Photos of Zyan kissing her belly affectionately, cooking for her and spending every night at her place.
The memories flooded my mind like a curse.
When I was nineteen, I burned dinner so badly the kitchen filled with smoke.
I stood there on the verge of tears, but Zyan sat down and ate every bite, smiling like it was the best meal he ever had.
Then he gently pushed me out of the kitchen, kissing my forehead and said softly ‘You are already everything to me, Lia. Let me do the rest’ then with a shy smile added. ‘That way….that way I will know how to cook when our daughter arrives.’
That careful, earnest love was gone and reduced to cold hatred I felt in this instant. It was then a message chimed on my phone.
[Zyan:I am willing to overlook what happened earlier.
Tomorrow, I will accompany you to choose the wedding dress. Don’t disappoint me again,
Once the Southern trade deal is finalized everything will be in order. ]
I stared at the screen for a long moment before replying.
The deal you feel smug about is already cancelled Zyan.
[Lianna:Fine. ]
I didn’t bother explaining that the wedding gown I would be choosing had nothing to do with him.
The next morning, I was discharged only to find Victoria accompanying Zyan to ‘help her sister’.
I didn’t speak, sitting with my hands folded in my lap, watching the city blur past the window as Victoria filled the silence.
The car finally stopped before the most exclusive bridal boutique in the city.
Victoria smiled and turned to me, her eyes shining with soft triumph.
"Look Sister. "she said gently. "Everything here is reserved for the most deserving bride. "
As soon as we entered, the sales assistant greeted us with polished enthusiasm, guiding us through the season’s finest designs.
My steps slowed as one dress caught my eye.
Ivory and elegant…just like my mother’s wedding gown that was 'accidentally' torn by Victoria.
My fingers trembled as I reached out slowly, afraid to taint it when a voice echoed lightly.
"That one… that is my dream dress."
Before I could touch it, a sharp pain bursted across my skin.
SLAP!
My hand flew back as the sound echoed through the boutique, red bruises bloomed instantly where Zyan’s palm had struck.
For a second, Zyan stilled, his hand frozen mid-air as if he had only just realized what he had done.