He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 42

Vivian immediately turned on Meliora. "Meliora, are you skipping my wedding because you’re going to Rose’s engagement party?"

Meliora nodded without hesitation.

Vivian’s face tightened. "Meliora, Rose and I are both your friends. I can’t believe you’d take sides like this."

Rose glanced at Meliora, feeling a little guilty. She wanted to defend her, but Meliora gently grabbed her arm and stepped forward.

Crossing her arms, she looked Vivian straight in the eye. "I’m not taking sides. I’m standing up for what’s right."

That struck a nerve.

Vivian’s face flushed. "What’s that supposed to mean? So just because I’m with Ethan now, I’m wrong? Rose didn’t appreciate him—why can’t Ethan and I be happy?"

Meliora was nothing like Rose when it came to holding things in. She was direct, couldn’t stand injustice, and wasn’t about to stay quiet now. "Easy for you to say," Meliora shot back. "Why don’t you try getting betrayed by your boyfriend and your best friend? You have no idea what Rose went through. And after everything, you really think she should forgive you? Do you think she should show up at your wedding? Seriously? You’ve got some nerve."

Vivian’s face went pale. "Meliora, Rose may be your best friend, but so am I! We’ve been together since kindergarten, through middle school, and college—you and I were classmates even when Rose wasn’t! If anything, we should be closer. How could you side with her?"

Meliora’s voice was calm but firm. "I stand with what’s right."

Vivian looked utterly embarrassed.

Maybe realizing she’d been a little harsh, Meliora softened her tone. "Vivian, we grew up together. But the moment you betrayed Rose, you had to know people would turn against you. And you knew there’d be consequences. Don’t think I’m the only one skipping your wedding on New Year’s Day. I’ve already said it in our class group chat—Rose and I won’t be there. And if anyone else decides to go? They can forget about staying friends with me."

Vivian’s mouth twisted with anger. "Meliora, you’ve gone too far."

Meliora’s eyes flashed. "Not as far as you and Ethan went with Rose."

Suddenly, Rose’s phone rang.

"I’d become anything you wanted, just to follow you… anywhere."

The sweet, distinct ringtone filled the tense room, and for a moment, everyone fell silent.

Rose froze at the sudden quiet, not realizing it was her own phone ringing.

Meliora nudged her. "Rose, pick up."

Rose fumbled for her phone and answered. "Mr. Jefferson!"

Houston’s voice came through warm and teasing. "Rose, don’t you think that’s a little too formal?"

Calling a man she’d only met twice her husband? For someone as shy as Rose, it felt impossible.