Unswerving love in this life

Chapter 1

I attended my best friend's wedding, three days into a cold war with my boyfriend, Jake.He was a groomsman, and I was a bridesmaid.During the games, he lost.His penalty was to carry all the bridesmaids downstairs.He smilingly carried everyone except me.One pretty bridesmaid suddenly asked him, "Do you have a girlfriend?"He glanced at me, "No."The girl, bold and enthusiastic, said, "Can I pursue you then?"He smiled politely, "Sure."I suddenly felt utterly pointless.1At the wedding venue, I stood apart from the crowd.My gaze involuntarily followed Jake.He wore a well-tailored black suit, standing tall with a gentle smile.He was talking to a bridesmaid.The bridesmaid held a red balloon, smiling with her eyes curved, her cheeks flushed.She occasionally lowered her head and pursed her lips, appearing shy and sweet.Jake's gaze stayed on her, a faint smile playing on his lips.My heart felt a sharp pang, my breath catching.Was I being too sensitive?Suddenly, Jake took the bridesmaid's phone, squatting down to take pictures of her.No matter what poses the bridesmaid struck, Jake was patient.But when we went to see cherry blossoms in the spring, he was impatient."What's there to photograph?" he grumbled.He reluctantly took a few blurry pictures.A bitter taste filled my mouth.I thought this wedding would be a turning point in our relationship.He'd promised me a surprise at the wedding.We both knew what it was.Eight years of dating.He'd propose when he caught the bouquet.But now, he stood beside another girl, laughing so naturally.The bride patted my shoulder from behind, breaking my thoughts. "Sarah, you finally came! Busy bee, when are you getting married?"Her teasing tone made me even more uneasy.I forced a smile, replying vaguely, "Soon, I guess."Following my gaze, she saw Jake too.She excitedly waved at him. "Jake! Sarah said you two are getting hitched soon?"Her voice was clear and loud, drawing attention from those around us.I instinctively pulled her arm, trying to stop her.Jake turned, hearing her.His gaze lingered on my face for a moment, then coldly shifted away.His tone was calm yet distant. "Don't tease."My friend awkwardly smiled and signaled me with her eyes."Broke up?" she mouthed.I gave a wry smile."Fighting, in a cold war."My friend patted my shoulder, offering comfort.2During the groom's pickup, there was a game.Jake lost.The penalty was carrying the three bridesmaids downstairs.He smilingly carried everyone except me.He panted slightly. "Sorry, I can't carry any more."The bridesmaid finally noticed me, curiously studying me.She softly asked, "Do you two know each other?"Jake hesitated only slightly, calmly saying, "Childhood friends."My heart was pierced again, the pain spreading.He didn't even acknowledge our relationship.I forced a smile, nodding. "Yeah. If you want to hear about his childhood antics, ask me."Jake didn't expect that reply.His smile vanished.I asked, "What's wrong?"He said angrily, "Sarah, don't push it."What w...