how long?

How long does it take to mend a broken heart?
A week, a month, a year, or a decade?

With this most special friend, known him since 1995. Didn't know how and when we became special to each other but it's there somehow. Then he decided to be with someone else, never asked him why.

I was hurt but we decided to continue our special friendship. More than friends, like lovers, but in a way that only two of us would understand. It turns out we are trapped in this special someone kind of thing. More than friends, like lovers, it becomes a promise that I can't break.
I have no doubt about my feelings for him but I know it's just an illusion. Or perhaps, he cares for me so much that he doesn't want to leave me alone, without knowing it hurt me even more. We don't think about it much and keep that conflict in our minds. And before we knew it, our 10th anniversary had come.

Now, another broken heart with exactly the same reason and he also wants to be friend. But I refused this time. Don't want to be in this situation with another man.

I am hurt again, badly. I don't know why it hurts more this time.
I wonder how long it will take to be okay.
A week, a month, a year, or another decade?