Jane pulled out a chair, gracefully taking a seat while clutching a beautiful bouquet. Her gaze was fixed upon the dancing bride, Krissy, who twirled with Frank. Amidst the festivities, Jane found herself alone, devoid of companionship. No Kevin, no David—just an empty void.

Ever since the elevator accident, Jane never laid eyes on him again, nor received any news of his whereabouts. She remained ignorant of his current state, and her inquiries were met with deafening silence. They deliberately kept her in the dark. In that moment, she realized she had lost him forever.

She and Kevin weathered the storm together, their relationship strained under the weight of her inconsolable grief. Eventually, Kevin bid her farewell, leaving her for good. In truth, she always knew he had the capacity to walk away at any moment, already seeking solace in another's embrace. Mere weeks after ending their engagement, he found someone new.

Yet, no one could ever replace David in her heart. He was her first love, an indelible mark on her soul. Thoughts of him invoked an overwhelming sadness, tears welling in her eyes, swiftly brushed away. She had to remain strong, resilient.

"I yearn for one last encounter," she whispered into the void.

Suddenly, the candle on her table flickered and extinguished. Darkness enveloped her surroundings. Startled, Jane rose from her seat, searching for a caterer to relight the candle.

"Jane..." she heard a familiar voice call out.

As the candle's flame rekindled, Jane nearly stumbled backward. Before her stood the face she had longed for, the face she had missed with every fiber of her being. The person she yearned to meet, to embrace—David.

"I never expected to see you here," he chuckled, a smile gracing his lips.

"Nor I," Jane replied, barely able to contain her joy.

David's presence at Krissy's wedding was unexpected. He had deliberately kept himself hidden during his six-month hiatus, allowing Jane to yearn for him. It was all part of his plan with Krissy and Frank, a plan that demanded silence until the opportune moment to reappear.

"There is much to be said, countless answers to your questions," he remarked.

"I already know everything. I simply wish to hear it from you," Jane confessed, the truth already unveiled in her heart. That's why she had attended this reunion—to mend what was broken.

***

After Jane's departure, David sensed something amiss in his relationship with Helen. She possessed an insatiable need for control, driven to the point of obsession. Mentioning other women's names would incite threats of self-harm, and her unwavering jealousy had grown unbearable.

One day, a diary mysteriously appeared on his desk. As David opened its pages, he discovered it belonged to Jane, chronicling every detail of her life, including years of torment endured at the hands of Helen.

"I was the one who left it on your desk," Krissy admitted during a cafe encounter. She had taken the diary while Jane lay comatose, unable to bear witness to her friend's suffering.

The diary also divulged details of the accident. Jane's only utterance that fateful night was, a butterfly on the calf but with a stinging heart like a bee. Krissy revealed this information to David.

Months later, while lying beside Helen after making love, David's gaze fell upon a butterfly tattoo adorning her calf. He posed the question, and she casually mentioned having acquired the tattoo during high school.

And thus, the answer came to light.

***

"So?" David beamed, cradling a small box in his hands.

"I couldn't help but notice you managed to snatch that from the bride," he playfully pointed at the bouquet. Jane blushed, setting it down gently.

"I guess I had a bit too much energy to contain," she giggled, sharing a tender moment of laughter with David.

"Now it's your turn," David whispered, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Jane hesitated, her voice filled with playful uncertainty. "I don't know. It might just be a whimsical tale."

David's expression turned earnest. "Oh, my dear, I believe otherwise." With gentle excitement, he opened the box, revealing a ring that made Jane gasp in delight. She looked at David, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Jane Arabella Klein, will you marry me and grow old together, sharing a lifetime of adventures?" he popped the question, his love shining through every word. Overwhelmed with joy, tears filled Jane's eyes as she reached for the box, holding it close.

"As long as you can bear my judo skills," she replied, a mischievous smile brightening her face.

David embraced her tightly, sealing the moment with a passionate kiss, while the surrounding guests erupted in applause and cheers. Blushing, Jane gently pushed David away, her shyness peeking through.

"Do you realize we can get married now?" she giggled, infectious laughter filling the air. David hugged her back, his eyes shimmering with tears of happiness.

He would forever love her, eternally and without reservation.