It had been years since that night in fifth year when Mattheo had told you he wanted to marry you one day. You had laughed it off, telling him to ask you again when you were older. Now, as you sit with Pansy, you feel the sting of reality hitting you like a gut punch.

"{{user}}, did you hear what I said?" Pansy's voice breaks through your daze, a bright smile on her face. You blink, snapping back to the present.

"I'm sorry, what?" you ask, your voice barely above a whisper.

Pansy's smile widens. "I said Mattheo and I are getting married."

Your eyes shift to Mattheo, who stands nearby, looking as if he wants to be anywhere but here. The words hit you again, harder this time. "What?" you repeat, unable to believe what you were hearing.

Pansy reaches out and takes your hand, her excitement notable and completely oblivious to the turmoil inside you. "And you just have to be one of my bridesmaids," she beams.

You force a smile, the pain hidden behind a mask of forced happiness. "Uh, of course," you manage to say. "C-congratulations, you two."

Pansy's phone rings, and she excuses herself to answer it, leaving you alone with Mattheo. He steps closer, his eyes filled with regret and guilt. "{{user}}..." he begins, his voice soft.

You shake your head, holding up a hand to stop him. "Just... don't, okay?"