the ceiling, soft music played, and people smiled as we entered, thinking we were a love story in motion.

But my heart sank the moment I saw her.

Mandy.

She stood across the room, holding a glass of wine and wearing a smug little dress that screamed confidence and audacity. Of course, she was there. Oliver invited her, like nothing was wrong, like he wasn’t sleeping with her behind my back.

He didn’t even try to hide it anymore, did he?

I felt my stomach twist, but I stood tall. My fingers instinctively found the tiny piece of folded paper hidden in my clutch—my speech. The one that would end this farce once and for all.

Lisa caught my eye of the crowd and nodded subtly. She was in position.

Maureen, from across the room, kept close to Mandy just like we planned.

I breathed in deeply, trying to steady the storm brewing in my chest.

Tonight, I will speak my truth.

And nothing—not even Oliver’s charming lies or Mandy’s smug stare—was going to stop me.

My brother, Sebastian, my mom and my dad quickly hugged me and congratulated me in advance. Little did they know, something unthinkable would happen tonight. That will crash everyone’s excitement about the wedding of the two lovely couples.

The lights dimmed slightly as the host took the mic, his voice smooth and practiced as he welcomed everyone to the celebration.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here tonight to witness and celebrate the love story of Oliver and Sofia!”

The crowd clapped and cheered, raising their glasses. I forced a smile, my hands tightening around my clutch.

Oliver leaned down and whispered, “Are you okay?”

I nodded, barely. “Just nervous,” I lied.

He smiled. “I’ll be right beside you.”

If only he knew.

The host continued, introducing Oliver’s parents, thanking guests who flew in from different places, and sharing a slideshow of photos—us on beach trips, birthdays, anniversaries. I felt hollow watching them. I looked so happy in those photos, so unaware.

After the video ended, the host invited us to the front for our engagement speeches.

My heart raced. That was it. The moment.

Oliver went first.

He took the mic and looked at me with that practiced charm that used to make my knees weak. “Sofia,” he began, “you’ve been my home, my calm, my best friend. Seven years with you have taught me what love really means…”

People in the room cooed and smiled. I kept mine tight.

“...and today, I stand here not just promising you forever, but thanking you for the years you’ve already given me. I can’t wait to build a life with you, a home, and maybe soon, a little family.”

Everyone clapped. He reached out for my hand as he passed me the mic.

I looked at him, really looked at him. He was a good actor. I’ll give him that.

I turned to face the crowd. My hands shook slightly, but I held the mic steady.

“Thank you, everyone, for being here tonight,” I began, my voice clear and calm. "Most of you have known us since the beginning. You’ve seen our journey. You’ve watched us grow, fight, make-up, and fight again.”

Some guests chuckled. I smiled politely.

“And I’ve always believed that love is something sacred. It’s trust, honesty, effort. Not perfection, but commitment.”

I paused, my eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on her.

Mandy.

She was no longer smiling.

Oliver shifted beside me. He sensed it.

“But what do you do,” I continued, “when the person you trusted the most breaks that very foundation?”

Whispers stirred in the room.

I turned to Oliver, heart-pounding. “Oliver, I love you. I really did. For seven years, I stayed loyal. I fought for us. Even when it was hard.”

He blinked, confusion setting in. “Sof, what are you—”

I pulled out my phone from my clutch. “But someone else fought harder, right?”

I tapped on the screen and handed it to the host. “Can you show this on the projector?”

Oliver grabbed my arm. “Sofia, what the hell are you doing?”

I pulled away. “I’m giving my speech.”

And just like that, the photos lit up the screen behind me—screenshots of messages, stolen kisses in hidden corners, blurry but undeniable photos of Oliver and Mandy together.

Gasps filled the room. Someone dropped a wine glass.

Mandy turned pale.

Oliver’s face drained of color. “This isn’t what you think.”

I cut him off. “No, that’s exactly what I think. And now, everyone else knows too.”

I took a deep breath, lifting my chin.

“There will be no wedding. I deserve better. And I refuse to build a future on lies.”

Then I handed the mic back to the host, gave Oliver one last look, and walked away.

I didn’t wait for anyone’s reaction.

But the sound of applause trailing behind me?

That was enough.