Ethan Thompson, a 24-year-old man, had always been the life of the party. With his dazzling smile and effortless charm, he had a remarkable ability to make those around him feel instantly at ease. Warm-hearted and kind, Ethan treated everyone with respect and compassion.
But beneath his carefree exterior lay a painful truth. Ethan was silently battling the shadows of his past.
The memories of his late parents still haunted him. As their only child, he had shared an unbreakable bond with them, and their sudden death in a tragic car accident had left a permanent scar on his heart.
Since then, Ethan had learned to hide his sorrow behind humor and charisma, but the emotional wounds never truly healed.
Following their passing, Ethan moved in with his uncle, Mr. Sam Thompson, who welcomed him with open arms.
Mr. Sam, a family man with two sons of his own, became a father figure to Ethan. Over time, Ethan grew especially close to Mr. Sam's eldest son, and the two became inseparable, more like brothers than cousins.
Though Ethan was genuinely loved by his uncle's family, their affection wasn't solely rooted in obligation or sympathy. It wasn't just because his parents had entrusted their will and important documents to Mr. Sam.
It was because they knew Ethan had endured more than most young men his age, and yet he still carried himself with grace and kindness.
The trauma from losing his parents had taken a toll on him emotionally and mentally. He had even dropped out of medical school, a dream he once shared with his late parents.
But rather than let the pain consume him, Ethan chose a different path. He founded a travel agency and started documenting his adventures through engaging travel vlogs, gaining attention online.
He chased happiness wherever he could find it, even if flashes of his parents still invaded his peace like unexpected storms.
********
On the other side of the city, Sophie Patel was the kind of woman who still believed in fairy tales and happily-ever-after. A hopeless romantic at heart, she was determined to find her own version of true love, one as beautiful as the story her parents once shared.
Her parents had been high school sweethearts, the kind of love story that inspired dreams. But that dream had fractured over time.
Her father, once a loving man, had become a habitual drunk, returning home from work intoxicated and unpredictable. Tired and disillusioned, her mother eventually made the painful decision to walk away, taking Sophie and her younger sister, Sylvia, with her.
Despite his flaws, Sophie missed her father dearly. He had always showered her with affection and had been especially close to her. The separation hurt, and the absence of his presence left an ache that time never fully healed.
But even beyond the family rift, Sophie carried a deeper sorrow, one she never shared with anyone. A secret that lived quietly in her heart.
After graduating from high school, finances became tight. Her mother, fiercely independent and proud, refused to accept financial help from Sophie's father. Getting Sophie into college became a difficult challenge.
During her final year in high school, Sophie had fallen in love with a boy named Philip. Their connection had been strong, and while Sophie cared for him, it was Philip who had loved her deeply enough to take on the responsibility of sponsoring her education when no one else could. He had always been resourceful and financially independent, even at a young age.
Grateful for his support, Sophie's mother made a heartfelt promise to Philip: once Sophie completed her college education, they would marry. It was a gesture of gratitude but one that Sophie hadn't agreed to in her heart.
As time passed, that promise began to feel more like a burden than a blessing.
Sophie eventually earned a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and graduated with excellent results.
She secured a well-paying job at Louis & Co. Ltd, where she worked as a marketing strategist. With her income, she supported her mother and younger sister, easing some of the burdens they had carried for years.
But there was one thing she couldn't escape: the feelings she once had for Philip had long since faded, ever since the day she stepped into college.
Yet she couldn't bring herself to confess this to him or her mother. She feared breaking his heart and disappointing the woman who had sacrificed so much for her.
So she wore a mask.
Every time Philip called or her mother brought up wedding plans, Sophie smiled politely, hiding the truth beneath layers of guilt and obligation.
After high school, Philip had pursued a degree in Law at another university. He had always dreamed of becoming a lawyer and was determined to see it through, no matter how many years it would take.
After earning his first degree, he continued on to law school in New York, which delayed their supposed wedding even further.
In the midst of everything happening in Ethan and Sophie's lives, fate was quietly setting the stage for an unexpected encounter, one that would twist their paths together and change the course of their stories forever.
*******
IT ALL STARTED A YEAR AGO.
February 8, 2024; it was a Sunday morning, Ethan Thompson woke up to the sound of his phone buzzing on the nightstand. He groggily reached for it, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
As he sat up in bed, he noticed the time: 8:00 AM. He had a wedding to attend today, and he was the best man.
Ethan got out of bed and began getting ready for the day. He showered, shaved, and dressed in his white tailored suit. As he was about to leave his apartment, his phone buzzed again. This time, it was a text from his friend, Felix, the groom.
"Hey, man! Just a reminder, the ceremony starts at 11:00 AM. Don't be late!" Felix texted.
Ethan smiled and texted back, "Don't worry, I'll be there. And I'll make sure to bring the party."
In the event of Felix Jones' wedding ceremony, Ethan arrived at the venue, he was greeted by the sound of laughter and music. He made his way to the groom's room, where Felix was getting ready.
"Hey, man! You look sharp," Ethan said, as he clapped Felix on the back.
Felix smiled, looking nervous. "Thanks, Ethan. I'm glad you're here."
Sophie on the other hand was feeling really overwhelmed about the fact that she was getting married to someone she didn't love and needed to clear her head and distract herself from everything and everyone.
Luckily for her, she was part of the bridal train to the bride who was formerly known as Vanessa Robert and will now be known as Vanessa Felix Jones.
She got up from her bed feeling happy and elated, she promised herself to have so much fun and party hard, even if it was just for that night.