A toast to unspoken longings - The inkwell fiction prompt #160
Amidst the luxurious decorations, glistening chandeliers and romantic music that filled the atmosphere, Sarah and Tom in the centre of the hall danced in slow movements in accordance to the music. Their eyes locked in, sparking a fire that would illuminate their hearts, they behaved like newly weds.
Photo by Charlou Mark Sangoan: https://www.pexels.com/photo/wedding-couple-illuminated-by-spotlights-16372599/
Sarah and Tom's 1year wedding anniversary unfolded with all the elegance befitting such a delightful and distinguished occasion. Guests and family members dressed in their finest attires , mingled with each other creating a pleasing and graceful atmosphere.
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-talking-women-holding-wine-glasses-3171765/
As the evening progressed, the time for the anniversary toast came to honor the love shared between the couple.
Jessica, Sarah's best friend and her chief bridesmaid on her wedding was called upon for the toast, she stood up and walked gracefully to the center of the hall with her silk azure gown sweeping the floor, facing the couple with a glass of wine held tightly in her hands,
Photo by Alina Schelkanova: https://www.pexels.com/photo/stylish-woman-with-glass-of-champagne-4693305/
she raised it up and said few words to the couple. She fixed her gaze on the couple but mostly starring at her ex, Tom whom she still has feelings for. She struggled with some of her words as her feelings were almost evident in her speech, she managed to finish and was applauded by everyone.
“Congratulations bestie !!!, she said and walked towards the couple with her heart beating really fast. She and Sarah hugged tightly.
“ Your speech almost made me cry, who knew you had such quality of composing speeches, Sarah said and smiled at her affectionately.
Jessica tried to reprociate the affections back and smiled back too, but one closer look at her you'd notice she was faking it. She reached out to Tom with the intention of getting a tight hug even if it was going to be the last time but Tom immediately brought out his hand gesturing for a handshake instead much to the disappointment of Jessica. She shook his hands and almost didn't let go, she looked him deep in the eye trying to find the long lost affection he once had for her .
As the party continued, Jessica couldn't take it anymore, she envied her friend and wished she never broke up with Tom , thoughts of snatching Tom away from Sarah flooded her mind as she watched him pamper and treated Sarah with love and care, but she immediately discarded the thought, Sarah was her best friend right from kindergarten, she was her sister. She didn't want anything to get in the way of their strong bond and friendship.
“This is definitely true love !!!!!, no man has ever treated me this way !!!!! She exclaimed
“Tom has always been a gentle guy, too gentle for my liking back then but i now see his value and worth, you'll never know the value of what you have till you lose it“. She lamented and walked quietly out of the hall.
Alone outside, she raised a glass once more for another toast, this time for toasting to the bittersweet pain of unrequited love. As she drank the content of the glass, she wished for the strength to move on and find her own happiness.
Photo by Bastian Riccardi: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-drinking-fine-white-wine-in-darkness-6579858/
The end .
A love lost.
There's a kind of strength in accepting the past and moving on. Hope she finds her own happiness.
If you ask me it wasn't unrequited love, after all, she's the one who dumped him.... Hehehehe
But I understand how she feels because it's a psychological thing - people always want something that belongs to another person.
I have a good feeling that if Tom had looked miserable, and did not find love in another woman, Jessica wouldn't have felt that way about him.
But seeing Tom in the arms of her best friend, Sarah, loved, and cared for made her feel she missed out on something. If she looks closely, Tom is still the gentle guy she dumped.
I am so sorry for judging your character @emeka002. It was a good story.
Generally, women do not want their ex to do well after them if the relationship was not entirely pleasant and ended on good terms. And I think it is almost an affront to be in charge of toasting the celebration. But that's what happens for not valuing a good man. Almost from real life your fictional story. Greetings.