INSTALL Chapter 17 The moment Declan stepped into the office , he saw his friends huddled around his desk , whispering to each other . His brows furrowed instantly . His sudden voice behind them made everyone jump . They scrambled to hide what they were holding , flashing him awkward grins . " It's nothing , really … " Before they could even finish , Tristan felt the envelope slip from his hand . He turned in time to see the damage was already done - Declan now held the card in his hand , unmistakably the wedding invitation they'd been trying to keep from him . And before anyone could stop him , Declan had already opened it . His eyes landed on the names : Marissa Wynn & Adrian Carter Wedding Date : October 21st . His lips pressed into a thin line . He didn't say a word , but the shift in the room's temperature was unmistakable . It was like winter had arrived early , and everyone instinctively shivered . " W - We've got things to do - gonna head out first ! " someone blurted . They scattered fast , each one finding some excuse to leave , until only Tristan remained . That's when he saw the small velvet box in Declan's hand . It wasn't the first time Tristan had seen it . Over the past three years , he'd caught Declan taking it out from time to time , just to quietly trace its edges , like he was holding onto a memory too fragile to name . And they both knew who that memory belonged to . " When did she get back ? " Tristan asked , eyes fixed on the invitation , something about it feeling off . Declan let out a low laugh , one with no warmth in it , and murmured , " Three days ago . I ran into her at the airport . " Tristan's eyes widened . Three days ago … and now this ? A wedding invite already ? Chapter 17 72.73 % ReelShort R 4.6 FREE 0 In a divided village , a young man from the lower village falls for his childhood friend . Google Play INSTALL That kind of timing wasn't just sudden . It was deliberate . He hesitated , then asked , " What did you say to her ? What happened ? " Declan shook his head before the question even finished . " She told me she came back to get married . " Silence fell between them . Tristan opened his mouth a few times to speak , only to fall quiet again . Eventually , all he could offer was a sigh . What could he say ? In the end , it had been Declan himself who broke Marissa's heart . But it still stung . Everyone back then thought the two of them would end up together . It was obvious -Marissa had loved Declan . That much had been clear to anyone who paid attention . After all , what kind of woman would put up with Declan at his worst - when his temper was sharpest , and his world had collapsed? But then Declan said something that made Tristan's heart sink . " I'm not letting her go . Not like this . " Marissa had always loved him . She was supposed to be with him . But Tristan just stared at him , conflicted , and finally asked , " Why now , Declan ? What's the point ? " She was about to marry someone else . Was he really going to stir things up now ? Declan's voice was quiet but firm . " Because I love her . And I'll be damned if I just stand by and watch her marry another man . " Tristan blinked , stunned . He opened his mouth to reason with him , but the words faltered . " She's in love with someone else … " He didn't finish the sentence . But Declan heard what he meant anyway . Still , he just gave a slow , confident smile . " If I made her fall for me once , I can do it again . " Tristan exhaled , rubbing a hand down his face . There was no changing his mind now . " Fine . Do what you want. Chapter 17 72.73 % e- R ReelShort In a divided village , a young man from the lower village falls for his childhood friend . 4.6 FREE Google Play INSTALL But deep down , Tristan wasn't hopeful . He'd known Marissa too long . Once she made up her mind , she never looked back . Just like when she'd chosen to care for Declan after his accident . She'd stuck by him , no matter how cruel or dismissive he became . She never gave up . And then , when he recovered - when she realized she was no longer wanted - she simply started planning her exit . Quietly . Without drama . Without demanding anything in return . Some people … they had to hit rock bottom before they realized what they'd lost . By the time everyone had gone , Declan sat alone with the ring box in his hand . He pulled the engagement ring out and gently ran his thumb over the small engraved initials on the side . D & M. His voice barely above a whisper , he said , " Marissa … I'm not letting you go . Not again . "