“Elias,” she whispered in her heart, “I will never return. From this moment on, let us be strangers, with nothing to
each other ever again.”
dow
The icy winter wind bit at her cheeks as she stepped into the dark, her figure swallowed by the vast emptiness of the early morning.
The soft sunlight of a winter morning filtered through the cracks in the screen window. It touched Elias‘ face, stirring him awake. His brow furrowed as he opened his eyes and glanced at the clock. Seven o’clock
He reached out instinctively to the other side of the bed. It was cold, already empty.
Today marked the start of Mira’s business trip. It was also the day he was marrying Vera.
Before this day arrived, Elias had been looking forward to it. He wanted to fulfill Vera’s dream, believing it would ease her regrets and bring her happiness. Yet, as the moment drew closer, guilt gnawed at him.
Perhaps it was the memory of last night–offering Vera the wet towel while Mira endured her pain in silence- that left his heart heavy. To assuage his conscience, he had sent that message to Vera before falling asleep.
It’s time to stop.
Vera was a fleeting bloom in his life, a momentary fascination. But Mira–she was his wife, the woman he was bound to cherish and protect for the rest of his days. He knew which was more important
Picking up his phone, Elias sent a text to Mira: [Honey, let me know when you land safely.]
As he exited their chat, a notification from Vera appeared. She had sent a photo.
In it, Vera wore a white wedding dress that hugged her curves, its tube–top design accentuating her delicate shoulders and collarbones. Her makeup was flawless, her crystal crown gleaming like something out of a fairy tale. She looked like a princess, her innocent baby face contrasting with her mature, alluring figure.
light.
Like a ripe peach, she seemed sweet and tempting.
Elias, I’m so nervous, she had texted beneath the photo
Another message followed–a close–up selfie, her soft features framed perfectly, her collarbones catching the
The sight of her sent a strange heat coursing through him. Elias set his phone down, exhaling sharply, and de his way to the bathroom.
By the time he emerged, dressed and composed, the quilt still lingered in his chest. He drove to the wedding venue, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.
Though it was only a staged wedding to fulfill Vera’s dream, Elias had spared no expense. The venue was breathtaking–a dreamy deep–blue ocean theme that Vera had personally chosen. The hall was vast, adorned with
cascading flowers and ights, yet sparsely populated.
Elias had invited a few close colleagues, while Vera had brought two childhood friends.
Gentle, melodious music floated through the space. The air was calm but heavy with the weight of unspoken
Dressed in an elegant suit, Elias stood still as the stylist adjusted his collar and the makeup artist gave him a final touch. He took his place beside the emcee, his expression unreadable
The emcee smiled warmly and addressed the small crowd
“Though the parents of both parties could not attend, everyone here is a dear friend of the bride and groom Thank you for witnessing this special moment between the couple “He turned toward the floral archway, his voice
rising with anticipation.
*And now, let us welcome our beautiful bride!”
