Page 134 of The Substitute Fiancée

Emelyne cracks up.

“I bet that’s another one of Alexander’s fun facts.”

An amused smile curves my lips.

“You’re falling for his texts,” she tells me.

It’s true, I don’t deny it. But a relationship isn’t measured solely by the complicity of happy moments.

Shared laughter, light messages, small gestures, sex… all of that matters, of course. Those are the moments that make you want to get closer, to grow attached.

We lived them. For a few weeks.

And maybe that’s precisely why the fall was more painful.

Because I know now that this isn’t where everything is decided.

The true strength of a bond reveals itself elsewhere. When goals start to diverge. When everyday life gets in the way. When choices have to be made. When things become difficult.

And the conclusion is bitter: we weren’t strong enough. We failed before we had even truly begun.

Thinking about it, I know I share some of the responsibility. We should have been more present for each other. Creating distance while we were both going through a difficult time was the worst idea possible. That was precisely when we should have drawn closer.

Silence gave way to doubt. And doubt turned into infected wounds.

So I take these messages for what they are: a fragile link.

Not a promise.

Not a future mapped out in advance.

Just a way of not disappearing completely from each other’s lives.

And for now, that’s enough for me.

45. The Library

Samantha

After dinner, I decide to write to Andrew.

Sam: I sold my first painting today.

He calls me back immediately.

“That’s fantastic, Sam! I knew you’d make it. You have to celebrate.”

“I will—with the girls,” I say, smiling into my voice.

“And Alexander too, I hope. He never stopped believing in you. He must be so proud.”

“I’m sure,” I reply evasively.

I never told him about our “breakup.” To him, we weren’t really together anyway. Our conversation is short, and when I hang up, I take a moment to think about his words.

Yes, Alexander deserves to know. Because before anything else, he was my friend, and he was always there for me.

I send him a message immediately, before I can change my mind.