The day Sarah had dreaded finally arrived. She was home, sitting alone in her room, feeling the weight of her broken heart. As the news of Kane's engagement spread, Sarah's mother came in, her face full of worry and love.
Seeing Sarah's tear-streaked cheeks, her mother sat down beside her and took her hands gently. "Sarah, tell me what's happened. Why are you hurting like this?"
"It's Kane, Mom," Sarah whispered, her voice barely holding steady. "He… he's getting engaged to Selena. He announced it so openly, like… like I never mattered."
A look of quiet anger crossed her mother's face, but she softened her tone as she pulled Sarah close. "My child, no one has the right to hurt you like this. If he couldn't see your worth, that's his loss, not yours."
Sarah tried to nod, but the pain still weighed heavily on her.
Her mother looked at her with resolve. "They think they can celebrate and make you feel small? We'll show them that no one can push our family aside.
Later that evening, Sarah's mother gathered the family in the living room. Her voice was strong, clear.
"I've decided that we're moving up the date for Justin's Engagement", she announced. "It will be held on the same day as Kane's engagement to Selena."
The family exchanged surprised glances. One of them asked, "But won't that cause a problem?"
"Yes," Sarah's mother said with a calm smile. "And that's the point. This will remind everyone who we are, and no one will look down on Sarah. Our family will stand with her."
Sarah looked at her mother, gratitude filling her heart. She felt stronger just knowing her family was by her side.
A few days later, Sarah went out for a walk with Lucas. They strolled along a quiet path, surrounded by trees and the soft rustle of leaves. Lucas noticed her quiet sadness and gently reached for her hand.
"Are you okay, Sarah?" he asked softly, looking into her eyes with deep care.
Sarah took a shaky breath. "It's just… it's hard, Lucas. I thought I'd be fine, but I feel like I'm falling apart. I don't know how to stop it."
Lucas squeezed her hand, his voice calm and kind. "You don't have to go through this alone, you know. I'm here,and I'll be here as long as you need me."
Sarah looked up at him, managing a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Lucas. You don't know how much it means to me. You're… you're the only one who really understands."
They sat down on a nearby bench, and a comfortable silence settled between them. Lucas wanted to tell her everything he felt, but he held back, knowing now wasn't the right time. For now, being there for her was enough.
Meanwhile, Kane and Selena stood on the balcony of his house, looking out at the city. Selena, noticing Kane's quiet mood, turned to him with a soft smile.
"Kane, are you nervous?" she asked.
Kane forced a smile. "It's… it's just a lot to take in. All the attention, the expectations."
Selena placed her head on his shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll make this work.
Kane put an arm around her, nodding as if to reassure himself. But inside, a part of him felt empty. He couldn't stop his thoughts from drifting to Sarah.
As the days passed, Sarah's mother continued to stand by her side, reminding her of her worth. And Lucas stayed close, quietly helping her find strength. Together, they showed Sarah that, even in heartbreak, she had people who truly cared for her.