Chapter 10
The warm, golden lights bathed Brittany as she stood on stage, making her glow like she was wrapped in a halo. A breeze drifted through the ballroom, gently sweeping her hair as she gazed at Josiah, her eyes filled with emotion and tendemess
softly, she spoke into the microphone. “All this time, you’ve been the sunlight in my life. You’re always there, silent yet unwavering in your warmth. Every moment you’ve stayed by my side glows like a star in the sloy of my memory.
“used to take that warmth for granted, but standing here now, I finally understand that you’ve built me a safe harbor with nothing but your love.”
Josiah’s mind went completely blank. Before he could react, Brittany had already walked off the stage and stood before him, gently taking his hand as she continued, “I’ve seen a thousand beautiful sights, but nothing compares to how you look at me, I’ve heard many kind words, but none have touched me like your quiet care.
#starting today, I don’t want you trailing behind me anymore. I want to walk beside you through every season, every moment, and every view life already signed the divorce papers. You’ve chased after me for many years and followed me through everything. I know your love is real.
e offers. Priscilla
“I don’t want you chasing me anymore because I’m finally ready to be with you. Josh, do you like this surprise? This is my birthday gift to you–me.” Josiah stood frozen, unable to process the moment,
“Josh?” Brittany called his name softly, mistalding his daze for overwhelming joy and nudging him for a response.
The music drowned out the questions racing through Josiah’s mind and cheers all around him. So, he pulled himself together, forced a smile, and responded with practiced wannth.
“Brittany, thank you for all of this. I’m really touched.”
He did not give a clear answer, but everyone at the party took it as confirmation. After all, they had seen how long he had devoted himself to Brittany. The only thing that had kept them apart was his marriage. Now that it was over, they even confessed their love to each other during a party, flaunting it before everyone.
“I knew you’d love it! Brittany murmured, satisfied with Josiah’s action. She smiled and looped her arm through his as they socialized among the crowd. Someone shouted, “Called it! Congrats, Mr. Hughman–she’s a catch!!
“Cheers to you, Josiah! It took years, but you finally got the girl!
Applause and cheen echoed throughout the ballroom. But beneath it all few voices whispered their discontent.
Someone whispered, “Way to rebrand cheating and emotional manipulation as counance.
“No wonder Priscilla didn’t show up.”
Still, those murmurs were quickly drowned by the crowd’s excitement,
By the time the party ended, it was already late. Brittany had drunk a little too much; her cheeks flushed as she clung to Josiah’s arm and giggled. She slurred, “You’d better treatme right… or I’m leaving you!
The woman that Josiah had pursued for many years was now in his arms–soft, Upsy, and affectionate. As he looked down at her glowing face, Josiah set aside all his confusion and questions for another time.
He drove her home and stayed until she was fast asleep. Only then did he retum to the house he had once shared with Priscilla.
When he entered his house, he was greeted by darkness. That was when it finally hit him–Priselildwas not there as she had returned to her hometown. Still, Josiah did not think that she could truly leave him.
He low how much she loved him. Just like he had spent years chasing after Brittany, Priscilla had spent all this time chasing after him.
Josiah remembered how she had given him a birthday gifts that morning. He figured that she was probably just mad, wanting him to coax her back
He admited that he had neglected Priscilla lately because of Brittany and decided to make it up to her when she retumed. With that thought, he picked up his phone and called Priscila, not even thinking about how late it was
The call rang continuously, but no one picked up. Frustrated, jostal switched to messaging her.
To his surprise, the screen flashed red. It seemed his message hadn’t been delivered. Then, he received a notice that read, “You have been blocked by the recipient.”
Josial’s brows furrowed. He wondered if Priscilla was ghosting him now without even giving him a chance to explain. Did she really expect him to drop everything and go chasing after her?
