When I was young, family was everything to me. But then, everything changed. My mom caught my dad cheating, and they split up. Seeing them fall apart broke my heart. And just when I needed my best friend Jana, she was facing her own struggles. Her parents kicked her out because she didn't want to be a nurse. And then she found out she was pregnant, not knowing who the father was. It felt like everything went wrong all at once.

Back then, I was lost. I was really struggling. School was tough, my parents were going through a separation, and my best friend wasn't there for me. So, I decided to join an online support group. That's where I met Dom and he became my lifeline.

Dom knew everything I had been through, so I never imagined he'd do things that could hurt me. It hurt deeply and felt like a betrayal, bringing back painful memories of my parents' breakup that I couldn't face him or the online world.

For the past seven years, I've held onto the belief that what I saw that day was true, assuming I was the one who got hurt and thought Dom deserved what I did to him.

They say love can hurt unexpectedly. For me, it was realizing that the guy I loved seven years ago now hates me for something I did. Regrets hit the hardest when you realize you could've handled things differently. Looking back, I wish I had just talked to him. Now, I have to face the consequences of my actions.

I checked my wristwatch and time felt like it was dragging with nothing to keep me busy. I haven't been able to get a hold of Jana lately. She's been putting in overtime for a design project. Her schedule's been hectic and even drops Bambi off at school earlier than usual. Our schedules really just don't sync up at this time so I've been booking a carpool ride.

I started checking the expiration dates on medicine bottles to kill time and get my mind off things. And just as I was about to inspect the next bottle, I heard a voice at the door, "Nurse Cali?" I turned to see a staff entering the room. He didn't seem sick.

"Yes? Can I help you?" I asked.

"Someone's looking for you," he said, and a man stepped out from behind him. It was Mino and he was holding a bouquet of flowers.

Any feelings I had for Mino had disappeared, leaving me feeling uncertain. His face resembled his brother's, whom I once loved. Now that I knew the truth, everything felt awkward. I didn't know how to act around him, especially not knowing if Nick had told him about our past.

"Hey," he greeted, handing me the bouquet. I stood there frozen, unsure how to react, but I accepted the flowers.

"Um, thanks? What's this for?" I asked, feeling confused. Why was he suddenly giving me flowers?

"I just thought you might like it. When I saw it, it reminded me of you, and you know what they say about giving flowers to someone you appreciate," he said, giving me a smile. "By the way, are you busy? Did I interrupt you?" he asked.

"Oh, I was just checking expiration dates. By the way, how did you get in?"

He winked. "Charm," he joked with a smile.

"Seriously?"

"We own this building," he said, leaving me stunned. I had no idea.

"What? Really? So that's why you can easily move through the floors."

"Yeah, pretty much."

"But seriously, what brings you here?"

"I just wanted to invite you to a business event," he said, pulling out an invitation from the inside pocket of his tuxedo. "I have a plus one. Thought you might want to come?" He handed it to me, and I looked at it.

"Why me?" I asked, confused.

"Why not? You seemed like a great person, Cali."

"When is it?" I asked.

"It's this Saturday night," Mino replied.

"But I don't know anyone there."

"That's okay. I'll be there as your date."

"Alright, I'll come. Do I need to wear anything fancy?"

"Just a dress will do, but don't overdress," he joked and we shared a laugh.

The idea of Mino inviting me as his date for a business event somehow made me happy. Maybe Nick hadn't mentioned anything to him at all?

Just as Mino was about to leave, it was time for lunch. I decided to bring lunch to Jana. I hadn't seen her in the pantry at all and she seemed to be skipping it lately.

As I entered their office, I caught sight of Jana acting agitated, as if trying to hide from me.

"Jana?" I called, confused as I approached her.

"Y-yeah?"

"Come on, let's have lunch together," I offered.

"I-I'm not hungry," she said, looking busy.

I gently took hold of her arm. "Jana," I called, meeting her eyes. I couldn't fathom why she was acting this way, and it was starting to worry me. "If you're going through something, let me know. I'm always here for you," I said.

She didn't talk but smiled at me. "Don't stress yourself too much with work," I said and I handed her the lunch. I left her alone, sensing that it might be what she wanted. I thought of giving her space for now.

The thought of Jana avoiding me hadn't crossed my mind before, but seeing her now, it feels like she might be—but why? We're good. I can't help but wonder if Nick had told her about us. But nah, I pushed that thought aside. Jana would've mentioned it. She's my best friend, after all.

Days passed, and Jana still seemed distant from me. I thought about inviting her over, but I decided not to. If she's ready to talk, she'll reach out to me. Right now, she seems to want her space and I don't want to push her too much.

In the days that followed, I kept myself busy preparing for the upcoming event with Mino. I spent time deciding on my outfit and figured it was a good time to shop for a dress. So on Saturday morning, I headed to a boutique to find something suitable for the evening. As I stepped outside the apartment complex, I noticed Jana's car parked nearby, she might not have plans and be staying home this weekend with Bambi.

Mino came to pick me up in the evening, and as we drove to the event, I noticed that Jana's car was gone. I wondered where she could be, but brushed it off, assuming she was probably out with Bambi.

We arrived at the event on time, everyone seemed new to me so I was taken aback to see some familiar faces. There, I saw Jana standing with Nick, who had removed his mask, revealing his face and scar. All eyes were on them. Beside Mino, I stood frozen, wondering why they were there.

"I didn't know you were coming," Mino said to Nick, as we approached them.

"Mom and Dad asked me to come instead," Nick said casually.

"I see," Mino replied, noticing Jana beside Nick. "And who's with you?"

"Jana, my girlfriend," Nick replied. Both Mino and I were surprised. "Jana, this is my brother, Mino. I assumed you already knew him." he added.

"Hi, nice to meet you." Jana said extending her hand for a handshake.

"I think I've seen you with Cali before, in the elevator. You're Cali's friend?" Mino asked Jana, glancing at me before turning his attention back to her.

"Yeah, that was me." she confirmed.

"What a small world!" Mino replied with a smile, shaking her hand. "It was nice to meet you too." He added.

Jana and I didn't speak throughout the entire event. It felt strange seeing her with Nick with his mask off. Nick said he had allergies and he couldn't just take it off. Did they just make that up? If so, Jana might have known everything. Then, why didn't she tell me?

Jana and I kept things casual. I had so many questions for her, but it didn't feel like the right time or place to ask.

The event went well, like a small party for businessmen. Mino offered to drive me home, but I had other plans in mind. I had so much I wanted to discuss with Jana.

"I think I'll head home with Jana since we just live in the same neighborhood, right? Jana?" I asked her. It was the first time I had spoken to her all evening.

"Y-yeah, sure," Jana replied, sounding nervous as if she didn't like the idea.

"Oh, I see. But, are you sure about that? I can drive you home," Mino insisted, but I politely declined again. "Alright then, ride home safe, ladies."

Nick kissed Jana on the cheek goodbye. I didn't know if seeing them like that hurt me. Right now, I just feel numb.

Once we got home, neither of us moved from the car. Jana seemed like she wanted to say something, but she stayed quiet. So, I asked her, "When are you telling me?"

Her voice was shaking as she answered, "Look Cali, I wanted to tell you. I just couldn't find the right time."

"And you knew everything?" I asked. How long had Jana been keeping this from me? Had she been pretending not to know all along?

"Yes, he told me everything," Jana confirmed.

"So why didn't you tell me?"

Jana took a deep sigh before she replied, "It was so hard for me to keep it from you, Cali. Knowing Nick was your first love hurts me. I even tried to hate him, assuming that he hurt you. But then, he told me he never cheated on you, Cali. I tried to be okay. I kept telling myself that we're okay. But, you lied to me. You tried to make Dom out to be the bad person when all he did was love you. Why did you do that?" she asked, her voice seething with anger.

I sighed, trying to hold my tears back, "I didn't lie. I saw what I saw that day. I was just mistaken. When I saw Nick, I realized that it might have been Mino I saw seven years ago. I didn't lie, you see, doesn't Mino look so much like Nick? I was mistaken and until now it's still so hard for me to accept that it was all my fault for not knowing." Now, tears streamed down my face as I spoke.

"C-Cali... I'm sorry," Jana stammered.

"It's just funny that you avoided talking to me instead. You became distant without even telling me. Are you trying to punish me? Well good job, you did great. Now, I understand how Dom felt." I said, my voice was shaking. "So when did you find out? You mentioned you two were talking for a while. Tell me."

"I found out the night after we had dinner at your place. He called and confessed everything. That's when I realized why you were so interested in him," Jana explained.

"That long?" I asked, feeling betrayed.

"I-I'm sorry," she said, her voice trembling. "But, weren't you unfair too? You also knew Nick was Dom, yet you didn't tell me. You kept the truth from me," Jana said angrily, now she's crying.

"I was just trying to protect you. You seemed so happy, and I didn't want to ruin it," I explained.

"Bullshit, Cali. We're supposed to be best friends, yet you did that to me," she said, now looking at me, "And you know what? I don't think I can trust you anymore."

I stepped out of the car, wiping away my tears. Her words hit me hard. Back in my apartment, I lay on my bed, crying into my pillow. It's been years since I've felt this sad. The truth felt  like a sharp stab to my heart, and the pain is unbearable. It hurts so much.