Fated to love him

Chapter 1

Emily's eyes were red and puffy from unending tears as she walked through the streets.

Her movements were aimless as if she was hoping the rain would wash away the memories, the anguish, and the broken promises. Her eyelids closed voluntarily as she reflected on the previous day's events.

A few days ago

Emily smiled sheepishly to herself as she stood in front of the several flavors of cake, contemplating what to prepare for her fiance. He had just landed a big contract at work, and she wanted to prepare a surprise for him. She wanted to make him as happy as he had made her, so she decided to plan a small celebration. She could sense and taste a bright future ahead of them.

They had known each other since she was in college. He'd found her sobbing behind the cafeteria one day after another disagreement with her family that had left her feeling completely deflated.

She was so caught up in her grief that she didn't notice the approach of a young man. He had nice eyes and a gentle smile. His name was Xander, and he was a classmate she had spoken to but never really knew.

He had seen her misery from afar and couldn't stomach seeing her in such pain.

Without hesitation, Xander sheltered her from the storm. She sensed a flicker of optimism at that moment, a glimpse of the support she had always desired. In his company, Emily's heart began to lighten.

They became inseparable over time. They opened up about their hopes, worries, and the depths of their souls. Xander listened carefully and offered unflinching support and encouragement. Emily realized her strength and the ability to break free.

Their friendship became something more, a deep affection that fed Emily's wounds. Xander offered her a world in which her worth was determined by her characteristics and strengths rather than rigid expectations. She found the approval and validation she craved with him.

"Would you like me to wrap that up for you, miss?"

Emily's stupor was broken when she heard the attendant enquire with a bright smile. She flushed as she realized she'd been staring at the translucent glass like an i***t, drawing curious looks from other customers.

"Umm…Hi, I'm looking for a unique cake to surprise my fiance with. He recently received a huge contract at work, and I'd like to congratulate him with a gift. Do you have any suggestions? She replied shyly.

"Congratulations! That's fantastic news. We have several cakes that would be ideal for this event. What kind of cake and design are you considering? The woman smiled as she responded.

"I'm thinking of a chocolate cake because that's his favorite flavor." In terms of design, I hoped for something elegant and professional to complement the festive atmosphere." Emily replied.

"Absolutely! We can create a smooth chocolate ganache finish with a slight pattern or texture for an attractive and refined design. To make it even more distinctive, we can add some personalized ornaments.

"That sounds fantastic!" Emily smiled as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

"As for the colors, he likes blue, so perhaps a navy blue and silver combination would be appropriate."

"Do you want a special message or initials on the cake?

A mischievous smile formed on Emily's face. "Yes, I'd like to have his initials, "R.J," written in an elegant font on top of the cake." Could you also incorporate a little fondant bag or a sign relevant to his career, if possible?"

"Of course! Is there a certain size you're looking for? The lady responded.

"I believe a medium-sized cake would be ideal, nothing too elaborate. Emily expressed after some thought.

"Noted! When would you like the cake to be ready? The woman further enquired.

"I would like the cake by Saturday."

"Understood. We'll make certain it's ready on schedule. Please submit your contact information, and we will contact you as soon as it's ready for pickup."

Emily supplied her contact information and thanked the woman before leaving the shop feeling satisfied.

Saturday came in a flash, and she was back to fetch her cake. She saw some stunning red roses the instant she walked into the shop and thought they would go perfectly with the cake.

"I'd like these roses." Could you please package them for me?" She mentioned while pointing to the bouquet of roses behind the counter.

"Sure! "What would you like to write?"

She pondered for a moment, and a brilliant smile came on her face as she got the perfect message. "To my human diary," she said.

The attendant laughed. "What a sweet message," she taunted as she attached the card to the roses. She then gave them and the package over.

Emily accepted it with eagerness and excitement in her heart. She inhaled the scent of the roses and felt a wave of warmth wash over her. She then handed over her credit card to make payment.

"Thank you so much!" she beamed as she waved goodbye to the lady. Love and teasing surprises were going to be delivered and the cheerful attendant couldn't help but smile.

Emily climbed into her car and took the wheel. She cautiously slid the items into the backseat and pulled out of the parking lot. As she approached Xander's familiar street, she remembered him saying he wouldn't be home for the day because he had a busy schedule. She smiled to herself, thinking it was a great opportunity to get things ready before he arrived.

The house came into view, and she drove right into the garage. She parked the car and gripped the brightly wrapped package closely, her delight laced with nervousness. She took a deep breath and entered the flat using a key she'd had for a long time.

As soon as she entered, the atmosphere felt different. The sound of laughter and hushed whispers drifted from the bedroom, sending a shiver up her spine.

"Common, you're more beautiful." She heard what sounded like Xander's voice teased.

"Awww…really?" A woman's chuckling voice responded.

Ignoring the growing knot in her gut, she approached the locked bedroom door and hesitated for a moment before pulling it open.

The scene before her eyes shattered her soul like a thousand pieces of glass. Her fiance, Xander, and her closest friend, Maya, were entangled in each other's embrace on the disheveled bed. Their bodies were entwined, and their passion was unmistakable.

Emily's breath was stuck in her throat, her world collapsing around her. Time slowed as she comprehended the unfathomable betrayal unfolding in front of her eyes. Her hand unintentionally let go of the gift she had so lovingly prepared, the bright wrapping paper fluttering to the floor, forgotten.

She was perplexed. She never thought of Xander as an immoral man who had explicit affairs with women outside of marriage, and not once had he ever touched her inappropriately in their relationship. So how did he wind up in this situation with her best friend?

Xander and Maya froze, their eyes widening in surprise as they registered Emily's presence. They rushed to withdraw from each other, guilt and shame engraved over their features, but it was too late. The harm had been done and was irreversible.

Emily's heart shattered into a million pieces, and her body trembled with sorrow and disbelief. The terrible calm in the room was broken only by the distant sounds of the city outside. She wanted to shout, to lash out at them both, but she couldn't find the words.

Emily felt an overpowering rush of emotions crashing over her at that moment. Betrayal gnawed at her core, taking the place of the love and trust she had previously had for Xander. Her best friend had become a stranger, a robber snatching the happiness she felt she deserved.

"How could you do this to me, Maya?" "I took you as my friend," Emily spoke in hushed tones, her words getting heavy on her tongue.

Maya sneered dismissively. "Oh, please...who said I was your friend?" You were simply another, pampered brat I used to my advantage. You stole Xander away from me.

"What!?" Emily exclaimed in disbelief.

"That's enough, Maya!" Xander burst out.

"Why?" She retaliated. "Simply tell her the truth, Xander." We're head over heels in love. "I love you! Why don't you just let her go?"

"Emily... I... I can explain," Xander began, ignoring Maya, but his words fell on deaf ears. Her anguish drowned out any explanation he could provide.

Emily looked away from the terrible scene, her eyes flooded with tears. She took a wobbly step backward, away from the agonizing scene in front of her. The reality pressed hard on her shoulders, threatening to shatter her spirit. Was this a nightmare?

"Emily, please wait!"