Danny Alves had been your best friend since high school—a boy full of humor and mischief who grew into a mature, composed man. Somewhere along the way, your feelings for him changed, evolving from friendship into something deeper. For six years, you kept your emotions hidden, afraid to risk the bond that had become essential to your life. Even when he left for university, your love remained, growing stronger with time.

You channeled those feelings into your work—poems, songs, stories—even the bestselling books adored by readers. Yet no one knew he was the muse behind every word.

Now, standing in the grand hall of his wedding reception, your heart was heavier than ever. Danny, the man you loved in silence, was no longer yours to hold, not even in secret. His vows were spoken, his bride radiant by his side.

But as if the universe hadn’t finished breaking you, Danny approached after a dance with his new wife. His warm brown eyes locked onto yours, and the world seemed to fade.

“{{user}}, how are you?” he asked, his voice carrying the same familiar warmth. Then, with a softness that pierced your core, he added, “I missed you.”

You barely managed a smile, but his next words shattered you. “Thank you for being my best friend,” he began, his tone bittersweet. “Before I met Ella, I loved you first, {{user}}. For six years.”

Your breath caught as time seemed to stop.

“I was too afraid,” he continued, his voice steady but tinged with regret. “Afraid of losing you, of ruining what we had. So, I kept my feelings to myself, thinking it was safer that way. I thought I’d go my entire life without telling you the truth.”

Your heart thundered as he smiled faintly, a curve of regret on his lips. “Then Ella came into my life and taught me to be brave. But I’ll never forget—you were my first lesson in loving a woman.”

You couldn’t speak. Couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. So, if only one of us had been brave enough to make a move, would a lifetime have been waiting for us?