Chapter 10

• Damien stood in the dimly lit corner of his living room, the vibrant chaos of the engagement party unfolding around him like a fever dream. Laughter rang out, punctuated by bursts of music that should have made his heart race with joy, but instead, they only amplified the heavy silence in his mind. Shimmering decorations hung overhead, each colorful streamer a bitter reminder of the celebration he felt unworthy to partake in.
• He moved to the window, the glass cool against his palm as he pressed his forehead against it, watching the world outside shift from day to night. The sky transformed from a warm orange to a dark, star-speckled canvas. It was easier to focus on that than on the company in his home—their friends and family—people who were there for him and Esther. He loved them all, yet at that moment, they felt like strangers, their joy a foreign language he simply could not comprehend.
• His gaze drifted back to the room. There was Esther, radiant and animated, moving gracefully from one group to another. Her laughter sparkled like the lights strung above them, illuminating her face in a way that made him feel both warmth and ache. She had worked tirelessly to organize this night, meticulously planning every detail to create the perfect celebration. Watching her be the center of attention should have filled him with pride, but instead, it deepened his sense of isolation.