he restaurant glowed with soft lights, romantic music floating through the air. People smiled. Glasses clinked. Love was everywhere.
Everyone⊠except Iman.
He stood frozen near the entrance, his chest tight, his breath shallow. Because right in front of himâon one kneeâwas King.
And the woman standing before him, hands trembling in shock, tears shining in her eyes⊠was Delicia.
âDelicia,â King said loudly, pulling out the ring, âfrom the moment I met you, I knew my life changed. Will you marry me?â
The entire restaurant gasped.
Delicia covered her mouth, tears spilling. She nodded. âYes⊠yes!â
Applause erupted.
But Iman felt nothing but silence.
His heart cracked as Delicia slipped the ring onto her finger. She never saw him standing there.
And Iman? He turned away before anyone could see the tears burning his eyes.
Some heartbreaks happen quietly⊠in public places.
đ± Bethany Woke Up⊠and Caught Lynette Crossing the Line đ„
Bethany woke up suddenly.
Her heart was racing for no reason she could explain. The house was too quietâan uncomfortable, unnatural silence.
Then she heard voices.
Larryâs voice. And⊠Lynetteâs.
Uneasy, Bethany slipped out of bed and stepped into the hallway.
What she saw made her blood run cold.
Lynette was standing far too close to Larry.
Larryâs back was pressed against the wall, his face tense, his hands stiff at his sides. Lynetteâs arms were wrapped around him, holding him tightly.
âLynette, stop,â Larry whispered, trying to pull away. âYouâre making me uncomfortable.â
âI just need a hug,â Lynette said softly, fake innocence dripping from her voice. âAfter everything weâve been through⊠donât I deserve that?â
Bethanyâs breath caught.
Lynette tightened her grip, pressing her head against Larryâs chest. Larry turned his face away, scanning the room like he was hoping someoneâanyoneâwould see.
And then Bethany realized the truth.
Larry wasnât hugging her back.
He was trapped.
Bethany stepped forward.
âWHAT IS GOING ON HERE?â
Lynette jumped back instantly. âBethanyâthis isnât what it looks like!â
Larry rushed to Bethanyâs side. âI swear, Beth. She wouldnât let go. I told her to stop.â
Bethany stared at Lynette, her voice calm⊠too calm.
âYou were forcing yourself on my husband. In my house. While I was sleeping.â
Lynette snapped back defensively. âI was emotional! Larry understands me. Youâve changed himââ
âThatâs enough,â Bethany said sharply.
âYou crossed a line you can never uncross.â
Tears filled Lynetteâs eyes, but Bethany didnât move.
âYou donât touch what doesnât belong to you,â Bethany continued. âAnd you donât play victim after disrespecting me.â
She grabbed Larryâs hand firmly.
âNext time, you donât stay silent. You walk away.â
Larry nodded, shaken. âYouâre right. I shouldâve stopped it sooner.â
Bethany looked at Lynette one last time.
âPack your things. Youâre not welcome here anymore.â
Lynette stood frozen.
She hadnât just been caughtâ she had been exposed.
As Bethany walked away with Larry, one truth burned clear:
This wasnât just about a hug. It was about betrayal⊠boundaries⊠and a woman who finally refused to stay quiet.