- 5.
Upon his return, he keeps responding to messages, barely looking around.
“Why is the house so empty? Didn’t you pack?”
“You said to keep it simple.”
Theo falls silent, his eyes landing on the countdown showing “7,”
“Time flies. Our wedding is just a week away!”
I tear off two pages. “Our wedding is in five days.”
These pages had wishes like “go to the beach together” and “stargaze together.”
But Theo will never notice anything about me.
THE
10:26 AM
<
Just then, my sister calls, and I step out to the balcony for a brief chat.
When I return, Theo is still on his phone. “What’s up? I thought I heard something about a plane ticket.”
“Nothing, just work stuff.”
“Okay, just don’t plan a honeymoon. I’m too busy.”
“I know.”
Since Lydia returned, he hasn’t wanted to be apart from her for a second.
Trying to ease the awkwardness, I hand Theo the bracelet.
His calm eyes light up immediately.
“So it was with you. I’ve been searching everywhere for it.”
“I know. I saw your high–priced lost and found post online.”
Ten thousand for a simple bracelet.
Our entire wedding costs only five thousand.
I look at Theo and suddenly ask, “Where’s your wedding ring?”
He pauses, only realizing then his finger is bare.
“Not sure when I lost it…”
Theo tries to explain, but another message arrives on his phone.
It’s Lydia’s special notification sound.
He glances at it, then stands to kiss my forehead.
“Sorry, babe. I’ve been so busy lately. Please take care of the wedding details.”
“Once things settle, I promise to make you the happiest woman in the world.”
Theo, usually so quiet, suddenly knows how to sweet–talk.
In the past, I would have been moved.
I’d have felt like I warmed that icy mountain.
But now, I wash my face with disdain and continue my own tasks.
Time slips by.
Soon it’s the day before the wedding.
The calendar’s wish is “have dinner together.“‘
It’s been my biggest wish for years.
But I know it will never come true.
My sister won’t forgive the one who hurt me.
And I won’t forgive Theo.
I went to the beach myself, watching the stars by the sea.
10:26 AM
<
The starry sky envelops this familiar land, and all memories seem to fade with the sea breeze.
Meanwhile, Lydia posts a new update.
A big family dinner, everyone is there.
Theo is beaming as he serves Lydia food.
The caption reads, “Both families meeting, discussing final wedding details.”
I don’t feel angry, just amused.
Whose wedding? Mine or Lydia’s?
I block and delete Lydia, trying to compose something to Theo, but I can’t send it.
Just as I’m about to head home, Theo calls.
“Where are you? Why aren’t you at home?”
“Send me your location. I miss you.”
