My silence seemed to make Mark think I was once again backing down. He softened his tone.
"Fine, fine. You can buy it. Just stop playing the victim. I am not that bad and not short of money. I'm happy to spend it on the wedding. As long as you well-behave, I won't…"
But then, out of nowhere, Chloe burst into tears.
"Mark, everyone's staring at me. Do you think your sister hates me? Is she trying to embarrass me?"
The whispers around us grew louder. Mark was afraid that Chloe would be upset. He glanced my way, but rather than confronting me, he comforted Chloe, protectively guiding her away. I was left standing alone, facing the crowd's judgmental stares.
I looked down at the shattered trinket on the ground. It is such a small thing, yet it costs thousands. Mark certainly wasn't lacking in wealth. He would use it to shower Chloe with gifts, flaunt a grand wedding and boost his image—but spending it on me? That, he would never do. He thought I wasn't worth it and unnecessary.
Years ago, I had loved Mark deeply. A hollow promise or a cheap gift was all it took to make me stay. But now, it wouldn't happen again.
I wiped the blood from my face, feeling nothing and maxed out his credit card.
***
I spent the money for our wedding venue on a luxurious plot in Mom's hometown cemetery. I bought the finest urn for her ashes with the funds for wedding photos. When I was ready to go back to the hotel, I realized I had left something at Mark's office, so I detoured to pick it up.
Chloe has sidelined the colleague who used to befriend me as a receptionist. The new receptionist deliberately made things difficult, asking me to prove my identity.
"Can you prove you belong here?" she sneered.
I searched my bag, realizing I didn't have a single photo of me and Mark together. She rolled her eyes.
"People like you think you can just show up? Everyone knows Mr. Caldwell only cares about Chloe."
I didn't need her to tell me that; the lobby walls were already plastered with pictures of them together. I was about to call him when Mark appeared, irritation plain on his face.
"What are you here for now?" he demanded.
"My mother's peace charm," I replied evenly. Mom, despite her illness, had gone out of her way to get it blessed, hoping Mark and I would live a life she couldn't—a life full of love, free from bitterness. It's a pity. Mark doesn't deserve my love, nor does he deserve Mom's expectations.