Torn Between The Carter Brothers

1: Meeting The Ex

Addison

“Addison, you made it!”

Marco, my ex of five years, whom I was still very much in love with— pulled me into a tight hug as soon as he emerged from the large building I just arrived at, and I literally melted against him, my eyes fluttering close as I clutched him tightly.

Warmth instantly coursed through my body and the entire world went silent like it usually does whenever he hugged me.

Marco and I dated since highschool, but ended things right after I clocked twenty— I caught him in bed with Aisha, a woman he always claimed was just his friend, then he asked to end the relationship with me right after, without reasons.

Five years later, he’s about to get married to that same woman, and I was attending as a guest, even though I never got over him and still loved him with everything in me.

No, I wasn’t here because I wanted to ruin the wedding. That would only reveal how pathetic I am this whole time. I was here because now, Marco and I have somehow moved past the unexpected breakup and have become good friends, which is why it would be weird if I refuse to show up at his wedding.

His wedding is in five days, but I was here today because the couple’s close friends were invited five days earlier so they could have one last fun together before the couple get married.

After a few seconds, my best friend’s warnings to not dare act like I was still not over Marco, snapped through my brain and my eyes flew open as I stiffened. At the same time, Marco broke the hug and grinned down at me, and at once, butterflies danced around in my stomach as his excited gaze dragged over my face.

He was so handsome and dreamy. With chocolate brown hair, matching brown eyes and chiseled cheekbones, he haunted my thoughts throughout the day, and my dreams at night.

“Of course I did! Wouldn’t miss my buddy’s wedding for the world.” I breathed out as rehearsed with Gregg– my best friend, but my voice lacked the enthusiasm and playfulness it was supposed to have. Instead, it even cracked a little at the end.

I was really so pathetic.

Marco thankfully didn’t notice and hugged me tightly again. Of course, I greedily soaked up the physical contact while my heart fluttered again

This time, as the hug ended, his fiancée sauntered forward and pointedly pressed into his side while politely sizing me up, and I felt my heart combust when he draped a hand over her shoulder and pulled her closer.

Jealousy and anger licked at my insides as I stared at the sight before me.

Aisha.

I hated her so much, and I was sure she hated me even more but only tolerated me a little since I was now Marco’s ‘friend’.

She stole what belonged to me. I was with Marco when he had horrible braces and an average height. I deserved him at his best now, not her.

But of course, I didn’t say that to her, instead, I forced my aching pain behind my mind, then I forced an excited smile on as I spoke.

“Congratulations on your wedding!” I greeted her as cheerfully as I could in my jealous state.

of responding, she

she regarded

this was coming, I just didn’t expect her to ask

This wrench.

like he just noticed that I was alone, then he- he laughed with his

awkwardly cleared my throat, ignoring the wave of hurt that came over me any time Marco laughed at me, because whenever he does, it was because he found me ridiculous. I worked hard in the years after we stopped dating, in order to level up so whenever he looked at me, he wouldn’t see someone silly and ridiculous, but an actual woman meant to be

voice, but my confidence flattered at the amused expression on Marco’s face, then I pstiffened when he laughed

with a date, hm? When was your last

Ouch.

wasn’t a lie. It was actually the truth. After my relationship with him, since I never got over him, I was never able to get into another because I always unconsciously compare everyone

on my face was giving off how much I was hurting on the inside

only laughed again, which infuriated me even more— because me being single and lacking a date to attend his own wedding, is

now, because my initial plan was to avoid an encounter like this. I know that to show everyone that I’ve gotten over Marco, I was supposed to show up with someone who’s utterly obsessed with me like I am

exactly why I planned to come to this wedding with a fake boyfriend, but unfortunately for me, he didn’t show up at the airport

more than I loved her. Perhaps she’s yet to move on despite it being so, so long.” His animated voice made it clear that he was just teasing, but I felt extremely embarrassed because all of that

I’ve really gotten over you.” I argued vehemently, then I made

been what? Five years? Who wouldn’t be over their ex after this much time?” I

“Last I remember, you were so in love with him, he stalked him for over a year.” She pointed out as she gave me

that I’ve buried in the past, fuck her for daring to bring

were at, it was actually adorable.” He laughed again

wasn’t. It was annoying and creepy!” She muttered

stalked his socials and always made sure to get an invite to any party he gets invited to back in uni, even though I hated

coincidences, and it’s a school, of course we’d run into each other. It’s not a big deal.” I defended but Marco clicked his

aren’t your scene, which

I was and

Why are you bringing this up now? Marco and I are nothing but friends now and you know that.” I said to

is all.” She bit out,

I waved her off. “Trust me, that’s never happening. I literally ship you and Marco now. And besides, I’m sure my boyfriend will be

was completely unreachable this morning, and he left my calls and that of my best friend unanswered. We were supposed to fly here from LA together, but he never showed up at the airport as

bastard. If he knew he was gonna bail, why did he have

plan wouldn’t work out from the moment my best friend suggested it. He suggested I attend the wedding with a date to avoid losing face,

exchanged contacts

finally said just as Marco tugged her

here to support us, love.” Marco finally defended me

was how it always was