Page 68 of Heal Me

"I like it."

"Okay, we have to go, so I can get my hair and makeup done."

Sebastian rolls his eyes, but doesn’t refuse to take me to the salon. And wait for me for an hour and a half.

He is the best brother, have I said it before?

I decided to do my hair in a simple, low ponytail, and not too bright makeup. But everything together looks just incredible.

"Finally, I thought you had forgotten that we had to go somewhere." "We still have time," I say.

"Yes, but we still have to get there."

"Stop whining and get in the car," I order.

All I can see around us are majestic mountains stretching out on both sides. We arrive and I open my mouth in delight.

Danylo's wedding is the realisation of my childhood dream when I first watched Twilight.

It's a spacious lawn with everything you need on it. This place is nestled among green trees, with the sun's rays breaking through the branches and creating a harmonious play of light and shadow. There are small tents and pavilions with comfortable sofas and armchairs for relaxation. Instead of a traditional altar, there is a natural arch made of vines, emphasised by flower arrangements.

There is everything here, from wooden stairs, columns with vines and wooden barrels to wreaths of vines. Small wooden white tables are decorated with arrangements of flowers, leaves and berries. Candles and lanterns scatter soft, warm light throughout the forest glade.

It's like I entered into a fairy tale. But this is not a fairy tale. This is Danylo's wedding. A wedding you can only dream about.

I thought that I would not see anything else that would surprise me, but Zlata and Danylo appeared in front of me. I can't take my eyes off of them. They look like supermodels straight off the cover of a magazine. Zlata is dressed in a long white wedding dress, in which it is not even visible that she is pregnant. A lace train stretches behind her along the long path. Her eyes sparkle with happiness, the sun's rays are reflected in them. All eyes are now on her.

And Danylo... Even if he came here in one T-shirt, he would remain the hottest guy. His suit makes my throat dry. It seems that ordinary black pants and a black jacket have never suited anyone as well as they do now. His hair is cut short and styled. His smile shines on his face. But his eyes.

They do not know how to lie. He is upset.

We come to congratulate the bride and groom. I feel like I'm walking on hot coals. I hold Sebastian's hand because I'm afraid of falling. I just might not be able to take it. Danylo takes one look at me, and I'm ready to fall into a million pieces. This is what he does to me.

They were standing five meters from us, but it seems that we are walking forever. I say greetings in my mind, but I can't say a word when I stand in front of them.

Bondar is married.

He is married.

The man I fell in love with is married.

My heart is squeezed. A little more and I will have a panic attack. A little more and I will spend a week in the hospital.

But I'm pulling myself together. I'm trying.

"Thank you for coming," his voice finally speaks to me.

God, how I want to hug him now. I want to feel his hands on me. Those are the hands that are now stroking Zlata's back.

I can't stand this evening. I will definitely die. And more than once.

Sebastian is congratulating the bride and groom, and I still can't say a word. If I say something, I will cry. But I have no right to cry. Not today.

Finally, we move aside, and I run away from my brother somewhere far into the forest. I take deep breaths, but nothing comes out. Fear envelops me. Everything becomes so small. I'm getting so tiny. I forget how to breathe. I can't breathe.

Tears are pouring from my eyes, but I still can't breathe. How long has it been? One minute? Two. A few more seconds and I will lose consciousness.

These are not just panic attacks. This is much worse. I really forget to breathe, I really can't get my chest to pump air.