The Hidden Secrets

For four years, I was in a secret relationship with Luke Collins.

Even his closest friends had no clue. But everything changed when his first love returned.

His friends started betting on when he'd break up with his girlfriend.

"Right now." I blurted out.

I knew because I was about to walk into an arranged marriage with someone else.

...

The night was quiet as I made a call to my uncle, Mike Wilson.

"I booked my flight for Wednesday afternoon," I said. "I'm skipping the graduation party."

Mike's voice boomed with approval. "That's great. You're finally coming around. You dated that guy for so long, but we never got to see him. It just would not work. If you had agreed to this sooner, you would probably have had kids by now."

My eyes prickled with unshed tears. I lowered my gaze and whispered, "Sorry."

His voice softened as he caught the tremor in mine. "Never mind. By the way, why don't you invite Luke? He's my old college buddy and your professor. You two can come together."

He paused, then added, "Oh, and I listed him as the contact for your marriage documents. You can share the news when you pick them up."

"He's not coming," I cut him off.

Before Mike could reply, a shadow blocked the balcony's cool breeze.

A low, magnetic voice boomed, sending a chill through me. "Not coming to what?"

Luke Collins had come out of the shower. Droplets slid from his damp hair and vanished into the folds of his robe. The fabric clung to his frame, outlining his toned body.

"It's just a party." I hurriedly ended the call, trying to avoid him and leave the balcony.

'Actually, it's my wedding,' I thought.

His hand shot out, pulling me gently against him. The familiar warmth seeped through my clothes, stirring an ache in my chest.

He chuckled, "Were you talking to Mike? Did you spill our secret?"

Luke was undeniably striking. At school, he was an iceberg, cold and untouchable. But in private, he was warm and almost clingy.

In the past, I'd have melted into his arms, blushing. Now I just stepped back, creating distance.

"Didn't you want to keep us hidden?" I muttered.

His eyes flickered as he caught the edge of my tone. Still, he pressed on with the question that always lingered. "You know we can't go public."

His breath grazed my ear, but I couldn't smile.

At school, I was his invisible girlfriend. To my family, I couldn't even mention his name.

"Don't worry," I said blandly. "I didn't tell him anything."

I knew my place. I was more of a substitute than a girlfriend to him.

Love swept me away at 20. I fell hard for Luke.

It began on a rainy night when he picked me up, a favor arranged through Mike. The spark ignited, quiet but undeniable.

Later, I found myself caring for a drunken Luke. Beer cans littered the floor, and he